WATgreen is no longer active, but the following resources are provided as an archive of past research.

Laurel Creek

UW hosted Laurel Creek Symposium: An information exchange to facilitate the rehabilitation of Laurel Creek.

Turf Grass Maintenance Action Plan

The WATgreen Task Force on Turf Grass Maintenance was established to investigate the options and alternatives to turf grass maintenance. The result was the Turf Grass Maintenance Action Plan.

Through the Turf Grass Maintenance Action Plan, the University has achieved:

reduced pesticide use towards 0 in the year 2000.
more naturalized areas on campus
implemented a Native Species planting list
hosted Laurel Creek Symposium
increased each year amount of naturalized areas previously maintained at regular turf level
purchased several new pieces of equipment that has allowed improvement of cultural practices (Trackless mower, Tycrop topdresser, aerator)
started wildflower test area
installed below grade irrigation system on north campus to better irrigate fields and reduce pesticide use
mulched pathway in woodlot to maintain narrow intrusion
experimenting with new equipment (steamer, propane burner) to eliminate use of Roundup.
replaced all tractor salt/sand spreaders with drop style to reduce over spray and consumption

[Complete Turf Grass Maintenance Action Plan Report]

Native Species Planting List

The University is gradually integrating more native plant species into campus landscaping. There are both environmental and economic advantages to this: Native species are acclimated to local weather and soils and require lass pesticides and fertilizers.

A Native Species Planting List has been developed for the university campus. The list outlines optimal species of trees and shrubs for campus use.

[UW Native Species Planting List]

Environmental Reserve Management Plan Study

The Committee provided assistance on the Environmental Reserve Management Plan Study for the North Campus Development - Research Park. The Committee was asked for the Teaching and Research Opportunities as they pertain to the alternative concepts of the Columbia Lake Management Options. The goal of the Environmental Reserve Management Plan Study is to "provide a rehabilitation and management plan for the preservation and enhancement of environmental function within the Environmental Reserve."

On-Campus Support

The WATgreen Committee continues to encourage and provide support for the Environment Commission, the University of Waterloo Sustainability Project, and course-related student projects. Such projects include: The Solar Technology Education Project (STEP), the Climate Change Education and Awareness Campaign, Waste Management, Alternative Landscaping and Sustainable Transportation.

State of the Environment Report

The University of Waterloo's State of the Environment Report (SOER) was completed in the Fall of 2000. The SOER will serve to assess UW's current status, and identify areas where we need to further concentrate our efforts.

[SOER]

Sustainable Transportation: Bicycles

The Committee is presently looking at bicycle use and planned management on campus. Areas of concern include: bicycle transport in Waterloo to and from campus, bicycle transport on campus, bicycle storage on campus and safety.

WATgreen Previous Projects