“The Campus landscape plan should develop a sense of pride with native ecosystems of Illinois, the Prairie State, that fosters both an awareness of prairie vegetation and an understanding of ecological processes that led to its development. The campus landscape should project a patchwork of native plants that collectively represent a vignette of the natural heritage of the Illinois Grand Prairie. The experience of a walk through Campus should engage the university community to appreciate its locality in east central Illinois.  Along with its capacity to beautify, educate, and inspire, an additional benefit will be decreased maintenance requirements that render a more sustainable campus in the long run.”

The College of Veterinary Medicine, located on the southern edge of the UIUC Campus is in a position to implement multiple projects to achieve this vision. We have expansive acres of grass which require mowing and maintenance throughout the growing season.  It is the goal of the College to transform our Campus to an example of responsible sustainable environment that can be used as a model for future Campus developments. Read the prairie plant proposal file below for more information.