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News from the College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois 3225 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg. 2001 S. Lincoln Ave. Urbana, IL 61802 |
May 12, 2009 Release on |
| Contact: |
Chris Beuoy 217/244-1562 beuoy@illinois.edu |
Prairie Garden on Veterinary Campus Will Beautify, Educate
On June 6, as many as 50 volunteers are expected to plant more than 8,000 prairie plant seedlings to establish a garden on the grounds of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.The project is made possible through a grant of nearly $22,000 from the Student Sustainability Committee for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which administers funds raised by the student Clean Energy Technology and Sustainability Fees.
The garden areas will be located near the Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building at 2001 South Lincoln Avenue in Urbana. One section will be just east of the front entrance, and another will be south of the building, around a sculpture by Illinois artist Richard Hunt entitled "Growing in Illinois." About 45 species characteristic of native tall grass prairie in central Illinois will be represented.
The goals of the garden will be to beautify the grounds as well as to educate visitors about the biologically rich grassland that once covered about 60 percent of the Illinois landscape. It will improve campus sustainability by reducing the need for mowing and by fostering a natural habitat the supports native insect and vertebrate species.
The College of Veterinary Medicine has a strong affiliation with environmental sustainability and the protection of native animal species. Through research and education, veterinary faculty and students address issues related to the preservation of natural habitat worldwide and the impact of human activity on the environment and the health of people and animals.
Read more at http://environmentalalmanac.blogspot.com/.