We are now in the third year of establishing our prairies and they are coming along as expected, with a greater diversity of species this year than in previous years.  These natural areas not only provide ecological benefits to the college, but economic benefits as well.  The cost savings of maintaining one acre of prairie compared to one acre of turf is approximately $870.00 per year.  We have 12 acres of prairie, so this is an annual savings of about $10,440.00!

Below are photos of some of the plants currently in bloom. Click on them to learn more! Please feel free to take a walk and discover the beauty of these areas up close.  The grounds department will be performing some removal of invasive and noxious weeds over the next several weeks.  We also have plans to do additional seeding this fall to strengthen the weaker areas and address trouble spots.