Earlier this year, Grand Valley State University was recognized as one of the most environmentally-friendly campuses in the country. Still, faculty, staff and students believe there is room for improvement, especially in the realms of preserving natural spaces and native plant species.

Concerns about the health of the campus environment and well-being of those who live within it have led faculty, staff and community members to advocate for more sustainable practices at the University. These concerns have led to advocacy for more native plants on campus, reduced pesticide use and, overall, a greater respect for the land that many students call home. 

Part of GVSU’s “green infrastructure” involves incorporating sustainability not just in environmental curriculum, but within business practices and architecture. Additionally, the University has led various green initiatives, including zero-waste football games, annual Sustainability Showcase, Valley Campus’ rooftop gardens and Stormwater Initiative, which monitors the impacts of water runoff on the natural environment and day-to-day campus activities.

Members of the campus community are working to further these initiatives. Communication Resource Specialist Sara Alsum-Wassenaar created FloARa, an initiative to reintroduce native plants to campus. FlorARra envisions a future where native, Michigan species such as Pawpaw, Paper Birch and Black Ash, are grown on campus. This could manage drainage, confine pollution and increase groundwater retention. 

Alsum-Wassenaar has been spreading awareness about the importance of native plants by putting wooden cutouts around campus, each featuring a QR code that utilizes augmented reality to showcase what campus could look like if native plants were reintroduced. Alsum-Wassenaar explained that native plants are often mistaken for weeds, which, if planted, may make campus seem unkept. However, through signage and interactive exhibits, people could become more informed about the role of native species. 

“We don’t want flooding, we don’t want to spend a million dollars or however much on erosion control measures,” Alsum-Wassenaar said. “If that can be avoided (with native species), then everyone likes that.”

Geology Professor Peter Wampler believes providing more spaces on campus for students to interact with nature and native species could lead to a greater respect for the environment. 

“One of the obstacles (to creating a sustainable campus) is the perception that natural spaces are somehow unsightly or attract unwanted wildlife,” Wampler said. “Natural spaces are beautiful in my opinion, and I would welcome more opportunities to coexist with wildlife on campus.”

Associate Professor of English Brian Deyo expressed concern over the amount of pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides needed to maintain lawns on campus, compared to natural spaces. These chemicals enter the water runoff that feeds into the nearby Grand River. Like Deyo, Wampler expressed concern over chemical usage and a desire for more natural, low-maintenance areas on campus.

The University’s Grounds Department within Facilities Services did not respond to request for comment. 

Deyo encouraged students concerned about the campus environment to work alongside staff and faculty to lead sustainability initiatives. 

“If you’re concerned about the environment, your drinking water, our food systems (and) climate, then use the time you have here, and the privilege of being at a university to ask questions,” said Deyo.