Our Philosophy

The Grounds Department maintains all outdoor areas of the Seattle University campus without the use of chemical pesticides. All landscapes, except the athletic fields, are completely organic. In accordance with Seattle University’s mission statement , the Grounds Department is committed to fostering an organic, sustainable and environmentally friendly campus that functions as an urban wildlife sanctuary.  Seattle University's Grounds Department has been a leader in sustainable landscape management practices since 1986. 

For more information on Seattle University's campus sustainability initiatives visit this website. 

Organic Practices

Our landscape has been successfully maintained with organic, pesticide and herbicide-free methods since 1998.  A shift to sustainable landscape practices began in 1979 with the adoption of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Seattle University  stands apart by rejecting the notion that pesticide application is a viable last resort. We have accomplished this by adopting a combination of practices that focus on total plant health, particularly at the soil level. Some of the components of the practice include:

• Weed suppression, not eradication
• Compost top-dressing
• Wood chip mulch

• Centralized control of irrigation and monitored water use

•  Responsible Plant Selection

 

• Beneficial Insect Release      

 

 

•  Nutrient cycling

 

 

•  Compost Tea application

 

• Encouraging Beneficial Insect and Bird Populations