Ciscoe Morris Biodiversity Garden

Named for pioneering gardener Ciscoe Morris, this Seattle University garden celebrates biodiversity and sustainable landscaping practices, showcasing how diverse species interactions and organic methods create thriving urban ecosystems.

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A Living Ecosystem

This garden celebrates the intricate web of life that keeps our planet healthy. Here, diverse plants, animals, and microorganisms work together, demonstrating nature's remarkable ability to maintain balance—from soil health to climate stability.

This garden is named in honor of Ciscoe, for his visionary ideas, his keen interest in the natural world, and his dedication to the gardens at Seattle University.

Ciscoe Morris transformed Seattle University's grounds during his 27-year tenure, serving as Grounds and Landscaping Manager from 1980 to 2003. In 1980, he introduced the university's first Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program—a revolutionary approach that drastically reduced pesticide use when such practices were still unconventional. Rather than relying on chemicals, Ciscoe championed natural solutions: releasing beneficial insects, using gentle soaps and oils for pest control, and creating wildlife habitats across campus. His vision proved that urban landscapes could thrive through ecological balance, where beneficial insects and birds naturally keep pest populations in check. Beyond campus, Ciscoe became a beloved figure in the Pacific Northwest, sharing his expertise and infectious enthusiasm for sustainable gardening through television and radio appearances.

The Garden

Humanity is exalted not because we are so far above other living creatures, but because knowing them well elevates the very concept of life. —Edward O. Wilson

  • an info sign at the Ciscoe Morris Biodiversity Garden
  • Biodiversity Garden
  • Biodiversity Garden
  • Biodiversity Garden
  • Biodiversity Garden
  • Biodiversity Garden