From: Marlin, John C
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 4:37 PM
To: Welch, Ryan B
Cc: Johnston, Morgan B
Subject: Grass herbicide for Florida Orchard
A container of Assure II is now at the S. Lincoln grounds Barn. I left it with Eric who put it in the location with the chemicals. There is a note taped to the top with my name on it and saying it is for Ryan Welch for Florida—Orchard.
Staff met with representatives from the Red Bison registered student organization about the prairie at the corner of Florida Avenue and Orchard Street. Red Bison has taken on responsibility for that prairie, and is looking into naming options, signage, and enhanced plantings.
The Florida and Orchard Prairie has new leadership through the student group Red Bison and their advisor, John Marlin. Red Bison will be meeting with F&S to set next steps for the site, including going through the process of naming the site and implementing the concept design.
Signs have been installed at the prairie plot on the corner of Florida Avenue and Orchard Street. These signs announce the designation of this area as a Prairie Zone. The signs also list the benefits of planting native vegetation-- which increases the habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife, saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions by not using mowers, promotes sustainable landscapes and beautifies the campus, and provides an environment for scientific observation. The signs are funded by the Student Sustainability Committee.
Pizzo & Associates donated labor and materials to the prairie area at the corner of Florida Avenue and Orchard Street. Jack Pizzo, President and Senior Ecologist of Pizzo and Associates, emailed the stakeholders of the plot on July 1, 2010 to formally express his concern with the upkeeping of the plot.
His letter is below and attached is the Memorandum of Agreement for Gifts in Kind between Pizzo & Associates and the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.
To: Sustainability Committee
This proposal looks to restore the no-mow zone at the southwest corner of Florida Ave. and Orchard St., as the campus’ first prairie planting. It will provide a site for an array of learning and passive recreation opportunities for both students and members of the extended community, while sequestering greenhouse gases as tangible evidence of the campus commitment to responsible sustainable behavior. Thus, the Student Sustainability Committee is in favor of funding the fully requested amount of $40,000.
