The northeast corner of the Orchard Downs complex is a prime location for a sustainable land-use demonstration. The housing complexes at this corner were demolised in the late 1990s. A diverse canopy of mature trees, including red oak, sycamore, sweet gum, tulip tree, and jack pine, and grassy "no-mow" area have since grown in. The land is an underutilized educational, recreational, research, and ecological opportunity for the University.

The proposed project would convert this land into an engaging, multifunctional landscape. Native plantings, permaculture gardens, research demonstrations, educational trails, and a variety of recreational spaces would provide UIUC students and staff with the closest possible thing to a functioning, native ecosystem. Depending on the amount of SSC funding given to the project, 4, 6, 11, or 14 of the 14 under-ulilized acres would be converted.

A Sustainable Landscape Design course (HORT 456) at the University has worked on a complete, professional-level site assessment of the acrage. Students will be involved in the design project of the site, although Facilities and Services will approve the design.