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Project Updates

  2. archived info - previous project description

    Associated Project(s): 
    Burrill/ Morrill Walkway

    This project is meant to transform the walkway between Burrill and Morrill Halls into a sustainable and multifunctional landscape. The walkway formerly had planters with a few, mostly non-native species. The walkway’s impervious concrete also had the problem of collecting rainwater and flooding. This area is high in student pedestrian traffic and is a part of the pathway that prospective donors to the University take while visiting campus.

    In order to make the space more aesthetically attractive and sustainable, native shrubs, ferns, and woodland species that will do well in shady conditions were introduced to the walkway. In order to curb the rainwater collection problems of the water, a rain garden has been proposed to be added to the center of the walkway.  The benefits of rain gardens outside of eliminating localized flooding include improving water quality, creating habitats, and recharging groundwater.

  3. Plans for October 2021

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Infrastructure Conference

    The Champaign County Stormwater Partnership decided to shorten the October biennial conference to a half day on Zoom. The majority of the committee did not want to have separate Zoom conference tracks with break out rooms due to technical complications so this limits/decreases the conference speakers slots. There will likely be 4-5 speakers covering a range of topics.

  4. Bike Registration Signs: 5/16 meeting between Sarthak and Shayna

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Registration

    Today we discussed the next steps in the bicycle registration project on campus. We looked at the previous design for the lawn signs, and after looking at the new ones, I was tasked with cutting some of the text and enlarging the QR Code. I will send over the file after these adjustments so the design can be uploaded on Adobe software or something similar. We are also looking forward to hearing if the signs can be metal plated instead of corrugated plastic so that they may last longer. This might be a bit more expensive, so that would mean fewer lawn signs and location. Though, there are around ten left over signs from last year. In terms of locations, I will be pinning all the locations on a Google Map to make the information more accessible. We also discussed other ways to broadcast this information and we will contact residential directors of the dorms and see if they can include information about bike registration when they welcome incoming students. Spreading the information on other social media is also an option. Lastly, we will be meeting in around two weeks to discuss where we are at and the next steps.

  5. WorkNet in MarketPlace

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Jobs

    East Central Illinois workNet now has a big presence at Market Place Shopping Center, with hall standees and table tent displays in the Food Court promoting the program. You will also be seeing information about our services on MTD buses in the coming weeks.

     

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  7. Farm to Food Bank survey by ISTC

    Associated Project(s): 
    Food Purchases from Local Sources

    Help ISTC, Feeding Illinois, the Illinois Specialty Growers Association, and the Illinois Farm Bureau by completing the Farm to Food Bank producer survey today.

    The project team is also recruiting participants for a series of virtual focus groups. They seek food producers and distributors, as well as representatives from hunger relief agencies. If you are interested in participating, please contact TAP.

    Farm to Food Bank survey deadline extended, focus groups planned 

    By Joy Scrogum

  13. updated list of needed student projects

    Associated Project(s): 
    Independent Student Projects

    This is a list of projects that need students to work on.  It will be updated periodically by sustainability staff members, the last update was 5/14/21:

    • Tree Canopy Analysis: Work with F&S staff to complete a GIS analysis of the university's tree canopy, in support of the Tree Campus USA designation. This will include comparison to peer institutions and a presentation of the results and methodology to the Tree Campus Advisory Committee. Depending on time availability, it can also include an analysis of the local tree canopy, off campus. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • CCNet Website: Work with the Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet) leadership team to redesign and publish the CCNet website (old version is online at http://www.champaigncountynet.org/). There is a monthly brown bag sustainability networking event on the Third Thursday of each month, but the website hasn't been updated since 2016. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • We are seeking a student volunteer who can do tree identification for a series of trees in the Arboretum, and work with the University Landscape Architect, Brent Lewis, and the Superintendent of Grounds, Ryan Welch, to compare the tree identification to the draft tree inventory. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
    • If you have a project idea, please contact us at sustainability@illinois.edu, or submit it through the iCAP Portal Suggestions page.

  14. Take action, register today, and submit your efforts by July 1, 2021

    Associated Project(s): 
    Freezer Challenge

    Did you buy an energy-efficient refrigerator or freezer, discard or unplug a fridge or freezer, clean out samples, start a sample inventory list, adjust a fridge or freezer to a warmer temperature, defrost a fridge, or clean the filters? These actions promote equipment longevity, better sample management, and improve efficiency; they also help you earn points for the Freezer Challenge. 

    For more information and questions about the International Freezer Challenge, please contact Paul Foote, F&S energy efficiency and conservation specialist, gfoote2@illinois.edu, 217-244-1048.

    Take action, register today, and submit your efforts by July 1, 2021.

  19. iWG Meeting Minutes 5-14-21

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Engagement iCAP Team
    Land and Water iCAP Team
    Student Sustainability Leadership Council (SSLC)

    The iCAP Working Group met on 5-14-21. The agenda was as follows: 

    • Transportation iCAP Team presentation
    • Engagement iCAP Team presentation (presentation attached) 
    • Celebration of success ~ thank you!

    The Zoom recording is found here. (must download in order to view)

    Attached Files: 

  20. Scope change approved: iSEE Green Labs Intern

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Lab Program
    Certified Greener Campus Programs
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)

    The SSC approved a scope change for the Green Labs Intern project to allow the funding to be used for the larger Greener Campus program, and to revise the schedule to have an expiration date of June 30, 2023. The project contact is Meredith Moore at iSEE.

    Attached Files: 

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