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This summer, the first growth of the new prairie patches on the south mall produced carpets of black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia) and wild rye (Elymus). And yes, weeds. Perfectly normal, says Scott Moeller, Gustavus Arboretum Director and Naturalist. “As the years progress, we’ll see more prairie plant species showing up and fewer weeds.”
Increasing native grasslands on campus reduces the college’s carbon footprint, increases pollinator habitat, helps reduce runoff and chemical usage, “and is a lot more interesting to look at than a mowed lawn,” Moeller says. “It makes it harder to find wayward Frisbees, but I’ll take that tradeoff.”
