Implementing Nativescaping in Landscaping Policies at Central Washington University and the City of Ellensburg

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

Ellensburg

Event Website

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source

Start Date

18-5-2020

Abstract

Lawns and cultivated landscapes have long been associated with success and the American dream in our culture. But these conventional landscapes are often not adapted to the area’s climate and cause problems with resource use, pollution, upkeep, and competing with local wildlife. Moving towards a sustainable future requires us to move past our current landscaping that tells an old story of viewing nature as separate from humans and something that needs to be contained. With the dramatic loss of our native ecosystems, and in response to projected changes in precipitation due to climate change, this project attempts to explain the process of changing landscaping policies to be cost-effective, and reduce water use and maintenance. Nativescaping is a type of landscape designed to use xeriscaping methods that coexists with the surrounding landscape by using native plants that require little water and techniques that efficiently use that water and reduces evaporation. This project provides insights on working closely with the City of Ellensburg and Central Washington University to change their current landscape policies to using nativescape techniques. This study will also serve as a guide for other cities and universities to implement nativescapes suited for their area. The ultimate goal is to cause people to care about their rapidly disappearing native ecosystem by introducing the concept that the natural environment is aesthetically pleasing for landscape use.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Allyson Rogan-Klyve

Department/Program

Environmental Studies

Additional Mentoring Department

https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/2020/04/implementing-nativescaping-in-landscaping-policies-at-central-washington-university-and-the-city-of-ellensburg/

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May 18th, 12:00 PM

Implementing Nativescaping in Landscaping Policies at Central Washington University and the City of Ellensburg

Ellensburg

Lawns and cultivated landscapes have long been associated with success and the American dream in our culture. But these conventional landscapes are often not adapted to the area’s climate and cause problems with resource use, pollution, upkeep, and competing with local wildlife. Moving towards a sustainable future requires us to move past our current landscaping that tells an old story of viewing nature as separate from humans and something that needs to be contained. With the dramatic loss of our native ecosystems, and in response to projected changes in precipitation due to climate change, this project attempts to explain the process of changing landscaping policies to be cost-effective, and reduce water use and maintenance. Nativescaping is a type of landscape designed to use xeriscaping methods that coexists with the surrounding landscape by using native plants that require little water and techniques that efficiently use that water and reduces evaporation. This project provides insights on working closely with the City of Ellensburg and Central Washington University to change their current landscape policies to using nativescape techniques. This study will also serve as a guide for other cities and universities to implement nativescapes suited for their area. The ultimate goal is to cause people to care about their rapidly disappearing native ecosystem by introducing the concept that the natural environment is aesthetically pleasing for landscape use.

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/COTS/55