VU Jasper Campus achieves Certified Wildlife Habitat status
The Vincennes University Jasper Campus has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation for developing part of its campus into wildlife habitat. Certification requires that a site provide food, water, cover, and places for wildlife to raise their young.
[adrotate group=”1″]
“We appreciate this recognition of our efforts to provide leadership in environmental issues. We have faculty, staff, and students who are passionate about the environment, so this habitat development gives them an outdoor lab in which to experiment and educate the community,” said Dr. Alan Johnson, dean of the Jasper Campus.
In 2010 the Vincennes and Jasper campuses were both awarded Tree Campus USA status by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the University’s work in improving the population and number of trees on its property and conducting community education about tree care.
The habitat restoration project at VUJC began in 2009 by removing 12 acres of fescue grass and planting native grasses and wildflowers. Financial support from the VUJC Foundation and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has allowed the work to move forward. The planting and management of the site is being done in partnership with the Patoka Hills Chapter of Quail Unlimited which has members with extensive experience in managing habitat restoration.
In addition to helping wildlife, the diverse vegetation benefits the community by slowing the runoff of water during heavy rains. The VUJC maintenance staff is saving several hours each week by not having to mow 12 acres of lawn, which also reduces the amount of hydrocarbon pollution emitted by the power equipment and the cost of fuel.
“We have received many compliments about the beauty and functionality of the habitat restoration at VUJC. And, to be fair, we’ve received a couple of negative comments by residents who prefer the manicured golf course look. We involved city officials in our planning process to make sure that we were operating within their ordinances,” Johnson said.
