We, the undersigned students, faculty, and community members of the University of Iowa, call for the University to prioritize the creation of sustainable, native landscaping and outdoor spaces on campus that promote biodiversity, mental health, environmental stewardship, reduce carbon emissions, improve water quality, and increase opportunities for outdoor learning.

The Argument for Change:

Currently, much of the University of Iowa's campus landscaping consists of non-native species, manicured lawns, and concrete seating areas. Research shows that native plants and biodiverse landscapes provide numerous benefits to people, including:

-        Increased physical health from drinking cleaner water

-        Reduced need for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides

-        Increased ecosystem habitat

-        Improved local water quality

-        Reduced net carbon emissions (native plants store carbon from atmosphere and native plants require less mowing than a traditional lawn)

Research also shows that native plants and biodiverse landscapes provide benefits to college campuses:

-        Improved mental health for those who interact with natural spaces

-        Increased learning potential

-        Decrease in alcohol consumption

Improved mental health for those who interact with natural spaces

-        Being in biodiverse outdoor spaces can greatly enhance mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, as the restorative qualities of nature have a calming effect on the mind and boost mood. Exposure to diverse plants and animals has been linked to lower depression rates and increased resilience, helping people feel more connected to their surroundings. The sensory experience of nature, from visual beauty to calming sounds and scents, stimulates positive emotions and relaxation. Additionally, biodiverse green spaces encourage social interaction and physical activity, both of which benefit mental well-being.

Increased learning potential

-        A shift to native landscaping would also support outdoor learning and increase the ability to hold classes outside. Many environmental science, biology, ecology, social work, art, engineering, and teaching classes would benefit from being able to take advantage of outdoor spaces as natural classrooms. Native plantings and natural landscapes could serve as living laboratories for students, while also providing outdoor spaces for other courses and events. This would foster greater engagement with the environment and expand opportunities for experiential learning.

Increased opportunities for collaborative research

-        There are students and faculty across all disciplines at the University of Iowa who are in a unique position to organize and collaborate on implementing these changes as part of their research. Students and faculty from environmental science, ecology, writing, landscape architecture, urban planning, social work, teaching, and other disciplines could engage in hands-on projects that directly contribute to the university’s efforts. These interdisciplinary teams could design, implement, and study the impacts of native landscaping on biodiversity, water quality, and community well-being. Such collaborations would provide valuable research opportunities and real-world applications for students, while contributing to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and campus improvement.

Decrease in alcohol consumption

-        Research shows that providing college students with biodiverse landscapes as places to gather reduces alcohol consumption, which will improve health outcomes for students (Saltz, 2011).

Increased Environmental Health

Native plants also significantly contribute to improving water quality. By filtering rainwater as it passes through the landscape, these plants reduce the amount of pollutants that enter our local waterways. Native plant systems trap pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus, which often run off from manicured lawns and enter rivers and streams, which causes harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and negative health outcomes in people including 

-        cancers (Temkin et al. 2019, Lerro et al. 2021)

-        shingles (Parks et al. 2021)

-        birth defects (Ward et al. 2018)

-        kidney disease (Shearer et al. 2021). 

By implementing native and sustainable landscaping, the University of Iowa can improve the quality of water that reaches our rivers and lakes and therefore improve our health

Listening to Experts:

To ensure that the shift to native landscaping is done in the most effective and sustainable way, it is crucial that the University of Iowa listens to experts in ecology, landscape architecture, and sustainable design. These professionals bring years of research, experience, and knowledge about how to design landscapes that not only enhance the beauty of our campus but also support biodiversity, water management, and long-term ecological health. Engaging with experts in these fields will ensure that the proposed changes are based on the best practices and scientific knowledge available, leading to a more successful and impactful transformation of our outdoor spaces.

Accessibility, Inclusivity, and Centering Indigenous Voices:

As we advocate for these changes, we must ensure that the new outdoor spaces are inclusive and accessible to all members of the university community. The spaces should be designed to serve the diverse needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including those with disabilities. Additionally, we must center the voices and knowledge of Indigenous communities, particularly those whose ancestral lands are part of the Iowa City area. Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship, sustainability, and ecological practices should be integral to the planning and implementation of these projects, recognizing their deep cultural connection to native plants and natural landscapes. By fostering inclusivity and honoring Indigenous wisdom, these spaces will better reflect the diversity of our community and the broader history of the land.

Our Ask:

1. Create more outdoor spaces that feature native plants and encourage biodiversity.
2. Replace the use of chemicals in landscaping practices, focusing on organic and sustainable alternatives.
3. Design outdoor seating areas with accessibility and environmental sustainability in mind.
4. Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty to organize and conduct research on the impacts of native landscaping across campus.
5. Educate the campus community about the importance of native plants, sustainable landscaping, and outdoor learning.
6. Consult with experts in ecology and landscaping to guide and inform the planning and implementation of native landscaping projects on campus.
7. Ensure that new outdoor spaces are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship practices.
We believe the University of Iowa has the opportunity to lead by example in promoting environmental sustainability, community well-being, and innovative educational practices. We stand together in advocating for these changes and ask the university to act on this vision.