Ecological Restoration Demonstration Site at the SNAIL Garden
Project Summary:
The Ecological Restoration Demonstration Site at the SNAIL Garden transforms an underutilized campus corner into a vibrant, living laboratory for environmental stewardship. Driven by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER NAU) and the Students Nurturing Alternatives in Landscaping (SNAIL) organization, this initiative establishes a resilient native plant corridor and collaborative educational space. Student volunteers and interns propagate native flora, eradicate invasive species, and construct strategic stormwater management features, including a rock swale and Zuni bowl. These physical interventions successfully mitigate parking lot runoff, increase water infiltration, and create essential habitats for local pollinators and wildlife. Furthermore, the site functions as a dynamic outdoor classroom, hosting hands-on workshops centered around permaculture design and ecological recovery techniques. Supported by the School of Earth and Sustainability, this hands-on project empowers the university community to cultivate biodiversity while demonstrating the profound ecological value of sustainable landscaping practices.
Project Lead:
Ashlee Simpson
Project Advisor:
Rachel Mitchell
Date:
2020-04-16
Funding Amount:
$21,260.89
Department:
School of Earth and Sustainability