Unique landscape features emblematic of Stanford University are recognized worldwide. Palm Drive, the grassy foothills, oak groves, the redwood tree, and wildflowers all come together to symbolize The Farm.
Principles now heralded as sustainable in the 21st century were fundamental to the Stanford campus since its inception over 100 years ago. Basic concepts introduced by Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architect and the university's planner in the 1890’s, as well as Stanford’s Landscape Design Guidelines first published in 1989, encourage climate responsive designs, native plant materials and water conservation.
From large gathering space to intimate retreats, developed outdoor areas create a mosaic of formal and informal elements including cultivated gardens, plazas, usable lawns, tree lined alleys, drought tolerant native landscapes, oak groves, wildflowers and grasslands. The result is a dynamic and flexible environment that is essential to Stanford’s rich and unique landscape character. Today, the university functions as a large arboretum or park with gardens that support both its occupants and its educational mission. These spaces include the Community Farm, the Chef’s Garden at Schwab, the fruit and edible gardens at the Main Quad and Crothers, the rose gardens at Toyon and Terman, the Camellia Garden at the Main Quad, the oak groves along Serra Mall, the Arizona Garden and vernal pools in the Arboretum, the California native gardens at the Alumni Center and Keck, and the Campus Drive botanical parkway.
Goals & Results
It is Stanford’s goal today to continue on the path that its predecessors envisioned and use new technologies and understanding to expand Stanford’s sustainable landscape and grounds practices. Examples of current accomplishments and activities in key landscape and grounds areas include the following:
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Vegetation Management
Vegetation Management
- Approximately 75% of the campus is native or drought resistant plantings with mulch or non-irrigated grass grounds and native oaks for canopy.
- To date, over 800 mature trees have been transplanted with an 85% +/- survival rate.
- Since 1980, Stanford’s Oak Reforestation Program works with non-profits, volunteers, community and school groups to annually plant oak seedlings, now totaling over 2000.
- Green waste from tree and shrub trimmings is converted into compost or wood chips and reused on the campus landscape.
- Seasonal color relies on the choice of perennials and wildflower seedings over more water intensive, non-native ornamental annual plantings.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management
- Stanford employs an integrated pest management system to minimize the use of chemicals, synthetics, fossil fuels and water.
Irrigation
Irrigation
- Stanford’s irrigation responds to site conditions using data collected from an on-site weather station with an automated Maxicom Irrigation Controller that conserves 20% more water than conventional irrigation methods.
- Non-domestic water sourced from Stanford’s Searsville and Felt Lakes is used to irrigate at least 80% of the campus landscape.
Landscape Design
Landscape Design
- Swales and detention areas planted with native vegetation are integrated into new project landscape designs.
- Water is incorporated in landscapes for maximum use, enjoyment, air quality and moderation of climate where the largest numbers of people gather and is minimized in peripheral areas, borders or other non-intensive people spaces.
- Stanford’s landscaped ‘outdoor rooms’ serve as meeting, classroom, break-out, circulation and gathering spaces replacing what would otherwise be constructed, enclosed and conditioned interior spaces.
- Since 2007, Stanford paired 125+ new or retrofitted custom designed (split to hold bottles, paper and compost) outdoor recycling containers with existing trash bins.
- Trees are consciously placed to provide shading and cooling for buildings and pavement with an emphasis on deciduous trees along the southern and western building exposures.
- Turf lawn is typically limited to use areas only.
Research and Development
Research and Development
- Campus Planners continue to research the manufacturing processes and material sources of new sustainable products and test their durability and performance over time. Current tests include exterior LED lights, recycled plastic furniture and posts, permeable pavements, newly developed drought resistant usable lawn and other plant materials.
- Responding to concerns caused by global climate change, the university is working with a non- profit to plant a range of oak test species and varieties collected from acorns to explore their adaptability to warming climate, pathogens and seasonal moisture.
More Information
To learn more about the philosophy and treatment of the landscape at Stanford University, please visit the University Architect / Campus Planning and Design and the Building and Grounds Maintenance web sites, which include detailed specifications and guidelines for vegetation, irrigation, landscape design, site furnishings, site lighting, water features and other topics related to landscape and grounds.
