How the Scott Arboretum’s Sustainability Efforts are Part of a Larger Effort

The word “sustainable” is probably one of the most important words of this century. According to Merriam-Webster, if something is sustainable, it is “capable of being sustained; of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged; or, of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods.”

Rain barrel installed in Terry Shane Teaching Garden. photo credit: R. Robert

As emphasized in President Barrack Obama’s inauguration speech, becoming more sustainable as a society is a necessity for the future. There are a multitude of paths that allow companies, organizations, and individuals to works toward sustainability. Swarthmore College recently detailed their efforts in January issue of the Swarthmore College Bulletin highlights efforts both on campus and in the livelihoods of some alumni that effect sustainability. The Scott Arboretum plays a key role regarding sustainability at Swarthmore College.

Some of our featured efforts are a cover photo is of our own Josh Coceano, Horticulturist, working during the TreeVitalize program along the Crum Creek; Claire Sawyers, Director, is quoted discussing the Campus Master Plan and how heartening it is to see an emphasis on the College’s natural assets; and a feature article also highlights the Crum Creek Stewardship committee and green roofs, which Director of Grounds and Coordinator of Horticulture Jeff Jabco works with directly. Our organic lawn care initiative is also featured with quotes from Nicole Selby, Gardener and Accredited Organic Land Care Professional, who helps lead this program.

Volunteers plant trees along the Crum Creek as part of TreeVitalize efforts. photo credit: R. Robert

Additionally, the College has launched a sustainability website that provides more in-depth information about campus sustainability efforts. This site includes campus commitments to climate, energy, food, green building, natural environment, transportation, waste management, and water.  Explore how the Scott Arboretum is part of larger sustainability effort.

Our Magnolia Collection is part of NAPCC and our ex situ conservation efforts. photo credit: R. Maurer

The Scott Arboretum is involved in sustainability not only on campus, but also on a larger scale being part of efforts through membership in BGCI, Botanical Gardens Conservation International. We participate in ex situ conservation, that is, we have plants in our collections that are threatened in their usual habitat so if they do become lost in the wild, that species is not completely lost. You can explore previous blog posts about sustainability at the Scott Arboretum here.

Jogger enjoys the Crum Woods. photo credit: R. Robert

View our calendar of events to take advantage of our upcoming classes on raising chickens in your backyard and backyard beekeeping for gardeners, as well as our green roof tours to see for yourself what all the hype is about!