Native Plant Garden to sprout during Earth Week

Fredonia, N.Y. — April 15, 2008 — On Saturday, April 26, ground will be broken for a new native plant garden on the campus of SUNY Fredonia.

The brainchild of area biologist Priscilla Titus and facilitated by SUNY Fredonia plant biologist and Assistant Professor Jonathan Titus, the garden will be established next to the greenhouse at Jewett Hall, home of the biology department. It will be planted, beginning at 11 a.m., by Dr. and Ms. Titus and students from the biology program. Director of Building Services and Grounds Kevin Cloos is providing tools and technical assistance.

The reason for establishing this particular type of garden, Dr. Titus noted, was “To have the plants native to this region growing on campus.” He added, “Campuses across the country are switching to native plants for environmental, ecological, biodiversity, sustainability, historical and economic reasons. Native plans make more attractive, durable and cheaper landscaping than do exotic ornamentals. They also support our native fauna such as hummingbirds and butterflies. However, the aesthetic is different with a more wild look.”

In anticipation of the celebration of Earth Week at SUNY Fredonia April 19 through 26, during which the garden will be established, Dr. and Ms. Titus have been growing stock, and will design and manage the garden.

Information on SUNY Fredonia’s full slate of “Go Green” and Earth Week activities can be found on the university’s website.

All Earth Week Events at SUNY Fredonia