East Lawn Conversion to
Native Planting Area
To the right is the plan that has been approved by the Gannett Fleming, Inc. Board of Directors for the new Native Planting Area on the East Lawn of our headquarters in Camp Hill, PA. This model was created by Gannett Fleming staff in Camp Hill. The first major planting began in fall 2003 and will be followed with seasonal plantings through spring 2006.
Why Native Plantings?
The Gannett Fleming campus has more than one acre of turf grass located to the east and north of the East Building. Local ordinances prohibit the use of this turf grass area for additional building or parking space.
The maintenance costs for this area continue to increase each year, but the benefits of turf grass are very limited. With the exception of infrequent recreational visits by the neighboring day-care facility, the “East Lawn” is a wasted space. The traditional American lawn consumes large amounts of energy in maintenance and natural resources in order to remain “healthy.” However, turf grass provides little to no ecological value. By integrating native landscaping techniques, our landscape will be cleaner, more attractive and healthier, while depleting fewer resources.
By converting the lawn into a native garden area, we will benefit from lower maintenance costs, more interesting appearance, community interest and cohesion, and reduced use of fertilizers and chemicals.
Key Benefits of Native Plants:
- They Save Money. One Michigan company reduced the annual cost of maintaining its landscape from $2,500 an acre to $500 an acre by replacing its traditional turf grass with native plants.
- They Save Energy. They're resistant to most pests and diseases, which decreases the need for pesticides and herbicides. Native plants suit "low-maintenance" gardening and landscaping interests. Use of gasoline-powered engines is dramatically reduced.
- They Stay Put. They rarely become invasive (as plants introduced from other areas can be).
- They Support the Ecosystem & Improve Water Quality. They provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other desirable wildlife. Many help to enrich the soil. Their root systems help rainfall percolate into the soil, reducing erosion and runoff.
- They’re Interesting. The diversity of native plants includes attractive flowers and foliage.
- They Set an Example. They're a sustainable, attractive alternative to the typical lawn.
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