Grounds

Grounds Services, a division of the Illinois State University Facilities Management Unit, provides daily services that play a critical role in the upkeep, safety and appearance of our 490 acre campus. The Grounds Department dedicates itself to the exterior maintenance of 160 acres of turf, as well as parking lots, sidewalks, display gardens, and 85 administrative and academic buildings. As a registered arboretum our Unit prides itself in the establishment of 5,000 trees of over 154 species, which serves as a living laboratory to our campus community, as well as to the general public.

Our Vision

In the forever changing climate of higher education we are met with challenges on a daily basis. As current trends focus on environmentally sound and sustainable practices on our campus, we as a department must be able to incorporate them in such a way as to not detour from our core function; to provide our students with an aesthetically pleasing and safe atmosphere which is conducive to learning.

Our Mission

Illinois State University’s Grounds Service’s mission is to work as a unified team in order to provide outstanding customer service to our clients. Each member plays a significant role as we work together to achieve our common goal in a professional, environmentally sound, and efficient manner.

Core Values

Dedication: Provide our students with an aesthetically pleasing and safe atmosphere which is conducive to learning, while incorporating practices that are environmentally sound and sustainable.

Teamwork: Each member of the department brings valuable ideas and experience to the team which are essential to the success of the unit as a whole. Respect, communication, and contribution will result in an efficient and cohesive unit that works toward one common goal.

Service: Strive to provide the campus community with timely customer service in courteous and professional manner.

Safety: Each member of the department is responsible for the safety of themselves as well as their co-workers, and the campus community as a whole. Safety practices have been put into place and must be followed at all times.

GROUNDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Emerald Ash Borer

Illinois State University has recently detected Emerald Ash Borer on campus.  This insect only attacks ash (Fraxinus) trees.

Large ash trees were removed this winter and will continue into the spring.   These trees are the worst infested and without removal could be a potential safety concern.  The insect kills very quickly once detected and the tree becomes a hazard. The smaller, healthier Ash (typically White Ash) will remain until they show signs of the insect.  Unfortunately it is not cost effective to treat this insect, plus surrounding communities have a heavy infestation of the insect.  We have treated 2 on the quad and will continue as long as they show signs that control is effective.  One of our larger trees, (located near the sidewalk by Moulton Hall), is a Green Ash and will remain as long as we can maintain a safe intersection.  (See Related Links)

Pine Wilt

Pine Wilt is another major tree disease attacking pine trees on campus.  In the past, pines were heavily planted on campus as parking lot/utility screens, as well as windbreaks.  Unfortunately, we are losing all of our Scots pines; they will be green, and within two months, turn a grey color and then to brown.  Characteristically, the needles stay on and you are quickly left with a dead tree.  Recently we have also seen the disease in our Austrian and White pines.  The quickest control is removal; before the insect that aides in the spread of this disease begins moving.  There is concern for the large Austrian Pine on the quad.  As of now it exhibits no sign of pine wilt. We hope its age and care, as well as removing any diseased trees around it, increases chances that the tree remains in our collection. 

Reforesting campus is a priority for our department. Last year we planted over 150 trees of diverse species in order to eliminate this kind of problem in the future.  Although removal provides an opportunity to re-access the current landscape, every effort is taken to plant trees in the same spot as a removal.  (See Related Links)