Land Use
Landscaping & Grounds
Stanford’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its goal to expand sustainable landscaping and grounds practices using new technologies while preserving the unique character and heritage of the campus.
Stanford’s landscape design is a cornerstone of its sustainability efforts. Influenced by Frederick Law Olmsted, these principles have guided the campus's development for over a century, emphasizing climate-responsive designs, native plant materials, and water conservation.
Key aspects of Stanford’s landscaping and grounds management include:
Vegetation Management
Approximately 75% of the campus features native or drought-resistant plantings, with mulch or non-irrigated grass grounds and native oaks for canopy. Seasonal color is achieved through the use of perennials and wildflower seedlings, which are chosen over more water-intensive, non-native ornamental annual plantings.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Stanford employs an IPM system that minimizes the use of chemicals, synthetics, fossil fuels, and water. This system covers about a quarter of Stanford’s campus and requires extensive planning and monitoring by the Department of Buildings and Grounds Maintenance.
Irrigation
Stanford’s irrigation systems are designed to maximize water conservation. They respond to site conditions using data from an on-site weather station and weather-based irrigation controls. Non-domestic water from Searsville and Felt Lakes is used to irrigate almost all campus landscapes.
Landscape Design
New projects integrate swales and detention areas with native vegetation, and water features are strategically placed to maximize use and enjoyment. Trees are consciously positioned to provide natural shading and cooling for buildings and pavements, with an emphasis on deciduous trees along southern and western building exposures.
Research and Development
Campus planners are continuously researching sustainable products, testing their durability and performance over time. Current tests include exterior LED lights, recycled plastic furniture and posts, permeable pavements, and newly developed drought-resistant lawns. Responding to climate change concerns, Stanford is also collaborating with a nonprofit to plant a range of oak test species and varieties to explore their adaptability to warming climates, pathogens, and seasonal moisture.
Living Campus
Stanford’s campus is a thriving arboretum, blending educational and recreational spaces. Highlights include the Community Garden, the Educational Farm, organic gardens near dining halls, rose gardens at Toyon and Terman, the Camellia Garden at the Main Quad, oak groves along Serra Mall, the Arizona Garden and vernal pools in the Arboretum, native gardens at the Alumni Center and Keck, the botanical parkway on Campus Drive, and the Waterwise Demonstration Garden at Faculty Staff Housing. These green spaces enrich the university’s mission while providing a serene environment for all.
To learn more about the philosophy and treatment of the Stanford landscape, 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.