Facilities Management’s Landcare team is the primary snow removal service provider for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, responsible for clearing nearly 100 miles of streets and walkways, and over 100 acres of parking surfaces. Landcare added anti-icing to the University’s winter maintenance program in 2006, which led to notable cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Landcare staff complete Smart Salting training through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and in all operations, the Landcare team works hard to balance the importance of public safety with thoughtful stewardship of natural and constructed resources on our beautiful campus.
So, how do they do it? Before a forecasted snowfall, Landcare sprays salt brine anti-icing agent on roads and sidewalks. The brine solution prevents ice layers from forming and bonding with the surface of the roads and sidewalks, making removal of accumulated snow easier and more efficient, and reducing the need for additional salt applications. The use of anti-icing solutions allows the University to cut salt and sand use by several hundred tons per year, thus saving thousands of dollars, improving air quality, decreasing silt build-up, and reducing harmful runoff to stormwater systems and receiving water bodies.
If you see white lines on roads or sidewalks on campus, you know that the surface has likely been pretreated by Landcare. As always, be sure to practice safe winter habits, Gophers!
Mental Health Awareness Month and Climate Anxiety. The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Millions of Americans live with a mental illness that affects their lives in some capacity. Learn more:
Join us tomorrow 4/26 for the Coca Cola Rain Barrel event from 4-6 on the Coffman Memorial Union Front Plaza! This event will hosted by Coca Cola to transform about 30 of their syrup barrels into rain barrels! 🌧 Some barrels will be donated to the Student Organic Farm and others will be donated to Friends of the Mississippi!
The Earth Week BioBlitz is here! Use the app iNaturalist during Earth Week to collect current biodiversity observation on Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses and help improve biodiversity! Learn more:
Join us Friday May 19th, 2023 from 10-11am for a collaboration with the Office of Supplier Diversity to spotlight diverse businesses that emphasize sustainability or environmentally friendly products/services. Hear from three business owners- how they started, how it's going, and all the bumps along the road! Learn more:
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has the HIGHEST Waste Diversion Rate in the Big Ten! Learn more:
Join us to kick off Earth Week by cleaning up our campus! Learn More:
"Illicit discharges are considered 'illicit' because MS4s are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes." (EPA) As water runs down the street into storm drains, contaminated with illicit discharge (such as cigarette butts, trash, salt, vehicle fluids, or yard waste) from the street, it flows back down through the stormwater system and back into the river. Learn how you can help or report illicit discharge on campus.
Happy Spring! It is about that time of the year where everyone wants to clean out their house (and their mind) to prepare for the warm weather! Spring is nature's way for a new and fresh beginning. Have a sustainable spring cleaning. Learn more:
Join us on Friday April 7th, 2023 from 10-11am for a discussion on Indigenous knowledge, environmental justice issues, and the intersections of climate change, sustainability and Indigenous (specifically on American Indian and Native Pacific Islander) struggles, with Gabriela Ines Diaz (CHamoru and Pohnpeian). Learn more: