NWC again named Groundwater Guardian Green Site

In recognition of its groundwater and environmental stewardship, Northwestern College has been named a 2010 Groundwater Guardian Green Site by The Groundwater Foundation of Lincoln, Neb. This is the third consecutive year of designation for Northwestern under the leadership of Sue Taylor, government regulations specialist, and Ward Van Peursem, grounds supervisor.

Green Sites are highly managed green spaces such as golf courses, zoos, resorts, colleges, parks and hospital campuses that implement groundwater and surface water-friendly practices. Of the 75 sites honored, Northwestern is one of only two from Iowa and one of only six colleges nationwide. This exclusive designation is awarded to organizations after a review of their efforts to use chemicals and water responsibly, prevent pollution, and preserve water quality.

Northwestern’s water-friendly practices include applying fertilizer based on nutrient analysis, maintaining a no-application zone around surface water and active wells, selecting plants adapted to the region’s climate, disposing of toxic substances properly, and irrigating lawns at night to reduce evaporation.

The Groundwater Foundation seeks to educate and motivate the public to care about and for groundwater. Its Groundwater Guardian Green Site program was begun in 2007 to recognize good stewardship by encouraging caretakers of highly-managed green spaces to implement, measure and document their groundwater-friendly practices.