The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is preserving and relocating native prairie plants from Halsey Hall and other areas of campus to a larger riverfront location, where they can continue to grow and contribute to campus biodiversity.
The university is not eliminating native prairie plants from campus. The project is specifically designed to preserve established native vegetation while expanding opportunities for native habitat, pollinator support, experiential learning and long-term environmental stewardship.
Rather than removing and discarding established plants affected by building and landscape management needs, UW-Oshkosh is carefully transplanting them to an expanded site along the university’s riverfront near the Wiouwash Trail corridor.
The relocation supports several university priorities, including preservation of established native prairie plants, expansion of pollinator habitat, responsible facilities and landscape management, protection of university infrastructure, support for UWO’s Bee Campus commitments and enhanced opportunities for ecological observation and student learning.
“Building and landscape management decisions must balance sustainability goals with structural maintenance, occupant well-being and safety, and effective pest-management practices. The existing location of native plants places vegetation immediately adjacent to building infrastructure. Grounds and pest-management professionals have recommended increased separation between buildings and landscape vegetation as the best practice for long-term facility management and pest prevention. At the same time, we preserve the native prairie plants elsewhere on campus. This project demonstrates that environmental stewardship and responsible facilities management can work together rather than compete with one another.” said Kurt Leibold, UW-Oshkosh Facilities Director.
Preserving Native Plants Through Relocation
Preservation, not elimination, is the central objective of the project.
UW-Oshkosh Grounds professionals routinely preserve and relocate plants affected by construction, maintenance and other campus projects as part of the university’s approach to responsible stewardship. The practice protects existing landscape investments, reduces waste and supports responsible use of university resources.
The native prairie plants currently located near Halsey Hall and other areas of campus will remain part of the UWO landscape. By relocating them to the riverfront, the university is providing additional space where the plants can continue to grow and contribute to campus biodiversity.
“Relocating these plants reflects how our Grounds team approaches stewardship every day. Rather than removing healthy, established plants, we look for opportunities to preserve and reuse plants whenever possible. This project allows us to expand habitat & enhance the aesthetics of our riverfront while continuing to support biodiversity, pollinators & the university’s sustainability goals.” said Joshua Ruplinger, UW-Oshkosh Grounds & Auto Supervisor.
Expanding Riverfront and Pollinator Habitat
The new riverfront location provides additional space for the relocated prairie plants while enhancing one of the university’s prominent natural corridors.
Expanding the native landscape will provide additional habitat and food sources for bees and other pollinators and support the overall health of the campus ecosystem. The project also complements UW-Oshkosh’s ongoing Bee Campus efforts and commitment to maintaining Bee Campus accreditation.
The relocation does not result in fewer native plants on campus. It provides a larger location where established prairie plants can continue growing and supporting wildlife.
The expanded riverfront site also offers opportunities for ecological observation and experiential learning, connecting campus sustainability efforts with the student learning environment.
Responsible Campus Stewardship
Sustainability remains a guiding principle of UW-Oshkosh landscape management.
The Grounds team follows Integrated Pest Management practices that emphasize prevention, monitoring and responsible approaches before chemical treatments are considered. Herbicides are used only when necessary and are applied by trained and qualified applicators.
The university’s approach to campus stewardship considers environmental sustainability alongside student and occupant well-being, building safety, infrastructure, accessibility, campus aesthetics and responsible use of university resources.
The native prairie relocation reflects that approach—preserving established native vegetation while meeting the university’s long-term facilities, environmental and stewardship needs.
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