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Expansive corporate structures are softened by a perceived natural environment that is actually a well-executed plan. This environment, while looking relaxed and maintenance-free, required more than 140 hours of mowing, weeding and IPM services (just to name a few) in the first week of June 2017.
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Crushed granite pathways wind through a menagerie of Oxeye Daisy , Monarda, Switch Grass, purple and yellow Echinacea, Oenothera, Eupatorium, Aster, Prairie Dropseed, Indian Plantain and Rattlesnake Master grasses. The walk offers employees a visual and aromatic experience as they pass from one building to another.
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Under the monthly supervision of an out-of-state LEED AP conservator, we abide by three ongoing mowing schedules including a weekly, bi-weekly and monthly to bi-monthly. These schedules are based on the various native plantings’ life cycles.
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Each spring (photo taken April 2016) we perform heavily supervised prescribed prairie burns. These burns warm the soil, stimulating growth to restore and maintain native plant communities while aiding in the control of invasive plant species. The burns must be done on weekends and require both municipal and fire department permitting.
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Native prairie plantings draw a wide variety of birds including the Red-winged Blackbird. The birds comfortably nest in a hilly area in the northeastern quadrant of the park. The male red-winged blackbirds regularly swoop at the technicians who encroach upon their surroundings, causing a workplace hazard.
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Unique wildlife is drawn to the native plantings in this bucolic setting. One can spy herons, butterflies, vibrant frogs and a host of eclectic fauna.
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Although the corporation values drawing wildlife to the site, the stately water feature is a huge attraction for common ducks and geese. These birds continuously foul lawn areas and pathways, requiring continuous cleanup.
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Employees and guests drive along a heavily planted roadway brimming with colorful perennials. Although unstructured plant material is used, the mass plantings and roads’ edges are kept manicured for an orderly presentation.
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Photo taken June 2016. Care of the large water feature involves annually draining the 1.5 acre pool and pressure washing the 1” aggregate bottom to remove accumulated algae. A mild algaecide is applied and the loose material is then vacuumed. The process takes up to two weeks to complete.
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The Bosque area, or gallery forest, is a focal point in the landscape. Paperbark maples sit in concrete planters with intermediate fescue below. Maintenance practices are customized on these paperbark maples to include additional micronutrient deficiency treatment and supplemental watering. This so-called gallery is just outside the staff’s health center windows, providing a winsome view.
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A variety of colorful sedums spill over the rock embankment, creeping toward the water’s edge. Left in place for winter interest, technicians will cut the sedum back in spring.
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A peaceful park-like setting is ideal for lunch, breaks or casual meetings. Terraces are set high, enabling employees to enjoy the expansive views of the lush landscape.
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Winding stabilized granite walkways meander through this professional campus, providing more than one mile of walking terrain. Pathways are kept clean from debris and snow for year-round enjoyment.
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A trifecta of color explodes along this entry walkway. Weeding and plant care must be performed carefully in these mass plantings so as not to disrupt the cohesive form.
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The marriage of manicured lawn to native plantings is a common treatment found throughout various areas on the site. This blend must be kept crisp for the achieved dramatic effect.
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Signage is bold but minimalist, placed effortlessly amongst the multicolored arrangement of flora. . .wow!