Lourdes University Closure Announcement
April 8, 2026
What’s the Buzz?
April 8, 2026
With nearly 70% of our native pollinators living in the topsoil, we have a meaningful opportunity to rethink how we care for our lawns in ways that better support the ecosystems right beneath our feet. In that spirit, the Grounds and Sustainability teams are partnering to pilot a reduced synthetic input approach to turf management in a designated area of campus.
This pilot will take place in the valley, within the Canticle of Praise Prayer Garden. In this space, we will scale back certain traditional practices—specifically eliminating herbicide applications and one insecticide treatment. Historically, our turf program has followed a five-round fertilization schedule, along with routine herbicide and insecticide use to manage broadleaf plants and grub populations. Through this trial, we hope to better understand what happens when we ease up on those inputs.
Our aim is to observe both the ecological and aesthetic outcomes of this approach—looking at how turf health, biodiversity, and overall appearance respond. Rather than viewing turf simply as a surface to maintain, this pilot invites us to see it as a living system, one that can be cared for in ways that are both functional and environmentally responsible.
This is not about stepping away from turf management, but about thoughtfully refining it—finding a balance that supports campus needs while also enhancing ecological health.
In many ways, this effort reflects the spirit of Laudato Si’, which calls us to care for our common home through thoughtful stewardship and an awareness of the interconnectedness of all living things. By exploring this pilot program, we are taking a small but meaningful step toward that shared responsibility.
March 27, 2026
