Our Vision
Southern Oregon University is settled in the foothills of the Siskiyou mountain range. The climate is amazing, with all four distinct seasons. “Glorious surroundings provide inspiration beyond the classroom, one of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems in the world—snow-capped mountains, wilderness areas, Whitewater Rivers— surrounding a lively arts community that’s among the most desirable places to live in America.”© 2012 Southern Oregon University.
The Landscape Services Department employees are stewards of SOU’s diverse landscape and exemplify the college’s commitment to sustainability. We see ourselves building on our interactive relationship with the student body and campus as a whole to fulfill the college’s vision of supporting an interdisciplinary learning environment.
Our Mission
We are a team of landscape professionals who strive to make Southern Oregon University a great place to live, learn, and work. Our focus is to make student’s outdoor experiences at SOU a positive one. We are constantly working to improve our practices and lessen our environmental impact. Our goal is to make SOU a destination campus and continue to foster a positive environment where students are encouraged to learn and succeed. Always expanding, diversifying, and revitalizing our landscapes to accommodate the ever-changing demands of our customers, is our commitment to SOU.
Our Values
Our team works hard, shows up (rain, snow, and shine), and works until the job is done. We are optimistic, positive, and helpful.
What We Do
Alterations & Special Projects
Please make requests for any temporary or permanent alterations to the landscape by submitting a WORK REQUEST to FMP. All alterations must be approved and coordinated by the Landscape Services Supervisor and the Director of FMP.
Projects such as outdoor art exhibits, lining the sports fields for athletic events, memorial tree planting, or group activities using the campus grounds must be approved by the Landscape Services Supervisor, The Director of FMP, and the Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Departments please submit a WORK REQUEST to request FMP support.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance includes mowing, pruning, weeding, watering, fertilizing lawns, trees, and flower beds, outdoor leaf and trash pickup, and all other functions related to exterior campus beautification. The Landscape Services Department also provides support for outdoor projects for the Building Maintenance Division and capital repair or construction projects, such as heavy equipment operation and trenching.
Integrated Pest Management
Landscape Services only uses approved pesticides and herbicides, which are applied by State-licensed applicators. If you have any questions about a chemical being applied, please contact the Landscape Services Supervisor at 541-552-6117. Each applicator carries a Material Safety Data Sheet on the chemical being used.
See SOU’s IPM Policy.
Streets, Roadways, and Parking Lots on Campus
Snow and ice removal, as well as maintenance of campus streets and walkways, is the responsibility of Landscape Services.
Bee Swarms
Whenever possible, honeybee swarms are relocated by our local beekeeper, Bee Girl. Bee Girl also helps educate the campus about the benefits of Bees.
For more information about bees on campus and elsewhere visit www.beegirl.org.
Outdoor Events & Use of Athletic Fields
Please contact the Landscape Services Division at 541-552-6117, or via WORK REQUEST to notify us of your event. This will ensure that your guests are not “surprised” by water sprinklers suddenly coming on during your event. Please notify us well in advance so that timers may be reprogrammed in a timely manner.
