Grasses and Plants
Prairie
Kent State University’s prairie is located at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Prairie habitats are native to Ohio and are made up of unique plant communities, with grasses being the dominant species. In Ohio, the most common prairie grass is big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii. Each spring, the protected prairie surrounding the Student Recreation and Wellness Center is burned to put nutrients back into the soil and make way for new growth.
VIDEO: KENT STATE UNIVERSITY PRAIRIE BURN
Pollinator Habitat
During the summer, Kent State University’s pollinator garden is abuzz! Kent State University plants native flowering plants that supply pollinators with nectar, pollen, and homes. The pollinator-friendly habitat is located along the path between Henderson Hall and Eastway’s Allyn Hall. Interpretive butterfly garden signs can be seen along with bat houses.
Campus Gardens
Kent State has two campus gardens. The Food Insecurity Garden is located behind Nixson Hall and maintained by the Nutrition and Dietetics faculty and students. Food from this garden is donated to Portage County children’s meals during times they are not receiving food provided through the National School Lunch Program, via Might Pack Program. Another garden is located behind DeWeese Health Center. The DeWeese Health Center’s Wellness Committee accomplished one of its wellness initiatives of creating a community garden focused on growing fresh produce, learning best-practice gardening techniques and managing stress through connection with nature.