The crew also nurtures a nursery above Nelson Field which includes junipers, pines, spruce, arbor vitae and other trees and shrubs grown for transplanting onto campus wherever necessary. The grounds department gets frequent calls from the Stout community about specific trees and shrubs and flowers, and what is good to plant where at their own homes. The calls are welcome as are calls about any areas on campus that need specific attention. Most of them have been here for years and know their jobs-and know them well. They have good attitudes and are a great group of people to work with.
Snow removal presents a challenge because it is necessary that every building be accessible.
Even though this last winter was relatively mild, there were 50 inches of snow, Bell reported. When there is a heavy snowfall, the grounds crew is out by 2 a.m. Bell said that one priority is to make sure all the buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. That includes keeping 144 wheel chair ramps clean. And you thought you had a lot to shovel and mow.