From lawns to living ecosystems: UBC’s campus embraces biodiversity, climate resilience, and cultural connection
February 10, 2025
At UBC’s Vancouver campus, a transformation is underway where manicured lawns are being reimagined as thriving ecosystems, blending biodiversity with cultural significance.
If you’ve taken a stroll down Main Mall recently, you’ve likely gotten a glimpse into this transformation near the Reconciliation Pole. What was once a traditional grass lawn now blooms as a pollinator meadow. Seeds planted in spring of 2024 flourished into vibrant farewell-to-spring flowers by summer, creating a haven for bees, butterflies, and visitors. As spring approaches the cycle will restart and the natural meadow will once again show its beauty.
Aligning landscapes more closely to the ecology of the campus is key to achieving the long-term goals envisioned for UBC’s Vancouver campus — from increased biodiversity, more connected pathways to get around, and strengthening Musqueam presence and welcome on campus.
- Institutional initiatives
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