With its lush grass and shady trees, the University of Nevada, Reno’s Quadrangle is the crown jewel of south campus. Not only does it provide students with a space to study, enjoy lunch and play frisbee, but it is also home to the University’s historic spring graduation ceremony each year.

The process of turning the Quad into a healthy, brilliant green space for commencement starts early in the year and continues through the summer.

Through the University’s partnership with Full Circle Soils & Compost, the lawn care program on campus has become increasingly more sustainable in recent years. By using humus-based organic soil, the existing soil and grass has been enriched, improving the appearance of the University’s green space.

The University’s natural lawns have many other benefits as well, including reduced watering as well as better defense from pests and disease. The Grounds Services team takes great pride in maintaining the beautiful lawns of campus, letting their natural beauty shine for commencement exercises and other uses throughout the year.

Readying the Quad is a year-round endeavor and the University’s partnership with Full Circle Soils & Compost is crucial to Grounds Services’ success. Founded by University alumnus, Craig Witt, this local company has assisted with the proper care of the Quad for nine years.

“The key to a great looking Quad all starts with the soil,” Witt said.

Facilities Services soon expanded the lawn care plan to other grass areas including lawns in front of the Joe Crowley Student Union, Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, Fitzgerald Student Services, William J. Raggio, Pennington Student Achievement Center, Ansari Business, Mackay Mines, Ross Hall and Morrill Hall, as well as Hilliard Plaza and the Honor Court.

Facilities Services’ Assistant Director for Grounds Services Ryan Myers described the long-term work his team undergoes each year to ensure the Quad looks its best for the campus community.

According to Myers, the crucial first step in readying the Quad is an annual soil sample taken in late January by Full Circle Soils & Compost. The soil sample is analyzed and a specially formulated, nutrient-rich compost is produced using a base compost soil and recycled green waste from the campus itself. While this topsoil blend undergoes a 10-week aerobic composting process, Facilities Services aerates the lawn on the Quad to prepare for its custom soil dressing.

At the same time, care also begins for the beautiful elm trees surrounding the Quad. Each year, a certified arborist assesses the trees and determines an appropriate maintenance plan. Every tree is inspected and pruned to reduce hazards and promote a healthy shade canopy.

Near the end of March, Facilities Services applies a custom grass seed to the Quad and then spreads nearly 30 yards of specialized soil full of nutrients, sparking new growth and improving overall lawn health.

At this important step, the Quad is roped off to prohibit foot traffic on the grass for four to six weeks to allow for germination.

Next, the Quad is reopened, and a flurry of last-minute maintenance occurs before commencement setup begins. The elm tree seed pods are cleared from the grass, trip hazards are remediated, broken tree branches are removed, and weeds are pulled.

After all of this, the Quad is finally ready to shine as hundreds of students and their families celebrate commencement ceremonies on its vibrant green grass.