Promega Corporation - Madison, WI

In 1989, Promega Corporation in Madison, Wisconsin, a worldwide leader in applying biochemistry and molecular biology to the development of projects for life sciences, made a commitment to environmentally friendly native landscapes. In 1994, the company chose to use the prairie concept and installed a distinct, ecologically sound landscape around its newest building, the Biopharmaceutical Technology Center (BTC).

"We are committed to the environment, and part of that means we do all we can to reduce our use of chemicals to control weeds, including limiting the use of herbicides and fertilizers," said Debra Krebs, Promega's facility design coordinator. 'We're able to sustain a habitat for wildlife at the same time."

Beyond the appeal of an environmentally responsible landscape, Promega encountered other natural prairie benefits such as low maintenance and year-round beauty.

"Our interest in the prairie concept peaked when we discovered the very low maintenance aspect compared to turf landscape," said Krebs. "A self-sustaining prairie has proven the ideal landscape for maximizing our maintenance budget and staff."

Since the installation, Promega has reduced its total, eight-acre grounds maintenance expenditures by two-thirds through the elimination of constant mowing and application of herbicide or fertilizer to turf for weed control.

The Design Strategy

The BTC project was managed by a collaboration of landscape professionals including Linda Sievert, landscape architect and designer from Ken Saiki Design, and Neil Diboll, Prairie Nursery senior ecologist.

The challenge was to design a landscape for Promega that would accommodate the different soils, slopes and sun exposure found on each side of the BTC building.

"Not only was a prairie landscape consistent with the company's environmental goals and standards, but it was the best possible solution for the diverse areas that were to be a part of the restoration, "said Sievert. "Promega will definitely benefit in the long run because of their choice and commitment to the new project strategy."

The Prairie Installation

After the various soil conditions were analyzed, Diboll designed a seed mix of appropriate wildflower and grass species for each distinct area. "We design a seed mix to optimally use the soil, water and sun," said Diboll. "The BTC site has different slopes, each with a different exposure to the sun and significantly varied soil conditions."

Prairie Nursery also consulted on site preparation and installation of the BTC prairie. For example, Sievert looked to Prairie Nursery for suggestions about handling problem of annual weeds and initial maintenance needs during the first growing season.

The First and Second Year

A first-year concern, according to Krebs at Promega, was the acceptance of a prairie landscape from employees and the community, primarily due to its appearance. The long-lived species that were combined to create the prairie landscape are slow to mature, and the landscape could be perceived to be weedy at first.

"We received a lot of questions about the prairie installation because of its appearance the first summer season," she said. "Communicating our environmental philosophy and expectations for this prairie installation was key in helping to overcome this."

Working Together with an End in Mind

The successful development and installation of the Promega Prairie was a result of the strategy between the landscape architects and Prairie Nursery. According to Sievert, the ultimate success of the prairie landscape is the combination of timing, quality seed and good germination.

Now in the third year, the prairie design has succeeded to function as it was intended: to provide year-round aesthetic interest to the property, significantly reduce maintenance costs, help preserve the local environment's ecological diversity by providing a home to small creatures and improving the water and air quality. In addition, the prairie species have proven to be a stronger choice for the site due to their adaptability to the slopes and soil, more so than a lawn or any other option could be.

"Our prairie has exceeded everyone's expectations and it's been a way to educate people about the natural prairie concept," Krebs said.