Rice University’s campus isn’t just beautiful—it’s a living, breathing example of sustainable landscape management. As home to the Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum, Rice is recognized as a designated arboretum, honoring the legacy of Houston horticulturist Lynn R. Lowrey, a pioneer of the native plants movement in Texas.
The arboretum began as a vision in the late 1990s to preserve and showcase native and climate-adapted species. Today, it spans the entire campus, with a special focus on the Harris Gully Natural Area, a restored riparian woodland that reflects Houston’s original ecology. Through thoughtful plantings of native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs, Rice is recreating a natural system that once thrived across the region.
Rice’s Facilities, Engineering and Planning (FE&P) team leads the charge in maintaining this vibrant landscape with a deep commitment to sustainability. Here’s how they do it:
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Grasscycling
Instead of hauling away clippings, Rice leaves grass on the lawn to decompose naturally—returning nutrients to the soil and reducing waste. Leaves and branches are also reused on campus. -
Green Roofs
Over 11,000 square feet of green roofs top buildings like the South Plant, OEDK, and Duncan and McMurtry Colleges. These roofs help insulate buildings, reduce energy use, and support biodiversity. -
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Rice minimizes chemical use by following IPM strategies developed by Texas A&M, using ecological methods to manage pests in turfgrass and ornamentals. -
Local Plant Sourcing
Most plant materials are sourced within 100–150 miles of campus, reducing transportation emissions and supporting regional growers. -
Organic Soils
Rice uses Hou-Actinite, a recycled sewage sludge turned into a nutrient-rich, slow-release organic fertilizer—boosting soil health while reducing runoff. -
Porous Paving
Of Rice’s 19 miles of sidewalks and paths, nearly 5 miles use pervious materials like granite and porous concrete, helping manage stormwater and reduce flooding. -
Promoting Native Species
The Arboretum Committee advises on landscape projects to ensure native and drought-tolerant plants are prioritized. Invasive species are removed, and wildflowers flourish each spring in restored areas like Harris Gully. -
Tree Care Excellence
With over 4,600 trees, Rice is proud to be recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The university maintains a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, and dedicated funding to ensure long-term tree health.