COUNCIL FOR THE BUlL T ENVIRONMENT

Co-Chairs: Dr. Karan L. Watson, Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Jerry R. Strawser, Vice President for Finance and Administration

January 4, 2016

MEMORANDUM

TO: President Michael K. Young President, Texas A&M University

SUBJECT: CBE Recommendation: Aggieland Monarch Butterfly Gardens

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) received a request from the Aggieland Monarch Project, a student organization that proposes to install a butterfly garden for the purpose of creating a butterfly habitat and educating students about the importance of the monarch butterfly. If approved, this project will be funded by a $6,200 grant from the Aggie Green Fund The request and the Design Review sub-council ' s report are attached.

The Design Review sub-council (DRsc) members unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Aggieland Monarch Project as presented with the following caveats:

• The location of the bed in the plaza between Cushing and the Academic Building is approved, provided that two beds are planted rather than just one in order to provide symmetry.

• Reconsideration of the landscape design, to include removal of the center pathway and revision of the plantings to include perennial planting concepts such as the use of drifts and placement of larger plants in the center and smaller plants on the perimeter. Revised landscape design should be submitted to the DRsc Chair for approval.

• Request documentation that maintenance ofthe bed will be provided by SSC Service Solutions as part of their regular maintenance schedule and will not require additional funding. Request documentation on who will be the responsible party should any plants need to be replaced.

• Aggieland Monarch Project should provide contact information for the individual who will serve as the contact should questions arrive regarding installation or maintenance of the bed.

• Signage should be in compliance with T AMU standards and should be submitted to the DRsc Chair for approval prior to installation.

Jack K W1ll1ams Adm1mstrat1on Bulldmg SUite 100 1248 TAMU College Stat1on fX 77843-1248 USA

Tel. +1 979.845.4016 Fax. +1 979.845.6994 http://cbe.tamu.edu/

January 4, 2016 CBE Recommendation : Aggie Monarch Butterfly Gardens Page 2

The CBE voted to recommend, with noted caveats, the President's approval of the Aggieland Monarch Butterfly Project.

~-+--:=::::. Karan L. Watson

I -5""-/ t. Date

Provost and Executive Vice President Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Approved:

Michael K. Young President

1-/,-/b Date

trawser Date Vice President for Finance & Administration Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

cc: Sub-Council Chairs, Council for the Built Environment Ms. Jane Schneider, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations Ms. Kelly Wellman, Director, Office ofSustainability

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

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MEMORANDUM TO: Dr. Jerry Strawser Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Dr. Karan Watson Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment FROM: Ms. Lilia Gonzales, AIA University Architect and Chair, Design Review Sub-Council DATE: December 16, 2015 RE: Design Review Sub-Council (DRsc) Report

Aggieland Monarch Butterfly Project On November 11, 2015 the Design Review sub-council reviewed a request from the Aggieland Monarch Project, a student organization that proposes to install a butterfly garden for the purpose of creating a butterfly habitat and educating students about the importance of the monarch butterfly. If approved, this project will be funded by a $6,200 grant from the Aggie Green Fund. The proposed location of the butterfly garden is in an empty landscape bed between the Academic Building and the Cushing Library. The planting design was created through collaboration with SSC Service Solutions and incorporates perennial plants such as milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants. The plan incorporates a pathway through the garden to provide close access to the plants for teaching opportunities. The proposal includes the installation of a small sign to provide basic information about the garden, the monarch butterfly, and to recognize the Aggie Green Fund. DRsc members support the concept of a butterfly garden but had concerns over the design. Given the formality of Cushing Plaza, the DRsc recommends that two beds are planted rather than just one in order to provide symmetry. There were also concerns regarding the landscape design, pathway, and documentation of the maintenance agreement with SSC. Recommendation DRsc members unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Aggieland Monarch Project as presented with the following caveats:

- The location of the bed in the plaza between Cushing and the Academic Building is approved, provided that two beds are planted rather than just one in order to provide symmetry.

- Reconsideration of the landscape design, to include removal of the center pathway and revision of the plantings to include perennial planting concepts such as the use of drifts and placement of larger plants in the center and smaller plants on the perimeter. Revised landscape design should be submitted to the DRsc Chair for approval.

- Request documentation that maintenance of the bed will be provided by SSC Service Solutions as part of their regular maintenance schedule and will not require additional

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

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funding. Request documentation on who will be the responsible party should any plants need to be replaced.

- Aggieland Monarch Project should provide contact information for the individual who will serve as the contact should questions arrive regarding installation or maintenance of the bed.

- Signage should be in compliance with TAMU standards and should be submitted to the DRsc Chair for approval prior to installation.

Selected images are attached. Please let me know if you need additional information. cc: Andrew Payne Casey Reynolds

DRsc Members Bettyann Zito

Butterfly Garden Site Plan