Scott Iles is part of a team that keeps campus tidy, scenic, eco-friendly
For students, instructors, and staff who spend much of their time at the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH), campus acts as a “home away from home.” It’s a space for learning, for innovation; it’s a space people should want to be present in.
Scott Iles, co-ordinator of grounds maintenance, leads a team at Humber’s North Campus that’s responsible for keeping the grounds tidy, clean, and beautiful – including through the creation of serene, green outdoor spaces.
“It helps with people's mental health,” Iles said, who’s been part of the Facilities Management department for over 18 years.
Stepping outside for fresh air among plant life is more than a place to escape to. Iles believes in the importance of greenery on campus because with Guelph-Humber being in a city, having plant life close by can help the U of GH community relax and be among nature.
“As stressful and hectic as it may be inside their schooling or their work, they can go outside and have a space to be able to relax, unwind, and be more connected with nature,” Iles said. “They can get rid of their other busy thoughts that might be going on in their heads.”
To create welcoming spaces, starting in the winter, Iles and his team begin planning which plants they want to incorporate. For instance, he emphasizes a sustainable approach through selecting plant varieties that are native to Ontario versus non-native plants. This is an initiative the team has been focusing on over the past decade.
By prioritizing plants native to Ontario, the North campus’ landscape isn’t just pretty; it helps native pollinator and native bird populations, Iles explained. Focusing on building landscapes on campus rather than a few small gardens is beneficial to the environment because the University is located so close to the Humber River, which is a wildlife corridor, and allowing wildlife to thrive is one of his priorities.
The corridors are significant places for wildlife to breed, including bees (many bee species are endangered). Since Iles and his team take steps to protect the futures of pollinators through initiatives such as thoughtful planning of plant life, the North Campus is recognized as a Bee City Campus.
“It's important to me. It's important to other people,” Iles said of the campus’ landscape. “Even though some people may not notice it [at first], it does make a difference, especially for bringing students up to the campus.”
To learn more about sustainability at Guelph-Humber/Humber Polytechnic North Campus, click here.
