Campus Green Revolution: Native Plants Take Center Stage

Bellevue University has turned a once-unwanted weed wall into a thriving hillside garden that showcases the state’s own flora.

How It Began

The transformation began with a collaboration between campus staff and local horticulture specialists, who identified species that would thrive in the regional climate. Seeds are grown on site, so new plants no longer need to be purchased each year.

Native Beauties

The garden features a variety of flowers that are native to Nebraska, such as:

• Aromatic Aster
• Liatris
• Rosin Weed
• Purple Prairie Clover
• Purple Poppy Mallow
• Rattlesnake Master

Grasses that dot the landscape include:

• Sideoats
• Blue Grama
• Little Bluestem

These plants require less water and fertilizer than conventional lawns, reducing maintenance costs while improving soil stability.

Student Involvement

Students are actively involved in the project. Mia Arnold, a secondary education major from Scottsbluff, is conducting a fungi study that pairs mycorrhizal research with the native plant beds. Her work supports her science endorsement and gives her hands‑on experience in genome sequencing.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the campus notice a more inviting atmosphere. The native plants create a natural, welcoming space that also serves as an educational tool for understanding local ecosystems. Although traditional turf remains in some areas, the native sections are expanding each year.