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Rockefeller University

Landscaping

Rockefeller campus

The Rockefeller University maintains a lush and beautiful 16-acre campus by using green horticultural practices. Located on the east side of Manhattan, the University’s original landscaping was designed by noted landscape architect Dan Kiley in 1956 and imitates the idea of outdoor “rooms.” The Lulu C. and Anthony Wang Gardens, part of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation-David Rockefeller River Campus, were designed by Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects and feature native species that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, reflective pavements that ensure that the rooftop does not contribute to the heat island effect., and absorptive planters that filter rainwater adding over a half of an acre of permeability. Money received from energy rebates to the University goes towards purchasing additional native plants.

Check out the Rockefeller tree map (PDF 9MB) and identify some specimens while strolling on campus.

Horticultural Green Practices

  • Watering of landscape is carefully monitored, and changes are made quickly depending on weather conditions, plant needs, etc.
  • A zoned irrigation system allows matching of watering requirements with different growing conditions in various areas.
  • A concerted effort is made to incorporate native plants and indigenous trees whenever possible.
  • Only organic fertilizers are used in tree and shrub beds and on lawns.
  • All plantings are mulched regularly with organic compost material.
  • Only organic pesticides are used, and they are applied extremely sparingly. Instead, living organisms are applied, including beneficial worms and bacteria.
  • The use of power equipment, such as electric leaf blowers, has been cut back considerably.
  • Several families of ducks spend their springs and summers in the Philosopher’s Garden fountains.