SB-2021-22-014: Expanding Native Plant and Tree Species on Campus

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Senate Bill No.: SB-2021-22-013

Date: May 2, 2022

Authored by: Elline Deogracias, Senator, College of Business and Economics

Charlie Rodriguez-Salazar, Senator, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Referred to: University Affairs

Committee Rec:

Senate Action: May 9, 2022 (15-0-0)


Title: Expanding Native Plant and Tree Species on Campus


1. WHEREAS: The Associated Students, Inc. (AS) is the official voice of over 38,000 students at California State University Northridge; AND

2. WHEREAS: AS is the primary advocate for students at CSUN and provides excellent, meaningful programs and services designed to create and enhance a spirited, learning focused campus environment; AND

3. WHEREAS: According to the CSUN Sustainability Plan, there are currently 3,800 trees on CSUN grounds maintained by Physical Plant Management (PPM), with ongoing efforts to host more native and drought tolerant plants; AND

4. WHEREAS: Native plants “are those that occur naturally in a region in which they evolved” and benefit the community because they reduce water usage and create pollinator habitats throughout CSUN. This is important as pollinators are under threat at a global level and native plants influence bird and insect populations; AND

5. WHEREAS: In 2021, the Institute for Sustainability planted over 100 native plants at the Institute’s food garden which were donated by SAMO Fund and the Xerces Society; AND

6. WHEREAS: Austin Eriksson, Director of Energy & Sustainability, noted in an interview that while this seems like a significant number, the Institute’s garden is about one acre while CSUN’s campus has around 300 acres of landscaped areas; AND

7. WHEREAS: While not all grounds can be converted to incorporate native plants, there is a substantial portion that could be converted over time; AND

8. WHEREAS: The presence of native plants on campus also provides educational opportunities, particularly with Indigenous knowledge of regenerative land use; AND

9. WHEREAS: The CSUN Sustainability Plan was meant to establish a culture of sustainability on campus and beyond; THEREFORE, LET IT BE

1. RESOLVED: We recommend that CSUN allocate resources to increase the number of native plant and tree species throughout campus. Though more data would be needed, Austin Eriksson recommended at least 200 native plants per year for the next 5 years to make a substantial impact on campus; AND LET IT BE FURTHER

2. RESOLVED: Potential locations include parkways strips and spaces that are not considered programmatic lawn spaces (i.e., not used for events, sports, etc.); AND LET IT BE FURTHER

3. RESOLVED: We also recommend including native plants that are significant to local indigenous tribes. During the implementation process, the university may consult with local indigenous tribes, such as the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Tataviam Land Conservancy, for guidance on species to plant and how to honor the land and its people; AND LET IT BE FINALLY

4. RESOLVED: That copies of this resolution be distributed widely, including but not limited to the following:

  • Dr. Erika D. Beck, CSUN President
  • Dr. William Watkins, Vice President for Student AffairsPatrick Bailey, AS Executive Director
  • CSUN Today
  • The Daily Sundial
  • Institute for Sustainability
  • Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction
  • AS Sustainability
  • Physical Plant Management
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