Collins Aerospace Grant to Fund Lagoon-Friendly Landscaping at Florida Tech Alumni Center
By Space Coast Daily // December 22, 2019
Florida Tech Sustainability Program Will Oversee Implementation
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – An award from Collins Aerospace’s Green Communities Grant Program will help fund native, lagoon-friendly landscaping at Florida Tech’s new Alumni Center.
Boasting leading-edge renewable energy technologies, the net-zero building, scheduled to open in early 2020, will now have outdoor green space to match thanks to the $2,700 grant.
“Collins Aerospace takes pride in supporting local communities in which our employees live and work, and we look forward to seeing the project make a positive impact,” said Carrie Reeder, director of social corporate responsibility for Collins Aerospace.
The landscaping will include gumbo limbos, oaks and a wide array of other Florida native trees and shrubs purchased from Maple Street Nursey in Melbourne.
The planting will be done by Florida Tech students and members of the Collins Aerospace Garden Club, led by Joe Hnat, program manager.
“We will focus on iconic native species that have low needs for water, and we will also include several butterfly gardens with educational signage,” said Ken Lindeman, professor of sustainability at Florida Tech.
Florida Tech Grounds Maintenance will match the project with funding for additional plants, benches and staff time.
Grounds staff will work with student organizations and members of the Collins Aerospace Garden Club to maintain a long-term lagoon-friendly landscape using standards developed by Keep Brevard Beautiful.
Find more information on Florida Tech’s Sustainability Program HERE.
