Landscaping and Biodiversity

Following a reconfiguration of campus roads, horticulture students got their hands dirty planting bioswales - essentially, runoff drainage systems that are environmentally friendly - as a class project along the campus ring road. Native plants including Iris, SweetFlag, and Hibiscus that can handle stress and don't need fertilizer. Working with the natural landscape underscores Farmingdale's commitment to sustainable land practices, enabling natural and built systems to work together.

FSC's Giving Gardens have recently been revitalized! We are currently growing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. We are actively seeking volunteers to help maintain the garden. If you would like to learn how to garden, meet like-minded people, and take home some fresh food, volunteer today through the link below!

Farmingdale State College is honored to have earned Tree Campus Higher Education recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for the third year in a row. This program celebrates colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

To obtain this distinction, the campus has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus Higher Education. This includes establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for a campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and the sponsorship of student service learning projects.

As of October 2022 Farmingdale State College has been designated as a Bee Campus USA. Pollinators are a keystone species in essentially every ecosystem on earth, enabling the reproduction of over 85% of all flowering plants and 67% of agricultural crops. However, research has shown significant declines in native pollinator population sizes and ranges globally with up to 40% of pollinator species on earth at risk of extinction in the coming years as a result of habitat loss, the use of harmful pesticides, and climate change.

This designation recognizes the college's dedication to expanding and enhancing pollinator sites on campus. Informational webinars are available here.