Chip Horton interviewed by Susan Dawson

Creator:

Horton, Chip, Dawson, Susan Elaine, and Smith, Elaine

Scope and content:

Records the views and opinions of Chip Horton, Director of Landscaping at James Madison University. Discusses the university's master landscape plan, including the riparian corridor restoration goals for Blacks Run. Recalls his experience working for the Central Park Conservatory in New York City. Describes the university's efforts to monitor the health of its trees, lawns, and shrubs, including the completion of a tree survey, which maps the location and species of every tree on campus. Relates the stressful effects of people, buildings, pavement, and air pollution on the trees and other plant life. Explains the different varieties of grasses found at JMU, as well as the specialized watering guidelines for each group. Discusses the extra maintenance required for high traffic areas such as the Quad and Godwin Field. Briefly mentions the water quality and aquatic life found in Newman Lake. Describes his vision for the landscaping of the newly created CISAT campus, which would include a majority of species native to Virginia; not only for their ease of maintenance but to help restore the original environment of the area. Closes with his thoughts on a possible future master garden program at JMU, grounds crew staffing requirements, and the Arboretum.

Names:

Horton, Chip
Dawson, Susan Elaine
Smith, Elaine

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