The University of Guelph Grounds Department has been recognized by the Professional Grounds Management Society of North America (PGMS), winning a top award in the society’s  Green Star Awards competition.

Entered by grounds manager John Reinhart, the U of G crew won in the Urban University/Campus category, which considers everything from turf management, plantings and floral displays to maintenance of parking lots and walkways. There is also an environmental component to the competition.

The judges particularly noted the bed displays, hedges and woody ornamentals used on campus, as well as the use of compost, cistern water and green energy vehicles on campus.

The award will be presented Oct. 25 at the PGMS meeting in Louisville, Ky.