Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for March 2, 2021

by

As you know, February brought challenging weather this year. Two weeks ago, we had any icy glaze followed by extremely cold temperatures that froze pipes and created utility problems. We then had two of the heaviest snows we have seen in the last several years.

Through all of this, the university’s front-line staff traveled to work in sometimes treacherous road conditions. They worked extra shifts to keep the campus safe, kept buildings warm and clean, and ensured that our operations continued.

  • Grounds staff started work early, stayed late, and came in on their days off to spread ice melt and clear sidewalks, roadways, parking lots and other areas.
  • Custodial staff did their part as well, clearing ice and snow from building entrances and cleaning up wet messes in buildings due to ice and snow that was tracked in. They often worked late to respond to issues and finish their regular tasks.
  • University safety patrolled campus to help stranded drivers, ensure buildings were secure, respond to calls, and provide access to buildings for service contractors.
  • Facilities maintenance staff performed their regular work and then worked extra hours to check buildings for areas that might freeze.
  • Power house staff worked to ensure the campus had heat, especially when gas supply was limited. At times, extraordinary measures were taken and long shifts were worked to keep equipment running and help control utility costs.
  • When pipes broke and leaks occurred, maintenance staff responded quickly at all hours to shut off the water and make repairs, helping to limit damage. Custodial staff responded to clean up leaks (some of which were severe) in our buildings.

Show your appreciation

This has been a team effort by staff across the university. I hope you will join me in sincerely expressing your appreciation for their work.

If you see a custodian, maintenance worker, groundskeeper, safety officer or other front-line worker, take time to thank them for their work. Each brings their expertise and drive to work each day to ensure that the mission of the university continues even when the weather does not cooperate.

This year’s severe cold appears to have passed, but our staff continue to work to make repairs to damaged areas. A few of our buildings, such as Plaster Student Union and Cheek Hall, have sustained more serious damage that will take longer to repair. In these locations, we will team with outside contractors to make repairs and restore operations.

Some repairs will take longer than others. We appreciate your patience as we complete this work.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Clif’s Notes for March 10, 2020

by

Coronavirus update

The university recently announced a campus arrival directive for students, faculty and staff.  You can find the directive on the university’s website.

Additional information about the coronavirus disease and Missouri State’s response can be found on the university’s COVID-19 webpage. This webpage will be updated as the coronavirus situation changes.

Emerald Ash Borer threatens all campus ash trees

During the next few months, Missouri State grounds services will be removing and treating some trees on campus.

Unfortunately, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has moved into Greene County. The Emerald Ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an exotic, invasive wood-borer whose larvae burrow under the bark of ash trees resulting in a fatality rate of nearly 100%.

Missouri State grounds services will be following recommendations for managing EAB by treating 15 mature trees that are in good condition and removing smaller trees and trees that are already in decline. The Department of Conservation offers information about the Emerald Ash Borer, provides recommendations for homeowners and has pictures of what to look for to identify this invasive pest.

Removing invasive species

Along Grand Street and throughout campus you have probably noticed the white blooming, fast growing Callery Pear Trees (Pyrus calleryana). They have been a popular ornamental tree planted in urban landscapes throughout the nation. In recent years the Callery Pear, once thought to be sterile, has hybridized with other pear species resulting in a fast-growing invasive tree that is invading fence lines and forests in Missouri.

Grounds services is following the recommendation of the Missouri Department of Conservation to remove Callery Pear from our campus landscapes to prevent further spread and hybridization. Grounds services has received a TRIM (Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance) grant through the Department of Conservation to assist with the cost of removing the large Callery Pears along Grand Street. This TRIM grant will fund the removal of 24 large Callery Pears this spring and help reduce the possible spread of this invasive species.

Grounds services will continue gradually removing Callery Pears from the Missouri State University campus landscape over the next few years.

The Missouri Invasive Plant Task Force has specific information about the Callery Pear and steps that are being taken in Missouri to reduce this species.

Replacing trees

The good news is tree management is an integral part of grounds services. We will continue to replace trees removed by using best practices for replacement. With three certified arborists on staff, we strive to make good decisions regarding tree replacement.

Along Grand Street, where these trees will be removed, we will be replanting trees that remain smaller and still provide shade as well as shrubs that will provide color and soften the landscape. The trees will be selected so they are suitable for the environmental conditions along Grand Street and along the parking lots. These trees will be paid for by funds provided by generous donors.

We work to maintain a diverse, healthy, appealing and safe environment for our campus community. If you would like to play a part in our efforts to ensure a healthy tree population on our campus, visit the Missouri State University Foundation web site and make a donation. The funds we receive are used to purchase new or replacement trees for our campus. Designate your gift to the “Campus ReLeaf” fund.

Make a gift online

If you would like to have more information about the trees on the Missouri State University campus, please visit MyTreeKeeper on the grounds services web page.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!