_Kacy Gao
Gao, biological sciences ’25, steered the project as project lead of Toxic Free Philly Drexel.
Lush, green lawns may look pristine, but keeping them that way can come at an environmental cost. A group of Drexel students set out to address the problems that toxic synthetic herbicides pose — starting with their own campus.
The students piloted an organic turf management project at one of the University’s campus parks, testing natural alternatives to reducing pests and weeds.
Their results — denser grass, healthier soil and positive student reception — helped persuade the University to transition to a fully organic turf model across campus in 2024. Other universities that have made the switch report lower costs over time due to reduced fertilization and irrigation.
The project was spear-headed by Toxic Free Philly Drexel, a student organization founded by Kacy Gao, biological sciences ’25, and affiliated with the citywide organization Toxic Free Philly, as well as Re:wild Your Campus.
The team collaborated closely with Drexel’s Grounds Maintenance Director Scott Dunham to test the efficacy of their organic turf model.
“We thought that by looping in students with this research, it would make Drexel administrators more receptive to the idea and more confident in the organic turf transition,” Gao says.
_PHOTO_GALLERY ENLARGE
GREEN_PARTY
_1 On a research day, the scientists toss a one-square-meter PVC pipe to measure turf and weed density._2 Kacy Gao announces the expansion of the project at Civic X EarthFest._3 The group of students responsible for the study celebrate on the turf at Lancaster Walk on Drexel’s University City campus in West Philadelphia. In the spring, Drexel received a Green Grounds Certification from the advocacy group Re:wild Your Campus for efforts to promote sustainable groundskeeping.
To replace synthetic chemicals, the team swapped in organic applications like gypsum, a soil conditioner, and adjusted overseeding and aeration practices to promote grass growth that could outcompete weeds. Their efforts led to increased turf density and a more balanced soil pH.
The students developed their own research methods with input from Anneclaire De Roos, associate professor of environmental and occupational health in the Dana and David Dornsife School of Public Health.
They used the Braun-Blanquet ecological survey method to assess turf density and weed coverage. By randomly tossing a one-square-meter PVC frame onto their test and control lawns on campus, they recorded how much of each square was filled by turf, weeds or bare soil.
They’re continuing to refine the University’s organic turf management strategy with Drexel Grounds and support from The Environmental Collaboratory’s Climate Hub Student Project Fund.