The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Landscape Services team recently retained its four-star accreditation rating with the Professional Grounds Management Society.

Through peer expertise, the society’s Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program evaluates strategic grounds management principles and practices that produce and guide the delivery of properties to an attractive, healthy, sustainable and high-quality state. The accreditation focuses on three categories: environmental stewardship, economic performance, and social responsibilities. The program has four levels of accreditation (ranging from one to four stars).

The program is designed to recognize excellence and provide a means by which facilities can measure growth and improvements in meeting the goals of best practices.

Over a two-day period, a three-person team evaluated the university’s operation. The evaluators were Joe Jackson and Tom Dew, both representing the society; and Chris Metcalf, sports turf manager at Aurora University. University staff also completed a three-part document divided into environmental stewardship, economic performance and social responsibility.

“A PGMS accreditation is an acknowledgment of the commitment, knowledge, hard work, and enthusiasm our team has that ensures our campus landscape is something all Nebraskans can be proud,” said Jeff Culbertson, director of landscape operations.

Nebraska first received accreditation in September 2016. Each year it resubmits the three-part document with any new information.

“There have been many changes to our staff since the original accreditation six-and-a-half years ago,” Culbertson said. “What has continued to be consistent is the commitment to do our very best, providing an environment that helps the students do their best.”