The CSB/SJU grounds department saved a large amount in expenses this year due to the huge decrease in the need for heating due to the warm winter. As of Jan. 21, the Power Plant had saved a total $41,207 on gas for heating since last year.
It has been hard not to notice the differences between last year’s extreme conditions and this year’s mild temperatures during the winter months. This winter has changed things for many groups on campus like the Grounds Department, the Power Plant and student organizations.
The campus Grounds Department has felt the advantages and disadvantages of the brown winter. They have many winter projects that need to be done before it begins to snow, and this year they had much more time to complete them. One of the main tasks the Grounds Department needs to accomplish is to clean the entire campus before it gets covered in snow so the grounds are clear when springtime rolls around.
“There’s a lot more time to get around campus and do a better job cleaning this year,” CSB Grounds Department Director Chris Brake said. “Usually we are pressed to finish everything when there’s a lot of snow, but it was nice to have more time this year.”
Grounds Department staff always has numerous tasks to finish before the weather changes. Trees need to be pruned, picnic tables and benches need to be moved indoors and repainted and flowerbeds need to be cleaned in preparation for warmer weather.
Despite the benefits of having no snow, the staff wishes for some snow this winter.
“We do want some snow for the winter, however,” Brake said. “No snow cover is really hard on plants. They need that insulation against the cold.”
One advantage for the Grounds Department this winter is the money saved.
“Our expenses have definitely been significantly lower this year because of this weather,” Brake said. “We’ve used only 1/3 the amount of the ice melting product as last year.”
When less money is spent during the winter season on ice and snow removal, there is more left for projects in the spring and summer months.
However, some of the clubs and student organizations on campus do not feel the same way about the lack of snow. Although most of their events are not weather-dependent, Joint Events Council had planned a Snow Day event for this past weekend but had to cancel due to the lack of snow.
“Christmas in the Courtyard was kind of sad this year,” JEC Co-Chair Bridget Reilly said. “It kind of put a damper on things to see all those trees but no snow.”
The Nordic Ski Club in particular depends on the snow for their events.
“We don’t have enough snow to ski; it’s just not as good,” sophomore Nate Engel said.
The club now holds practice on Lake Sag for lack of a better location, and they had to cancel a meet over Winter Break because there was no snow.
Despite the money saved, the lack of snow has created difficulties for clubs that rely on winters.