Queen’s University is set to become the first post-secondary institution in North America to install carbon-sequestering field turf as part of the revitalization project for Nixon Field.

With the field’s operating season over, the existing turf is being removed this week and the turf replacement – part of Athletics & Recreation’s 10-year capital plan – will be completed in the spring.

With partners FieldTurf and local company Canadian Wollastonite, the project will use enhanced rock weathering (ERW) – a nature-based process that accelerates the natural weathering of rocks –as a base beneath the new turf field. The technology will help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help address climate change by sequestering  the carbon equivalent of 165 tree seedlings grown over 10 years, or 11.7 acres of forest annually.

“With thousands of students using Nixon Field to play, compete, and engage in co-curricular activities, creating a space that contributes to environmental sustainability is in line with the strategic objectives of the university and the City of Kingston,” says Queen’s Athletics & Recreation Executive Director Linda Melnick. “By partnering with Kingston-based Canadian Wollastonite and FieldTurf, an industry leader, to establish a North American first, we are furthering the university and broader community’s commitment to sustainability. Replacing the Nixon Field playing surface aligns with A&R's commitment to continuous improvement and work towards the department's vision, ‘where active pursuits become golden moments.”

The project is an extension of a research and teaching partnership between Queen’s and Canadian Wollastonite, with Queen’s students gaining experiential learning opportunities as part of the field replacement project committee.

Located in the heart of campus, Nixon Field provides exercise and competitive sport opportunities for more than 14,000 recreational participants, varsity athletes, and Kingston community sports groups annually. It is also the home of the women’s and men’s Queen’s Gaels rugby teams.

More information about the project is available on the Athletics & Recreation website.