Walking through the grass on campus usually seems like a good idea for students who are running late, but the maintenance crew wishes students and faculty would be attentive when it comes to where they are stepping.

In early April, the maintenance staff over-seeded the entire campus in attempts to help the grass grow. They aerated the campus for less compaction and more necessary nutrients.

The areas in which new seed has been planted are responding well except where there is heavy foot traffic. Walking on the grass, or even just cutting corners, prevents the growth of the new grass by compacting the dirt.

“Everyone on campus should try to be mindful to the fact that we’re trying to promote the growth of the grass,” Jeremy Portlock, director of physical plant, said.

Every day the Baker University maintenance staff is seen on campus doing simple tasks such as picking up sticks and trash, but in order to keep Baker looking its best, they have a lot of behind the scenes work they do.

Portlock himself admits that he has walked across the grass a few times, but the maintenance staff wants to remind students and faculty that the few extra seconds it will take to walk along the sidewalk are not only good for the body, but good for the grass as well.