July 23, 2025 —Staff members and residents at Kendal at Ithaca actively engage in efforts to protect and improve the environment. From implementing environmentally friendly policies to collaborating with sustainability groups, Kendal at Ithaca is committed to environmental stewardship and living the values that guide the Kendal System.
Community-Centered Environmental Planning
Tunley Environmental, a team of trusted sustainability scientists, helped develop a carbon reduction and biodiversity map for Kendal at Ithaca.
Resident focus groups and questionnaires shaped the community’s sustainability initiatives by providing valuable insights into what residents prioritize, including green space accessibility, sustainability interests and biodiversity goals, to align environmental efforts with what matters most to the community.
“It’s inspiring to see how residents drive Kendal at Ithaca’s sustainability initiatives forward,” shared Laurie Mante, Executive Director of Kendal at Ithaca. “Their devotion to drive real change creates a space where every voice is not only heard but deeply valued.”
Kendal at Ithaca’s collaboration with Tunley Environmental provided valuable guidance on land use, conservation efforts and campus development, offering a clear pathway for reducing carbon on campus and an overview of habitat classifications on the property.
Kendal at Ithaca’s dedication to sustainability reflects their unwavering commitment to fostering community through collaboration and listening, ensuring environmental efforts are driven by those who call the community “home.”
Sustainable Innovations on Campus
Building on their ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, Kendal at Ithaca developed a three-year program for a low-mow/no-mow test area, which is a designated area where mowing is reduced or eliminated to allow native plants and grass to flourish. Low-mow varieties are being analyzed for certain areas around campus.
The community also implemented a reusable cup policy in the Café to eliminate the use of disposable cups and began composting yard waste into nutrient-rich material. These combined efforts reduce landfill waste and work to lower the Kendal at Ithaca’s carbon footprint.
Engagement for a Greener Future
Alongside these efforts, Kendal at Ithaca actively participates in ongoing Kendal System-wide sustainability meetings, which support Affiliate communities across the country as they implement programs that reflect Quaker principles of earth stewardship.
The community is dedicated to creating an eco-friendly environment for both staff and residents to enjoy.
Part of that work includes residents serving on the board of Senior Stewards Acting for the Environment (SSAFE), a resident-founded organization that promotes a sustainable planet for all generations.
Through the community’s involvement with SSAFE and their own sustainability programs, Kendal at Ithaca successfully conducted an energy audit, created pollinator gardens, restored bird habitats and outdoor recreation spaces, reduced the use of herbicides and insecticides, introduced eco-friendly tools, and more.
As Kendal at Ithaca’s pursuit of sustainability continues, residents and staff remain committed to reducing their carbon footprint. The community stands as a shining example of how the Kendal System continues to prioritize the impact they have on the environment.