Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects developed a design for the Landscape at the new Wister Education Center and Greenhouse at the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College. The emphasis of this design is to create a sustainable landscape model while providing a teaching laboratory environment. Native plantings and rain gardens incorporate informative signage describing their environmental benefits. Elements such as permeable paving and reflective surfacing contribute to improved storm water management and reduced heat island effect. Great efforts have been made to preserve original vegetation while adding new selections to the collection and recycling any material that could not be preserved on site. Swarthmore College received a LEED Gold certification for the project.