The Ecological Landscape Stewardship Plan is shaping the future of University of Pennsylvania’s campus landscape. It is a high-profile model for stewardship within an urban university setting. The aesthetic of the urban landscape is evolving into one that reflects more diversity and ecological richness, an approach that can help reduce inputs and cost. A beautiful and sustainable urban landscape can be achieved through proper plant selection and proper stewardship. In addition to acting as the on-call landscape architect, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects conducted research on the University’s landscape standards, guidelines, communications between groups responsible for the sites, and current landscape performance. The project deliverables include solutions to improve landscape performance and recommendations to streamline operations and reduce maintenance requirements to a degree that aligns with the University’s sustainability goals, without compromising aesthetics. The four sites chosen for this project are representative of the diversity of the urban environment: highly active lawn spaces, shaded and heavily paved pedestrian areas, trees competing with paving and buildings, large swaths of perennial plantings, and biofiltration areas. Challenges to maintenance include heavy pedestrian pressure, snow removal, security, and an overall need for a clean and controlled appearance. The research recognizes that these areas need to be beautiful, while sustainably and economically maintained.