When John Kyndt arrived at Bellevue University 13 years ago he was greeted by a less-than-inspiring science lab.
Professor John Kyndt in a greenhouse at Bellevue University. He leads students in hands-on soil research, and guides them as they identify which native plants thrive on campus.
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From left, Evelyne Aguirre, Genesis Gallegos and Maria Orta collect soil samples at Bellevue University. Majors in biology and sustainability management are offered.
Flowers growing at Bellevue University. Twenty acres of the 67-acre campus are planted in native species and that number is growing.
Microbiology teacher John Kyndt lectures in one of the natural science labs on Bellevue University’s campus.
Photos: Bellevue University is transforming it's 67-acre campus into a living classroom
John Kyndt, a professor at Bellevue University, stands for a portrait in a greenhouse at the university on Friday, June 5, 2026. Kyndt leads students in hands on soil research, and guides them as they identify which native plants thrive on campus.
Maria Orta, one John Kyndt’s students, collects a soil sample at Bellevue University in Bellevue on Friday, June 5, 2026 .
John Kyndt’s students collect soil samples at Bellevue University in Bellevue on Friday, June 5, 2026 .
Genesis Gallegos, left, and Maria Orta, who are John Kyndt’s students, collect soil samples at Bellevue University in Bellevue on Friday, June 5, 2026 .
From left, Evelyne Aguirre, Genesis Gallegos, and Maria Orta, who are John Kyndt’s students, collect soil samples at Bellevue University in Bellevue on Friday, June 5, 2026 .
Flowers are seen growing at Bellevue University in Bellevue on Friday, June 5, 2026. Bellevue University is transforming its campus into outdoor classrooms, where students study soil health and sustainability, and identify which native plants thrive across campus.
Greenhouses are seen at Bellevue University in Bellevue on Friday, June 5, 2026. Bellevue University is transforming its campus into outdoor classrooms, where students study soil health and sustainability, and identify which native plants thrive across campus.
John Kyndt, a professor at Bellevue University, stands for a portrait in a greenhouse at the university on Friday, June 5, 2026. Kyndt leads students in hands on soil research, and guides them as they identify which native plants thrive on campus.
Native plants are seen growing in a greenhouse at Bellevue University in Bellevue on Friday, June 5, 2026. Bellevue University is transforming its campus into outdoor classrooms, where students study soil health and sustainability, and identify which native plants thrive across campus. These plants will eventually be transplanted outdoors.
Native plants are seen growing in a greenhouse at Bellevue University in Bellevue on Friday, June 5, 2026. Bellevue University is transforming its campus into outdoor classrooms, where students study soil health and sustainability, and identify which native plants thrive across campus. These plants will eventually be transplanted outdoors.
