George Washington University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Joshua
Lasky Director Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
GW has completed an assessment of species on the university's campuses, including identification of endangered and vulnerable species. A yearlong effort to inventory species concluded in spring of 2022 through a series of biodiversity studies. The outcome of the assessment was a baseline of research data for use in classroom teaching and campus operations that can be compared against after completing future assessments. GW is planning to complete future assessments as the university continues to implement the Sustainable Landscape Design Guidelines, seeking to produce benefits from these practices.
Washington, DC, has one endangered species and two threatened species. Loudoun County, Virginia, (where the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus is located) has one endangered species and one threatened species. GW will continue to protect healthy habitats on campus through well maintained green spaces.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
GW concluded the process of process of establishing a biodiversity baseline in spring of 2022.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
Biodiversity information at GW was produced from downloaded, research grade data from iNaturalist. The open source nature of this species occurrence data allows it to continually be collected, vetted, and updated by participants on campus and remote naturalists. Information was collected on an ongoing basis as well as through two scheduled, faculty-led bioblitzes wherein students and volunteers assessed a defined location at GW.
Research grade data was filtered while within “The George Washington University” point of interest bounding box in iNaturalist. Research grade material indicated identifications have been vetted by at least two users. Observers, Identifiers, observation totals, and total species were gathered, and individual observation data was downloaded. Further data analysis was completed in Microsoft Excel, and maps were analyzed and completed in ArcGIS. These maps were based on observation (or occurrence) data and depict areas of high density through a kernel density function. Mapping the priority blocks used a “closest” proximity analysis based on spatial location, to condense nearest occurrence points within each block.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
GW concluded the process of process of establishing a biodiversity baseline in spring of 2022.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
GW's campus is in the heart of downtown Washington, DC. As such opportunities to protect and preserve wildlife habitat are at a premium. The GW Ecosystems Enhancement Strategy lays out goals and targets to enhance biodiversity on campus. The GW Sustainable Landscapes Guidelines provide specific plants and design guidelines to enhance habitat and biodiversity on campus.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.