| Overall Rating | Reporter - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | |
| Liaison | Jenny Isler |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Clark University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Jenny
Isler Director of Sustainability Physical Plant / Facilities |
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses a four-tiered approach | 0 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an organic land care standard or sustainable landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials | 0 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 52 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 52 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds (e.g. the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces, experimental agricultural land, areas that are not regularly managed or maintained):
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
Through intensive monitoring, we are able to determine pest response threshold levels. Along with monitoring, record keeping is an important keystone of our program. Accurate records can be a valuable aid and can help determine the approach needed in order to keep our practices in the best sustainable manner.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an organic program:
A brief description of the organic land standard or landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials:
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
As a small, urban campus, Clark does not have extensive landscaping nor existing vegetation, except in the Hadwen Arboretum which is completely undisturbed and wild. On campus many of the trees and shrubs may date back to the beginning of the University in the early 1900's, and there are no invasive species. However, when considering replacement trees, shrubs and perennials we prioritize hardy native species due to their resilience and low maintenance. Additionally, we have created 6 small landscaped areas in the past 3 years, designed by students, that are wildlife/biodiversity/native species gardens. In 2013 we installed a highly functional rain garden, also designed by students, that is entirely native species.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
We have a rain garden to capture stormwater run off. As an urban campus with well-established old trees and shrubs, we rely on rainwater for much of the irrigation; our existing irrigation systems are on separate meters but are city water because we are urban. We comply with EPA and other regulations when doing renovations. We are phasing in permable surfaces where possible as replacement occurs.
A brief description of the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
Recycling of materials produced by the day to day work of the Grounds Department helps to manage and minimize waste. All mowers are outfitted with mulching/recycling cutting units, when possible, to minimize both waste and labor. Materials that are gathered in other practices (i.e.: organic material) are collected and brought to a centralized composting location, where they can be allowed to breakdown and be used for fertilizers and planting material. Along with the previously mentioned practices, wood chips gathered from tree pruning and removals can be gathered and used in place of outsourced bark mulch.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution (e.g. use of environmentally preferable landscaping materials, initiatives to reduce the impacts of ice and snow removal, wildfire prevention):
Reduction of salt and chemical use through the prioritizing of needed areas, while also utilizing weather forecasting to help with timing pretreatment of all areas. Pretreatment of surfaces prior to a snow/ice event allows product to start working as soon as snow/ice event starts, leading to greater efficiency in plowing while reducing the amount of post storm material usage.
The website URL where information about the programs or 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.