| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.55 |
| Liaison | Susan Powers |
| Submission Date | Feb. 22, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Clarkson University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.97 / 2.00 |
Alex
French Sustainability Coordinator ISE |
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 | 708 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 11 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 719 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):
Included in the 791 acres we own are:
-22 acres of building footprint
-Around 50 acres of parking and roads
-Campus lawns
-Hundreds of acres on various parcels of natural space that are managed for recreation, research and ecosystem services
-Only 11 acres are conventionally managed. These include a subset of key lawns and athletic fields.
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:
The University Grounds crew monitors samples of an area and waits until a pest is prevalent before engaging in eradication. Pests are specifically targeted for elimination. We use preventative measures, such as deer resistant plants. We try natural methods as a first line of control before moving onto harsher methods.
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:
We are fortunate to live in a lush and healthy ecosystem. We only use chemicals on athletic fields and on one central campus lawn. The rest of our land is managed organically. We follow organic principles but do not have a third party standard. At the time of our last AASHE report we were treating 57 acres with chemicals. Our grounds department has very consciously been moving towards organic stewardship.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Our tree plan has a policy of using only native species, although not all of our plants and shrubs are currently native. We do not plant any invasive species. We control for japanese beetles, aphids, sawfly, and tentworm on an as-needed basis in key areas critical to landscape appearance. The emerald ash borer is a serious concern in our area. All non-treated ash trees will be killed by this invasive. We have started to treat key trees on campus against the EAB. One of our senior groundskeepers is very experienced with arboriculture. He gives special attention to how trees are pruned and managed throughout the season. Careful pruning with insight into how the weight of a veteran tree is distributed adds to the lifespan of our trees.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
Clarkson maintains significantly more pervious than impervious surfaces on campus. Where possible, Clarkson encourages aquifer replenishment by allowing water to filter slowly into the groundwater. Where feasible, use open channel storm drainage and vegetated swales for storm water conveyance instead of pipes. (Facilities Management, Sect. 3.4)
We use salt brine to lessen the amount of salt (this also helps to keep off rodents). We also use SNO-PLOW WITH LIQUI-FIRE instead of salt. It is reported as non toxic to humans, pets, or vegetation if used in proper quantities. Most of the snow is simply blown into the yards rather than trucked away.
A brief description of the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
Organic landscape wastes are composted or chipped as appropriate. Both materials are reused in landscaping. No dyed mulch is used. Fertilizer from our-on campus anaerobic digester is used in parts of our landscaping - the material is derived from on-campus food waste.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
*Build close to existing infrastructure to minimize the need for tertiary development. For example, minimize utility runs. Minimize energy use by using solar gain or shading to the maximum extent possible.
• Utilize natural ventilation techniques.
• Maximize views and spaces for peaceful contemplation by capitalizing on the surrounding natural
beauty.
(http://www.clarkson.edu/facilities/Engineering/environmentalstandards.pdf)
*Sustainable SITES is referenced in our design standards. The standards state, "The Design Team shall utilize passive design strategies to create resource efficient buildings and to address important issues such as site impact, connectivity, water quality, and habitat protection."
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):
*From our construction design standards:
Clarkson University is committed to employ strategies to efficiently use its land resources for development; promote a pedestrian and bicycle friendly campus; and strategically preserve its woodlands, wetlands, and waterways to maintain the campus image and provide for ecological diversity. Clarkson encourages a park
concept and retention of natural species and habitat. The Design Teams shall emphasize the natural beauty of its woodlands, wetlands, and waterways while following Clarkson’s landscaping requirements, see Chapter 4, DIV32 Site Improvements.
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 attached files is the same material in the web site. These materials are accessible to anyone in the Clarkson community, but not through our external web site
The attached files is the same material in the web site. These materials are accessible to anyone in the Clarkson community, but not through our external web site
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.