| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 50.16 |
| Liaison | Elaine Durr |
| Submission Date | Nov. 9, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Elon University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.73 / 2.00 |
Tom
Flood Associate Director; Director Physical Plant; Landscaping and Grounds |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 615 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 36 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 223.50 Acres |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 260 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 0 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
The goal of integrated pest management is to preserve and protect the landscape, while minimizing personal and environmental impacts, and establish sustainable landscape management practices. The integrated pest management protocol consists of six principles: 1 - identify the pest to be managed, 2 - define the management area, 3 - establish monitoring techniques, 4 - establish thresholds of tolerance (health, economic, aesthetic), 5 - develop predictive models for each target pest and 6 - develop a management plan and schedule for each target pest. Although specific practices vary widely, there are several guidelines.
First, the campus landscape will be maintained to meet established standards of landscape management and appearance. Typically, the thresholds of tolerance will be damage and/or appearance. Secondly, in accordance with IPM principles, the order of control options should be: plant species options; cultural; physical or mechanical; biorational; biological; and lastly synthetic chemical control. Thirdly, we will seek new options or products (especially concerning the difficult pest problem of weed control).
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
Elon collects and composts 100% of its own yard waste in a facility located on the edge of campus. The program closes the loop on the University's yard waste as the final compost product is used in campus landscaping to improve soil quality and reduce water and fertilizer requirements.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
On sidewalks, power brooms are used whenever possible as they will remove all snow, minimizing or eliminating the need for de-icing materials. Roadways and parking lots are generally plowed and de-icer is only applied when conditions become unsafe, and then as little as possible. When de-icing material must be applied, it is applied only by the grounds crew who are trained in the use of spreading equipment, which provides even coverage and minimal product use.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
In 2012, the Elon Community Garden was designated a certified wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
The Elon Community Garden was initiated by an environmental ethics course to foster education, spirituality, service, community discussion and sustainability and was fully established by a student as part of a senior thesis project. It is a place for Elon students, faculty, staff, children and community to come together. It is now used as a laboratory for courses and volunteer location for any interested student. Organic practices are utilized in the garden, and gardening tasks are coordinated by student managers.
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
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.