Okanagan College
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Graham
Kershaw Manager, Property Services Campus Development & Facilities Management |
Total campus area:
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed organically, without the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides | 0 Hectares |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 37.86 Hectares |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Hectares |
| Total area of managed grounds | 37.86 Hectares |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
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:
All plants, shrubs and trees are purchased according to their compatibility to our natural environment. Preference is given to native plants and drought tolerant species. The college works closely with the city and regional districts in monitoring seasonal infestations. Turf areas are treated with granular corn gluten for annual seed germination suppression. Alfalfa – maize 5-1-5 and sea kelp extract are used as fertilizers. “Zeba” a moisture retention product is used in planters and overly arid areas. In conjunction with sunshine, horticultural vinegar is used to control weeds in paved areas. Additionally annual aeration and top dressing using organic mulch help to sustain the turfed areas. Trees are monitored by certified arborists.
As an example, in the spring of 2010 an infestation of aphids populating the maple trees was treated using water sprays where feasible and ladybugs on the trees in the courtyard.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Native plants are present and cultivated on all 4 campuses.
They are used exclusively for any new planting and we are slowly replacing our existing green spaces with indigenous species as budget allows.
Currently, they cover 40% of our green spaces.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
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:
Our policy is to remove as much snow and ice as possible early in the day - to allow the sun to heat up the black-top surfaces and encourage the melting of any remaining snow or ice.
Where additional melting is required, we use magnesium chloride as the environmental impact is less than other products.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program 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.