| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 51.25 |
| Liaison | Jacob Saffert |
| Submission Date | Feb. 4, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Saint John's University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Jacob
Saffert Sustainability Fellow Office of Sustainability |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 302 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 30.90 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 151.10 Acres |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 120 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 :
There is no set IPM plan on campus; pest control problems (which occur very rarely) are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. If possible, no action is taken and the pests are left to run their course. However, when problems do arise they are dealt with in a manner consistent with the U.S. EPA's IPM criteria. Every effort is made to choose the least harmful, most targeted control method. For example, the campus gardens had an army worm infestation last year which they addressed using a mixture of dish soap and water.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Plant selection is a key part of the SJU Grounds Department's sustainable landscape management plan. The soil conditions of different locations are considered when selecting which plants to use. For example, a garden that is in a dry area should have plants that can tolerate dry conditions. This limits the amount of watering that needs to be done to maintain the gardens. Selecting plants which are appropriate for the soil type of a specific area on campus can also decrease fertilizer usage, since the soil will already have the proper nutrients for the given plant variety.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
Native cultivars are frequently selected for use in the gardens around campus.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
Leaves and grass clippings are put in a compost pile and actively composted, after which the black dirt is used in the monastic and campus gardens.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
The SJU Grounds Department composts leaves and trimmings. The compost is then used in place of some fertilizers in the on-campus gardens.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
Annuals are grown on campus using compost and organic fertilizer. Additionally, pots are washed, disinfected and reused from year to year rather than buy new ones every planting season. The pots would otherwise end up in the landfill because they are not recyclable. An all-natural disinfectant is used to clean the pots.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
There are several rain gardens on campus. Natural hyrdology is considered during any major building project.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
The grounds department tries not to use sand, salt, or other chemicals if possible. When absolutely necessary, low-impact sidewalk salt that does not damage the grass or other plant life is used. Grits are also used regularly.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
The St. John's Abbey Arboretum surrounds university-owned property. The land is FSC-certified and sustainably managed.
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 source of these answers was a phone interview on 11/6/14 with John Elton of the SJU Grounds Department.
The source of these answers was a phone interview on 11/6/14 with John Elton of the SJU Grounds Department.
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.