Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.98
Liaison Peter Barker
Submission Date March 14, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

St. John's University, New York
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.50 / 2.00 Joanna Shields
STARS Research Analyst
Facilities
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 105 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 60.70 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 0 Acres

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 0 Acres
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined 44.30 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 0 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

The St. John's University Sustainability department manages pests through the use of bates and traps. No poisons/chemicals are used.


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

St. John's University has pursued many different projects and partnerships to help enhance sustainable landscaping on our campuses, including developing more sustainable Organic Soils Management and collaboration with Million Trees NYC. The University has been working with Louis C. Fusco Landscape Architects since 2005. Their goal has always been to create new and renovated spaces and corridors that are not only welcoming and user–friendly, but also promote a more positive connection to the environment through the use of sustainable practices.


A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:

The plant palette used on campus consists of material that is hardy to the climate of the campus which requires minimal watering and maintenance, eliminating the need for pesticides, fertilizers and non-organic supplements. The landscape architect, Louis Fusco, uses native plants in the Campus palette whenever possible.


A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:

Grass trimmings are cut and left where they lie, allowed to mulch back into the lawn.
Fall leaves are collected and composted either in the windrow or the O2 compost system, both of which are maintained by the Office of Sustainability and the Earth Club.


A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:

The latest sustainability initiative on the Queens campus is building an O2 Compost System. This is an aerobic compost styem which has an enclosed structure with pipes that run through the system. This allows air flow produced from an electric blower. Inspiration for the O2 Compost System came from Stone Barns Farm in Pocantico Hills, New York.
In the Summer of 2011, St. John's purchased a Geo Tea - Compost Tea Brewer.
The compost tea is made from the combination of compost, water, and other additives that is brewed in a compost tea brewer for 24 hours. When it's done,the mixture is diluted, mixed with additives (molasses), and sprayed on grass and tree beds.

More information on these practices can be found at: http://www.stjohns.edu/campuses/sustainability/enhancements-sustainable-landscaping


A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:

The University utilizes recycled furniture/site amenities and has introducted LED and low voltage light fixtures around campus to lower the campus’ carbon footprint. In an effort to capture and treat a greater volume of storm water, the University's Landscape Architects have converted lawn and some paved areas into planting beds to prevent runoff.


A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:

Traditional parking areas with large expanses of asphalt have been transformed into an eco- friendly parking environment with the planting of over 60 trees in bio-filtration strips to help capture and filter storm water run-off, improve air quality and reduce the heat island effect.


A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):

Peldow manufacture by Dow Chemical (Calcium Chloride) is used on the walkways. A rock salt and sand mixture is used on the roadways.


A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
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Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
Yes

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.