| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 46.40 |
| Liaison | Robert Sitler |
| Submission Date | July 14, 2023 |
Stetson University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Cindy
Bennington Dr Biology |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The Volusia Sandhill Teaching Landscape is a 1 acre plot of land that has been restored to represent the ecosystem that historically dominated the uplands of the southeastern United States. This ecosystem is characterized by a densely diverse understory of shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses, as well as a sparse canopy of mostly longleaf pines and turkey oak trees.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
The Volusia Sandhill Teaching Landscape is a 1 acre plot of land that has been restored to represent the ecosystem that historically dominated the uplands of the southeastern United States. This ecosystem is characterized by a densely diverse understory of shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses, as well as a sparse canopy of mostly longleaf pines and turkey oak trees.
Confirmed SC 2/11/2015
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
Sandhill habitat in the southeastern United States is recognized for having one of the most biodiverse understories of any natural community in North America. Restoration efforts in the Volusia Sandhill are aimed at maintaining as much diversity as possible by partnering with managers of local sandhill habitat to acquire seeds and rootstock of native and endemic plants.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
Because the area is small, we record survivorship of all transplants, propagate plants through seed collection within the site, and biannually measure longleaf pine survival and growth. In addition, we monitor pollinator populations as a measure of ecosystem function.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
The Volusia Sandhill is associated with the University's Gillespie Museum of Minerals and has been incorporated into educational programming of the museum. Passive educational signage and active programming for undergraduates and the general public have created opportunities for the expansion of the museum's programming to include Florida's natural history. Thus, the protection of the ecosystem is intimately integrated into the educational mission of the university, providing protection in perpetuity.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives 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.