| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.34 |
| Liaison | Elizabeth MacKenzie |
| Submission Date | July 24, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Iowa
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Sara
Maples Interim Director The UI Office of Sustainability |
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses a four-tiered approach | 515.96 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an organic land care standard or sustainable landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials | 0 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 515.96 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds (e.g. the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces, experimental agricultural land, areas that are not regularly managed or maintained):
Managed grounds include natural areas that are maintained by the landscape services department within facilities management. This does not include buildings and impervious surfaces (sidewalks, parking lots and structures, and so forth).
Facilities Management maintains 515.96 acres of the University of Iowa campus, all of which are managed under an IPM program which categorizes zones based upon their usage and needs.
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:
UI Facilities Management has implemented a modified integrated pest management plan that is based on constant monitoring of conditions, control of invasive species and applications of low impact chemicals only when needed. A multi-year pilot program on the efficacy of compost tea for nutrient support and pest and invasive species control is being conducted on selective areas of campus.
The irrigation system on the Pentacrest has allowed a dramatic reduction in the use of herbicides in this area. Providing adequate moisture to promote good turf growth significantly reduces the ability of weeds to become established and thus reduces the need for chemical applications. A quality turf appearance is expected in Category A zones where the highest level of landscape maintenance quality is provided.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an organic program:
A brief description of the organic land standard or landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials:
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
The UI Facilities Management landscaping staff uses plant material native to this climate zone whenever feasible. Many acres of campus are located in an urban setting, so native plantings are used where appropriate. Experience has shown that native plantings require less maintenance and support native bird and insect populations. Native plant species are used effectively in campus rain gardens and in areas where low-mow turf is incorporated.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
A brief description of the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
In partnership with the City of Iowa City, the University of Iowa delivers yard waste to the municipal compost site. In turn, the UI uses the finished compost in campus landscaping. The UI also maintains a small stockpile of mulched tree chippings and leaf debris that are used as soil amendment or top dressing when appropriate.
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 (e.g. use of environmentally preferable landscaping materials, initiatives to reduce the impacts of ice and snow removal, wildfire prevention):
The UI Facilities Management employs a risk-management approach for the snow and ice removal program. Pedestrian and vehicle safety is the primary focus. The selection of management approaches and materials to achieve safe travel conditions is based on reducing ecological impact whenever possible. The first level of response is removal of snow and ice with blades and/or brooms. When a safe travel surface cannot be achieved by mechanical means, a sand and material mixture is applied to melt snow and ice only where necessary.
The UI uses a beet juice-infused salt mixture that remains effective at lower temperatures. Experience has shown that, because of its effectiveness, much less mixture is required. UI Facilities Management limits the use of this material along walks adjacent to the Iowa River in an effort to minimize runoff into the river.
The website URL where information about the programs or 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.