| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 37.09 |
| Liaison | Adam Strzemienski |
| Submission Date | Sept. 18, 2023 |
University of North Georgia
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.43 / 2.00 |
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 | 500 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 0 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 200 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 700 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
We have several hundred acres of minimally managed natural forests with trails. We do not use any type of inorganic treatments in these areas.
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
We have several hundred acres of minimally managed natural forests with trails. We do not use any type of inorganic treatments in these areas.
We have a 60 acre plot called Hurricane Creek Research & Conservation area. This area is used for proof of concept research in hemlock preservation, river bank erosion control/stabilization, a variety of plant species restoration including a grove of American Chestnut.
Pine Valley is an outdoor recreation site that features obstacles and tree-based ropes courses next to the Etowah River. This area is treated organically.
Tumbling Creek is a 70 acre plot in Gainesville that also features native plant restoration, invasive plant eradication, shoreline stabilization, water quality monitoring, and recreation trails. This area is treated organically.
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:
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
UNG is a member of Tree Campus USA through Arbor Day. We devote financial and labor resources to maintaining a healthy tree canopy. We utilize xeriscaping by planting hardy plans that do not require the use of irrigation. We do utilize selective chemical application on lawns in high visibility areas to combat weeds. This is usually sprayed to prevent unintended issues with runoff.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
UNG only used irrigation to establish new plantings, it is abandoned after that.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Facilities and Operations uses mulch in flower beds, under specimen trees, and natural areas to prevent weeds and retain moisture. Much of the mulch used is chipped storm debris or from tree maintenance.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
UNG utilizes trees around our buildings for shade and wind screens. Many of our parking lots have islands with mature shade trees.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
Through coordination with faculty, UNG is employing more use of natives and is establishing pollinator gardens on campuses. On our main campus in Dahlonega, an apple tree orchard was recently planted near student housing. This will eventually contribute to a longer term plan to incorporate food forests into our landscapes.
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.