| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.63 |
| Liaison | Amy Kadrie |
| Submission Date | Jan. 6, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Rochester
OP-11: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Patricia
Beaumont Director Facilities Support Operations |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of any legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance on institution owned or managed land:
The University of Rochester's South Campus is home to an ecologically rich, biodiverse, old-growth forest, Whipple Woods. Assistant Professor Justin Ramsey and Research Associate Tara Ramsey assembled a team of students to conducted extensive site surveys and data collection to research the distribution of plant life in the forest. The Ramsey team built trails, enacted controls on certain invasive plants, and served to manage the Whipple Woods. The trails benefit the area by keeping people off sensitive areas that would be damaged from being stepped on and disturbed.
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
The methodology(-ies) used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
An environmental study is performed on any undeveloped property prior to construction. Evaluation includes water, wildlife, ecosystem evaluation.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
The Chorus Frog lives in vernal ponds near the Laser Lab in Whipple Woods on South Campus. Vernal ponds are protected in Massachusetts but are not legally protected in New York State. The University took it upon themselves to provide a suitable habitat for these frogs since the expansion of the laser lab would take away part of their habitat. Shortly after the new habitat was built the frogs had successfully migrated to their new home a mere 100 yards away.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
There are in-place wildlife habitats on the lands owned by the University of Rochester. There are habitats on the South Campus (old growth forest), alongside the Genessee River, and around the Mees Observatory.
The website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity policies and programs(s) 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.