| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.20 |
| Liaison | Anne Duncan |
| Submission Date | Jan. 29, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Wartburg College
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
John
Wuertz Director of Physical Plant Maintenance |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 159.47 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 10.87 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 0.92 Acres |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 147.68 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 0 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
We follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Pest Management Principles
http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/ipm.htm
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
The Wartburg College Campus Sustainability Plan addresses landscape management. This plan is written with eight sustainability related sections, the sixth being Campus Environment (Water, Land and Air Quality). The vision of this section is: The College will adopt best-management practices that improve air and water quality plus land practices that reduce run-off and improve biodiversity. Under this section, goals one through five address landscape of our campus.
1. Irrigation Water Consumption: The College will adopt best-management practices for minimizing irrigation and increased use of graywater.
2. Landscaping BMP’s: Follow best-management practices (BMP) in regard to landscape design and maintenance, including recommendations from the US Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program. Considerations should be given to Xeriscaping, native plantings, no-mow zones, and biodiversity, etc.
3. Organic Campus: The College will work toward using Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed pesticides and fertilizers on campus.
4. Integrated Pest Management: Develop and follow a plan that conforms to the EPA IPM principals.11 Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) plans is important to address the issue of ridding the property of pests while avoiding methods that put the long-term health of students and staff at risk.
5. Stormwater Management: The College will adopt best management practices for storm water control on campus as identified by environmental agencies such as Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation District, etc.
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 college tries to use native plants when possible and is working to be more conscious about doing so. Native plants are better designed for our frigid winters and hot summers, making it easier to maintain them. Plants in our area must be hardy, and flood and drought tolerant. The connection with the grounds crew and sustainability grows annually.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
When we mow, we leave the grass clippings on the ground for natural mulch. In the fall we either compost leaves in place (chop them up on the grass where the fall) or we haul them offsite to the city of Waverly’s waste site where they are processed by the city's compost facility. We also take branches and other trimmings to the city’s waste site throughout the year.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
No significant actions outside of the IMP.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
We are fortunate to live in a city which provides free mulch and compost from the . We use this local, chemical free resource instead of purchasing products. We also work closely with local green houses to source landscaping plants and materials.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Managed grounds are aerated annually to help increase water absorption and infiltration.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
When it snows we plow and remove snow and ice as soon as possible from sidewalks and parking lots so we don’t get a buildup. We choose environmentally friendly ice melt products to protect the grass on campus and the waterways it eventually drains into.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
none
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
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.