| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.20 |
| Liaison | Anne Duncan |
| Submission Date | Jan. 29, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Wartburg College
OP-11: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Anne
Duncan Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
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?:
No
None
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:
---
None
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes
None
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes
None
The methodology(-ies) used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
During the 13/14 year, a small group of selected environmental science majors conducted the first phase of biodiversity identification on central campus. This groups was advised by three biology faculty and the sustainability coordinator. This survey allowed the group to explore every corner of campus. From this survey, the students posed recommendations to improve the biodiversity on campus. Unfortunately we found that our main campus is lacking in native specie biodiversity.
As a precursor to the work by students, we asked a group of ecological professionals, including ecologists, local government officials, and staff, to tour our sensitive areas and determine eligibility for improvement. From this, we found some sensitive species in our dry run creek area. We are working towards a project to improve the environment in that area.
None
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Students identified all trees on main campus, classifying them by genus at least, most by species.
None
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
The efforts listed above are a result of our Campus Sustainability Plan. 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 two through five directly support the increased biodiversity of our campus.
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.
None
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.