Agnes Scott College
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Susan
Kidd Executive Director Center for Sustainability |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
At the beginning of the college’s sustainability program, we conducted an initial wildlife assessment with the Atlanta Audubon to help the college encourage wildlife species on campus. Through this assessment, no endangered species were identified. The species that were identified include hawks, blue birds, cardinals, and other local bird species.
As a Level II arboretum, Agnes Scott hosts 100 unique tree species on campus. Through the Level II accreditation process, Agnes Scott identified 31 of 32 rare and engaged Georgia native oak species on campus. The college is committed to maintaining a vibrant canopy of native Georgia oaks as part of future tree canopy maintenance.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
No environmentally sensitive areas were identified. Our urban setting precludes any areas of biodiversity importance.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
The college has completed, with assistance and funding from the US Forest Service and the college’s consulting an arborist, an audit of Agnes Scott’s nationally recognized tree canopy. The Center is currently finalizing a Tree Care Plan for 2020-2025, which will provide Agnes Scott with the guidelines for best management practices and policies to ensure the Arboretum’s unique benefits to the college are protected and continued. Agnes Scott is designated as a Tree Campus USA, a Bee Campus USA, and as a Level II Arboretum by ArbNet, managed by the Morton Arboretum.
As indicated above, the Center completed a wildlife survey with the Atlanta Audubon. The center is currently working to continue this partnership with Atlanta Audubon, by becoming a certified Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary. The program is part of a start-up with the Atlanta Audubon Society to expand the wildlife sanctuary program from residential properties to campuses and larger areas within and around Atlanta. Assessments have been completed by members of Atlanta Audubon on potential areas that are suitable for Wildlife Sanctuary Certification. Agnes Scott will begin service projects to clean up the areas from any invasive vegetation and plant mid-story native trees to set a goal of Wildlife Sanctuary Certification later in 2021.
As indicated above, the Center completed a wildlife survey with the Atlanta Audubon. The Center is currently working to continue this partnership with Atlanta Audubon, by becoming a certified Audubon Wildlife sanctuary. The program is part of a start-up with the Atlanta Audubon Society to expand the wildlife sanctuary program from residential properties to campuses and larger areas within and around Atlanta. Assessments have been completed by members of Atlanta Audubon on potential areas that are suitable for Wildlife Sanctuary Certification. Agnes Scott will begin service projects to clean up the areas from any invasive vegetation and plant mid-story native trees to set a goal of Wildlife Sanctuary Certification later in 2021.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The college’s tree inventory includes all 100 acres of campus. Atlanta Audubon assessed the entire campus to identify sites for the college’s Wildlife Sanctuary.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
The college’s retention pond and its immediate surroundings are managed for wildlife. This area will be protected and certified as an Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary later in 2021.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity 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.