Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.35
Liaison Laurie Husted
Submission Date June 9, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Bard College
OP-10: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Randy Clum
Asst. Director Buildings & Grounds
Buildings & Grounds
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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?:
Yes

A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:

The 1,722-acre Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area, abutting campus to the north, is maintained by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. It is also a National Bird Conservation Area. http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/36997.html


Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas (including most recent year assessed) and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:

Prior to new construction, and as part of the NY SEQRA process, third party biologists survey the impact area.


A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

We have identified:
shag bark hickory - bat habitat


A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

Bard College is the first officially deemed North American "Bird Friendly Campus” by the Audubon Society. As a result the campus must provide the following:
- Feeding stations
- Nesting boxes
- A commitment to abstain from chemical-based fertilizer, pesticides, and weed-control products
- Removal of invasive plants and the reintroduction of native species
- Assessing possible bird/glass conflicts
- Bird monitoring

During the winter 2009-2010, Bard students distributed 250 pounds of seed and counted 24 species at three feeding stations. They also placed 11 nesting boxes around campus, which are now being used by busy bird couples. In the future we hope to build more feeding stations, place more bird boxes, band birds, and set up nest and feeding station cameras. We would also like to make connections with other institutions that are practicing similar programs.


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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