| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 58.15 |
| Liaison | Victor Udo |
| Submission Date | Sept. 16, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Bucknell University
OP-11: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Dina
El-Mogazi Director, Sustainable Design Program Center for Sustainability and the Environment |
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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?:
Yes
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:
There is nothing in the campus master plan that formally designates an area as preserved, though lawn below the main quad and the grove are understood to be “sacred space”. The plan does recognize the importance of open space and the overall rural character of the campus to Bucknell’s character and states an intention to remain true to the Larson vision, with its emphasis on open space. However, there is an area specifically designated for preservation known as the Chillisquaque Natural Area and a property in Cowan.
None
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
No
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:
Currently, there is no systematic attention to native vs. exotic species. The greening literature places a great deal of emphasis on native species; however there are good reasons to include some exotic species in campus plantings. We discuss this issue in the “Biodiversity” section below.Similarly there is no systematic effort to identify, replace, or eradicate invasive exotic species on campus, though there have been efforts directed at removing multiflora rose. 137 (Rosa multiflora) from the Bucknell Natural Area as well as the occasional removal of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) where they have become problematic.
However, environmentally sensitive areas have been identified in the arboretum research that has been conducted since 2009, and also in the miller run restoration project that has been in progress since 2010.
None
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
small mammals (e.g. groundhogs, skunk, opossum, and chipmunks) are commonly on campus and the golf course, particularly at night and in the early morning, as are deer. Birds and bats are also abundant, suggesting that insect prey populations are healthy, and sightings of predators such as foxes and hawks indicate that they function as habitat for wildlife. All the mature trees have been identified and catalogued through the arboretum project. Research has been conducted on the biodiversity of the Miller Run, a small stream running through campus, by faculty and students.
None
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
The 2009 environmental assessment recommended the following:
Protect open space and use the farm development to expand the amount of natural area.
Restore Miller Run
Establish a Bucknell Arboretum
Improve conditions for wildlife
Support the locals and create small natural areas
Begin the process of increasing tree species diversity
The Miller Run Environmental Restoration Project has also identified several acres of stream headwaters for restoration to be completed by 2015. Wild life conditions will be improved, and new species of plants will be established.
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:
Additional information on the Bucknell Arboretum is available at http://www.students.bucknell.edu/projects/arboretum/PublicWebsite/
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.