| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.59 |
| Liaison | Victor Udo |
| Submission Date | Sept. 23, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Bucknell University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
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?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The Bucknell University Chillisquaque Creek Natural Area consists of 66 acres located in Liberty Township, Montour County approximately 11 miles east of campus. University and National Science Foundation funds purchased the parcel. The Area is identified as an eBird Birding Hotspot by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
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?:
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
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:
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. Bucknell has also conducted wetland surveys at the Cowan site.
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 cataloged 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.
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; and Begin the process of increasing tree species diversity. The Miller Run Environmental Restoration Project also identified several acres of stream headwaters for restoration that was completed in 2015 and improved wild life conditions and established new species of plants.
The website URL where information about the programs or 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.