Bucknell University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 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, 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 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:
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:
Small mammals (e.g. groundhogs, skunks, opossums, 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 habitats 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.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance 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.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
Students and faculty conduct various research each semester to identify species on campus. For example we have bee farm and Bucknell farm where different variety of vegetables are assessed.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
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 wildlife conditions and established new species of plants.
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.