Bucknell University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Total campus area:
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed organically, without the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides | 0 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 339.90 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 339.90 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
Excludes a total of 241.1 Ac: 107.1 Ac of roads, walkways, and Bldgs. 42 Ac of the forest not managed, 67 Ac of experimental nature preserve, and 25 ac of farmland.
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
Land along stream beds has been restored to minimize pollutants entering the water stream, control flooding/runoff, and control invasive species. Sustainable landscaping practices including mulch/composting, changing plantings and ceasing the use of pesticides/fertilizers have been implemented in portions of the campus (the Grove) in an effort to improve soil health and improve biodiversity.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
We practice IPM on approximately 340 acres of our campus. The first step in our IPM program is to use appropriate measures to discourage the development of unwanted pest populations. An example of these actions would be correcting drainage issues to minimize standing water and keeping material away from buildings. Secondly, we routinely monitor our turf, trees and shrubs for any potential threats. Thirdly, we evaluate the need for any intervention. Mechanical or physical controls (such as traps or barriers) and other biologic controls (such as using natural predators of the pest) are utilized prior to exploring a chemical product. Because of the continued bee research on campus, we only use pesticides when it is absolutely necessary. If pesticides are required to control a pest population we will use the least toxic product at the lowest recommended rate. Our goal is to reduce or minimize risks to humans and the environment.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
We recently developed a comprehensive, campus-wide, tree management plan that will be implemented by our certified arborist. New construction includes the LEED landscape requirements for certification points. Several areas of the campus, under the direction of the Biology Department, are being naturalized. Those areas include the steep slopes in the Grove and the Miller run stream banks. Led by Bucknell's Center for Sustainability and Environment (BCSE) the University has worked in conjunction with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to plant more than 200 trees.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
Our construction and campus expansion (approx 50 acres) includes several acres of rain gardens, bioswales and green roofs. The majority of campus is not irrigated. We collect rainwater for hand watering of trees, shrubs, perennials and annual flowers. The six athletic fields that have irrigation are monitored daily and irrigation is on an as-needed basis
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Currently, we collect, tub grind, and compost our tree trimmings and brush to turn them into usable mulch. Also, we compost our leaves and yard waste which is used as a soil amendment for planting.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
The engineering building as well as the new LEED-certified building have green roofs.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
We use a natural fall fertilizer (NatureSafe) for our athletic fields and high visibility turf areas. We practice grass cycling on all our turf areas. All of our inorganic fertilizers are slow release and no or low phosphorus which reduces nutrient runoff. We use power brooms to remove snow and ice on all of our paths. The brooms remove most of the frozen material which reduces the need for ice-melting products
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program 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.