| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 54.16 |
| Liaison | Ellie Perry |
| Submission Date | June 30, 2020 |
California State University, Dominguez Hills
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Ellie
Perry Sustainability Manager Facilities Services |
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:
• Heritage Creek Preserve (2006): This small Preserve features plants native to the Dominguez Hills and Palos Verdes Peninsula and connects us to the land as it looked in the 1800’s. Plants were propagated from locally collected seeds and cuttings. The Preserve provides bio-filtration for storm water and also serves as an important ecological research lab. Because it provides much-needed native habitat (food and home sites) for birds, reptiles and insects, the land is managed with conservation in mind. The Preserve survives mainly on natural rainfall and experiences the wet and dry seasons typical for our Mediterranean climate.
• Garden of Dreams (2009): This California native garden is publicly accessible and available for research activities. Legoland Foundation provided grant funds to help establish this space. The garden features a variety of native plant species of cultural significance to the local Tongva tribe, and many species are useful in cooking, basket-weaving, dyeing, and more. In addition, the plants provide food, shelter and nest sites for birds, butterflies and native pollinators. The plants are all native to the Dominguez Hills, the Palos Verdes Peninsula or Santa Catalina Island. Most were grown here on campus.
• Butterfly Garden (2012): This garden was established in spring of 2012 through the biogeography class and the Earth Science Club. This project was grant-funded by Southern California Edison and is recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation as a waystation for threatened butterfly species.
• Dominguez Hills Wetland Preserve: This area consists of native plant species, and supports a migratory population of birds that utilize the wetland for habitat. The area turns into a vernal pool from winter run-off, which native species use.
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:
In the Dominguez Hills Wetland Preserve, Dignity Sports Health Park/AEG (corporate company) conducted an EIR which examined the potential threats to endangered/vulnerable species. The report determined a less than significant risk to the following species:
-San Diego fairy shrimp and/or vernal pool fairy shrimp
-Burrowing Owls
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:
Biology faculty have conducted research and assessments on the Dominguez Wetland Preserve and have identified that tule (Schoenoplectus sp.) marsh that support several willows (Goodding's Black, Salix gooddingii) are located in parts of the southwest corner of the Dominguez Hills wetland preserve. Several bird species have been found there including song sparrow, common yellowthroat, and red-winged blackbirds. There were occasional marsh wrens as well.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
The Biology department supports ongoing student projects either for class or independent study. The former Chair of Biology has been conducting regular bird surveys since Fall of 2010 using standard transect variable distance methodology) of the wetland-> Heritage Creek-> Parking Lot 7.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
Covers student/faculty-run gardens and bioswales that run along the south end of the campus.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
The Sustainable Landscape Plan provides recognition and maintenance guarantees for these areas as well as other gardens and environmentally sensitive areas on campus. The Sustainable Landscape Committee also actively pursues restoration and planting activities in support of this plan which identifies increased tree cover, increases in pollinator and beneficial species, etc. as major goals by 2025.
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.