| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72.81 |
| Liaison | Austin Eriksson |
| Submission Date | Nov. 29, 2021 |
California State University, Northridge
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, 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:
CSUN has an assemblage of coastal sage scrub, which is one of the rarest plant communities in the world. Coastal sage scrub is a valuable habitat for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, which is a threatened species.
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:
Trees
Brahea edulis-Endangered
Cedrus atlantica 'glauca'- Endangered
Ginkgo biloba- Endangered
Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' -Endangered
Magnolia stellate- Endangered
Metasequoia glyptostroboides- Endangered
Pinus radiata- Endangered
Quercus engelmannii- Endangered
Sequoia sempervirens- Endangered
Sequoiadendron giganteum- Endangered
Ailanthus altissima- Endangered
Pinus torreyana- Endangered
Araucaria heterophylla-Threatened
Bursera microphylla-Threatened
Cedrus libani- Threatened
Cryptomeria japonica- Threatened
Dracaena draco- Threatened
Jacaranda mimosifolia- Threatened
Juglans californica- Threatened
Olea europaea- Threatened
Pinus muricate- Threatened
Pistacia vera- Threatened
Plumeria- Threatened
Quercus lobate- Threatened
Taxus brevifolia- Threatened
Washingtonia filifera- Threatened
Zelkova serrata- Threatened
Insects
Bombus californicus-Threatened
Danaus Plexippus-Near threatened
Other Fauna
Isocoma menziesii-Vulnerable
Coastal sage scrub-Threatened habitat
Goodings willow riparian habitat-Vulnerable habitat
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:
CSUN's Sustainable Garden and Education Center, operated by the Institute for Sustainability, is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including over 200 species of California native plants. The area features threatened and endangered native plants, several species intended to provide food and habitat for pollinators, as well as food crops and fruit trees.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
The Institute for Sustainability hired a biodiversity coordinator, whose main task was to monitor and record species of plants and animals at the Sustainable Garden and Education Center, as well as other areas of the campus. The coordinator conducted numerous in-person assessments of species found in the garden. They also utilized iNaturalist to monitor areas of biodiversity importance and worked with students and volunteers to further monitor vulnerable species.
Another assessment of endangered/vulnerable species focused on CSUN's trees. A list of unique tree species on campus was provided by the Grounds Department, including scientific and common name. A biology student and their faculty mentor, as well as sustainability staff, reviewed this list to identify each species as threatened, endangered, invasive, or common.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
A comprehensive biodiversity assessment (all flora and fauna) was conducted on the Sustainable Garden Education Center. Rare plant assemblages elsewhere on campus were also closely examined.
An assessment of only trees covered the entire campus.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
Since 2014, CSUN has been designated as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. This program recognizes college and university campuses that effectively manage trees and engage students. As such, we established a Campus Tree Advisory Committee comprised of faculty, grounds staff, sustainability staff, students, and a community arborist. The committee members provide guidance for planning, campus and community education, and the development of tree planting activities.
CSUN is also a designated Bee Campus USA, and has commitments in place to improve pollinator habitats on campus. The expansion of pollinator habitat aligns with increasing native plant populations, especially those that are threatened or endangered.
CSUN also has an Integrated Pest Management plan, and strives to minimize the use of synthetic herbicides and fertilizers. A mixture of preventative mulch, hand-weeding, and spot treatment with herbicides allows for weed control with minimal impact to other species.
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.