California State University, Northridge
OP-10: Biodiversity

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.

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

CSUN's Sustainable Food Garden, 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 Institute for Sustainability has also created a Seed Library for the campus community to use to plant native species and food bearing plants. This seed collection helps maintain biodiversity and expand the reach of the Sustainable Food Garden beyond its actual site. Seeds are harvested sustainably from teh Garden and surrounding areas of campus to be given out to the community for planting. 

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. After the initial assessment, the Institute for Sustainability staff maintan and update the inventory as things are planted in the Garden and seasonally. 

Along with this, CSUN's Urban Forestry Management Plan helps the Grounds Department manage the campus landscaping with minimal pesticide use, standard practice when 1 tree is removed because of age, disease, or safety, we replace it with 2 more. We assess areas of campus landscaping to determine where we can remove lawn or turf and replace withCSUN's tree nursery also helps us maintained biodiversity by providing a place for trees to acclimate CSUN before being planted around campus. It also makes us ready to replace downed or removed trees quicker because we have an inventory already on site. By getting the campus community involved in tree plantings, community gardening, and composting, this helps us maintain our Tree Campus USA and Bee Campus affiliation. Having a large variety of trees and plants on campus provides habitat for a diverse set of animals. 

A comprehensive biodiversity assessment (all flora and fauna) was conducted on the Sustainable Food Garden. Rare plant assemblages elsewhere on campus were also closely examined. An assessment of only trees covered the entire campus. This assessment is kept up by staff, students, and volunteers with CSUN Sustainability and Grounds. 

Since 2014, CSUN has been designated as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation and since 2018 we have been a Bee Campus affiliate with the Xerces Society. Thes programs recognize college and university campuses that effectively manage trees, expand pollinator friendly habitat, 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. As part of the Bee Campus, CSUN has commitments in place to improve pollinator habitats on campus while educating. 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. By having a Tree Nursery, we can purchase trees before we need them which allows the trees to acclimate to the CSUN climate before being planted which helps us minimize fertilizer, mulch, or other soil amendments needed when planted.