| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.27 |
| Liaison | Jesse Russell |
| Submission Date | Dec. 30, 2024 |
Canadore College
OP-4: Ecologically Managed Grounds
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 5.00 |
4.1 Organic landscaping/grounds services
Online location of the institution’s IPM protocol:
Copy of the institution’s IPM protocol:
Do the institution’s landscaping/grounds services publish, on at least an annual basis, an inventory of the synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides used on campus grounds?:
Online location of the institution’s chemical inventory:
Copy of the institution’s most recent chemical inventory:
Do the institution’s landscaping/grounds services manage one or more sites or pilot projects without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s organic landscaping/grounds policies and practices:
At Canadore College, our Facilities team proactively manages invasive species and specific pest concerns, including plants and animals. By implementing individualized control procedures, we aim to anticipate potential problems and remove attractants to pests. Known or recurring issues are primarily addressed through preventative maintenance strategies.
In situations where persistent threats arise, humane control mechanisms are prioritized to mitigate problems responsibly. Exterior pest control is applied when specific species pose a risk to property, human safety, or other species. All efforts comply with local, regional, and federal wildlife legislation, including the protection of migratory bird nesting sites and other protected species.
Our approach follows a four-tiered Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guideline:
- Set Action Thresholds – Determine when pest management actions are necessary.
- Monitor and Identify Pests – Accurately identify pest species to ensure appropriate action.
- Prevent or Remove Conditions – Eliminate attractants or entry points to minimize pest activity.
- Control – Implement targeted and environmentally responsible measures to manage pests effectively.
Canadore College’s 460 acres of forested land is a vital natural resource supporting environmental sustainability. Detailed ecological surveys have analyzed vegetative zones, tree age, and the land’s CO₂ absorption capacity, guiding conservation strategies to enhance carbon sequestration and combat climate change. In addition to a 10-year forest management plan, the forested land is both FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified. Forest Management Plan attached below.
The ongoing biodiversity inventory has identified approximately 1,000 species of plants, animals, and fungi, with numbers expected to grow through projects engaging students and the community. These efforts emphasize community involvement in scientific discovery and environmental stewardship.
A key focus is the protection of species-at-risk, including active conservation of turtle egg-laying sites and regular reptile inventories to monitor populations, identify threats, and inform conservation strategies. These initiatives align with provincial and national biodiversity goals.
Sustainable land management practices further support ecological health:
- Bioswales and adjacent meadow habitats manage stormwater, reduce erosion, and restore natural water cycles while supporting diverse species.
- Organic landscaping avoids harmful pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, preserving soil health and protecting pollinators.
Canadore College’s holistic approach highlights how educational institutions can lead in biodiversity conservation, habitat preservation, and sustainable land practices. Through collaboration with students, community, and forestry experts.
Have the institution’s landscaping/grounds services eliminated their use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides?:
Online resource affirming the organic status of the institution’s landscaping/grounds services:
Document affirming the organic status of the institution’s landscaping/grounds services:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
4.2 Ratio of ecologically managed green space to total managed green space
Area protected or restored:
Area of tree canopy:
Area managed organically:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following four figures:
Ratio of tree canopy to total managed green space:
Ratio of areas managed organically to total managed green space:
Points earned for indicator OP 4.2:
Optional documentation
Forest Managemetn Plan for 460 acres at College Drive Campus attached.
Additional documentation for this credit:
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.