Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.95
Liaison Susan Powers
Submission Date Feb. 12, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Clarkson University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.78 / 2.00 Susan Powers
Assoc. Dir. Sustainability
ISE
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 695 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 21 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 57 Acres
+ Date Revised: March 21, 2016

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 0 Acres
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined 55 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 508 Acres
+ Date Revised: March 21, 2016

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

The University Grounds crew monitors samples of an area and waits until a pest is prevalent before engaging in eradication. Pests are specifically targeted for elimination. We use preventative measures, such as deer resistant plants. We try natural methods as a first line of control before moving onto harsher methods.


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

We compost landscaping waste, do not use dyed mulch, plant native trees, protect our natural areas and involve students in tree plantings.

+ Date Revised: March 21, 2016

A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:

We use all native trees. Mostly (but not all) native plants are planted.
Control for emerald ash borer, japanese beetles, aphids, sawfly, and tentworm only on an as-needed basis.
There are large areas of preserved lands that according to Clarkson "forever wild." (though it is not officially protected.


A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:

Organic landscape wastes are composted or chipped as appropriate. Both materials are reused in landscaping. No dyed mulches are used. Fertilizer from our on campus digester is used in our landscaping.


A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:

Most of the campus is managed in an organic (but not certified) manner. About 57 acres are sprayed.


A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:

We compost landscaping waste and use our own wood chips rather than dyed mulch.


A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:

Clarkson’s preference is to have more pervious than impervious surfaces on campus. Where possible, Clarkson encourages aquifer replenishment by allowing water to filter slowly into the groundwater table. Where feasible, use open channel storm drainage and vegetated swales for storm water conveyance instead of pipes. (Facilities Management, Sect. 3.4)


A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):

We use salt brine to lessen the amount of salt (this also helps to keep off rodents). We also use SNO-PLOW WITH LIQUI-FIRE instead of salt. It is reported as non toxic to humans, pets, or vegetation if used in proper quantities. Where snow is dropped off there is a band of vegetation, a buffer, before the river. Most of the snow is simply blown into the yards rather than trucked away.


A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:

We internally protect land for recreational and ecological purposes. This includes 350 acres of woods that are used for habitat, sensitive area protection (wetlands) and recreation. At Clarkson we refer to and understand these woods as being "forever wild." In addition we have a recreational trail along the Raquette River, the Munter Trail. This is roughly 37 acres. Finally, 64 acres known as 7 Springs is owned by Clarkson and kept for habitat and recreation. It is about 20 miles away from the main campus. In total this is ~450 acres of land that is managed consistently with an organic care standards (http://www.organiclandcare.net/sites/default/files/upload/standards2011.pdf). In addition, the 57 acres on campus that are considered undeveloped also meet these standards. This totals 508 acres. This estimates is a low estimate since many of the other lawns and developed areas on campus would meet these standards as well.

+ Date Revised: March 21, 2016

Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
No

The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.