| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 83.20 |
| Liaison | Maddie LoDico |
| Submission Date | Nov. 5, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Colby College
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Philip
Nyhus Environmental Studies Program Director Environmental Studies |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/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:
The entire 714 acre campus is a state wildlife management area. This includes the 128 acre Perkins Arboretum and the 34 acre Colby-Marston Preserve, which was given to Colby by The Nature Conservancy for its high biodiversity value and also is labeled a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas (including most recent year assessed) and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
The biology and environmental studies departments conduct regular coursework and student projects in the Arboretum to identify plants, areas of interest, and monitor change through mapping. Recent examples include a student mapping project of invasive earthworms at sites near campus, including the Arboretum, and ecology classes identifying plants during laboratories. Faculty often do research on Colby's Marston Preserve (a bog) and around campus. There is an annual invasive plant pull to help control invasives in the Arboretum. More formally, under the Master Gardeners, Facilities employees make regular scouting rounds of Colby's property to identify any sensitive areas and invasive species. For all future projects, Colby will hire a third-party organization to conduct an analysis of the proposed project site, including identification of wetlands, plant species, and other "delicate" areas and organisms. EcoAnalyst performed the site analysis for the new Athletic Center.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Colby's environmentally sensitive areas include the Perkins Arboretum, which had a report done in 2011 to assess the area. Biology classes go out to do systematic invasive species pulls. It also includes the Colby-Marston Preserve, which is a classic kettle hole bog. Colby sets aside land equal to the building footprint of LEED certified buildings. These areas will never be built on or developed.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Ecology and biology classes frequently use the Arboretum to conduct assessments of and to monitor environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, among several other plans and programs to protect our natural areas, there are paid students in charge of removing invasive species. Students conduct independent studies and honors theses to identify and implement programs to protect sensitive areas.
The website URL where information about the programs or 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.