Columbia University
OP-10: Landscape Management

see attached.

Columbia University manages its grounds using guidelines that responsibly implement plant selection, leaf composting, and limited use of synthetic pesticides and herbicide applications. All site work is carefully studied to provide the best environment for our plant communities which results in minimal pest infestations. The University has engaged Dr. Jill Gordon, an Urban Entomologist, Rodentologist and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialist to oversee the application of the principles of IPM to various phases of the Manhattanville in West Harlem development. Gordon owns Mantis Consulting and has extensive experience working with rodent control in urban environments, designing pest management programs. The following control program is being implemented as part of the Manhattanville Project: Conducting surveys of the structures and the surrounding areas before disturbance in order to estimate current rat activity and population; performing least toxic pest control practices such as baiting, trapping, and burrow location prior to demolition or structure disturbance; tracking activity during disturbance; performing follow-up surveys and trapping after disturbance; and practicing good site sanitation including discarding food trash in covered metal receptacles lined with trash bags and emptying food trash. The general policy is: The elimination and prevention of vermin through non-chemical methods wherever possible. In general, non-chemical control alternatives are always to be considered prior to the application of pesticides. Where pesticide use is deemed to be essential, the judicious selection shall consider the least toxic treatment possible with emphasis on limiting the potential exposure to the community. The evaluation of the toxicity and exposure potential with any application of pesticides is necessary to assure that the “least toxic, least impact” alternative is chosen. By regular site inspections, identification of existing pest problems and the specific structural and environmental conditions which may be causing these infestations. The next step is to reduce or eliminate the causes of infestation with long-term solutions such as engineering, maintenance and sanitation methods, together with education.

Columbia University removes invasive species by manual removal such as cattails in the Muscota Marsh; provides cultural practices to ensure adequate cover of turf to effortlessly absorb rainfall, and selects plant material appropriate for hardiness zone, including improved cultivars.

Organic mulches are used in and around the landscape plantings, grass clippings are recycled and returned to the turf reducing nutrient inputs, and leaves and organic debris are collected and taken to a composting facility.

The University lawns are constantly being improved with cultivation techniques including core aeration, seed selection, and judicious irrigation practices with a computerized system that has demonstrated to maintain optimum soil moisture for plant growth. Trees and shrub soils are periodically loosened by a process called air spading-that decreases soil compaction in the root zone. Display gardens are fertilized with organic products.

The University uses improved varieties of grass seed and plant material, appropriate for this hardiness zone, and most tolerant of conditions found in urban campus grounds. Street trees are planted in accordance with guidelines set forth by the borough forester, to ensure survivability in the harshest of growing conditions. Several years ago, mature American Elm trees were destroyed by high winds on campus, and a similar, yet improved variety of elm was planted to replace the disease-ridden American elms.

By maintaining a healthy stand of turfgrasses, soil erosion in minimal at both sites. Computerized irrigation systems ensure that plants receive the proper amount of moisture, and can automatically shut off in the event of a broken water pipe or heavy rain event. At Muscota Marsh, a tertiary weir system, combined with aquatic plant material, filters runoff water prior to it’s ultimate release into the salt marsh.

Prior to the start of each snow season, employees are re-trained on the proper techniques to apply deicing materials; equipment is carefully calibrated for proper application rates; and weather stations and forecasts are monitored in real time to track the potential storm intensity and impact on the campuses. When feasible, snow and ice removal is accomplished by plows and brushing, and chemical treatment is applied only when necessary. Deicing products are directed toward targeted areas, not haphazardly applied.

Muscota Marsh is notable for its views and for its ecological conservation features, and is unusual for having both a freshwater marsh and a salt marsh in such a tiny (<1 acre) area. Besides attracting plant and animal life, these wetlands are intended to help filter rainwater runoff and thereby improve the water quality of the Harlem River.