| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.89 |
| Liaison | Allie Schwartz |
| Submission Date | Aug. 29, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Columbia University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.00 / 2.00 |
Dan
Held Assistant Vice President Strategic Communications, Columbia University Facilities and Operations |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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?:
Yes
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
Muscota Marsh is a one-acre public park in the Inwood section of the borough of Manhattan in New York City, on the shore of Spuyten Duyvil Creek, a section of the Harlem River. It is adjacent to the much larger Inwood Hill Park and Columbia University's Baker Athletics Complex. The park is notable for its views and for its ecological conservation features.
Muscota Marsh is unusual for having both a freshwater marsh and a salt marsh in such a tiny area. Besides attracting plant and animal life, these wetlands are intended to help filter rainwater runoff and thereby improve the water quality of the river. Other facilities include a dock for kayaks and canoes, benches, and walking paths. A wooden deck overlooking the river provides views of Inwood Hill Park, the Henry Hudson Bridge, and the New Jersey Palisades.
Opened to the public in January 2014, the park was constructed by Columbia University as part of a deal to construct the new Campbell Sports Center within its adjacent athletics complex. It was designed by James Corner Field Operations, which is best known for its work on Manhattan's High Line. It is cooperatively administered by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and Columbia, with the university providing maintenance and security.
The goal of this initiative is to create a community service project, also known as service-learning, that would engage Columbia University faculty and students with local K-12 students to restore and enhance one of the last remaining salt water marsh areas in Manhattan. In addition to the salt water marsh, three tiered fresh water marshes will be created enhancing the overall ecological richness and diversity and creating environmental educational opportunities. The Muscota Marsh project would complement the educational offerings of Inwood Hill Park by creating an environment for learning about wetlands, and living herbarium of the plant species that once flourished all over the valley. Modeled on previous successful community partnerships, Boathouse Marsh would invite the neighborhood to participate in planting and monitoring new habitat areas.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscota_Marsh
http://facilities.columbia.edu/node/1354/1354/1358
http://facilities.columbia.edu/baker-athletic-complex
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?:
No
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
No
If yes to either of the above, provide the following:
n/a
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
n/a
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
n/a
Optional Fields
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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