Florida International University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Integrated Pest Management practices are used on all of FIU's grounds. Our IPM plan is an approach to solving pest problems by applying knowledge about the pest to prevent them from damaging the landscape. IPM means responding to pest problems with the most effective least risk option. Under an IPM approach, actions are taken to control insects, disease or weed problems only when their numbers exceed acceptable levels. These methods are done in three stages: prevention, observation, and intervention. When considering these actions, all pest management methods should be reviewed including natural, biological, mechanical, cultural and finally chemical means.

FIU adheres to the Best Management Practices for landscape and irrigation management. Examples include: •Planted littoral zones on certain lake banks •Added to the nature preserve area (cypress dome) •Stopped the use of flowering annuals •Use mulch to help retain soil moisture and inhibit weed growth •Do not collect grass clippings (recycle clippings) •BMP for irrigation management (adhere to or beat the SFWMD policies, installed rain sensors and water flow meters on all irrigation systems) •Use an IPM approach to pest control •Apply the use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers in a responsible manner and on an as needed basis •Choose the right plant for right location •Removal of all invasive exotic species such as Florida Holly etc.

FIU strives to use native plants whenever possible. Using native plants help conserve water and also generally require less maintenance and minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides. FIU has made major strides in recent years to incorporate more native plants into the landscaping throughout all of its campuses. With functional and attractive features like bioswales, native littoral zones, butterfly gardens, and mangrove areas, FIU is providing much needed food, shelter, and breeding habitat for wildlife. In the event a non-native species is chosen, the alternative species chosen would be a non-invasive naturalized plant/tree that fits the right plant for the right location and often meets or exceeds native plantings.

FIU's landscape material management helps minimize waste with the following practices: • We no longer use flowering annuals. •The mulch we use helps retain soil moisture, prevent soil erosion, and conserves water. •We grasscycle rather than collect and discard grass clippings. •BMP for irrigation management (adhere to or beat the SFWMD policies, installed rain sensors and water flow meters on all irrigation systems. ) •Plant longevity is extended by choosing the right plant for right location. •Materials such as bagged mulch are purchased in bulk shipments. •Irrigation comes from storm water retention ponds. •FIU's organic garden has partnered with dining services to recover pre-consumer food waste for compost that is used to amend the garden soils. •FIU Nature Preserve trimmings are cut and left in place or within the preserve to decompose in place and reduce waste. Invasive seeding plants are discarded if not suitable for compost or decomposing in place. •Some sloped areas of turf are being leveled and converted to native butterfly gardens reducing turf management requirements.

Not Applicable

As an environmentally preferable material, FIU uses a FloriMulch throughout campus grounds and landscapes. This material is made from 100% from Melaleuca, an exotic invasive tree to our native wetlands. Uniquely cured to eliminate burrowing nematode. State Certified Nematode Free by Florida Department of Agriculture. Tested by the University of Florida to be termite resistant. Endorsed by Friends of the Everglades and favored by those groups that support our native environment.

Integrity of the natural hydrology at the BBC campus is partially being restored with a local government partnership. Ongoing work to remove invasive tree species such as Australian Pine and the soil were removed to plant mangroves that would help restore natural hydrology of the campus. The university also participates in similar projects in surrounding areas of Biscayne Bay that improve the natural processes.

Since 2010 the two main campuses of FIU, MMC and BBC, have annually recertified as a Tree Campus. The BBC campus is situated along the Biscayne Bay fringed with state mangroves that are protected by conservation laws and this campus is adjoined to the Oleta River State Park.

FIU Grounds the following resources: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm http://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/applying/index.shtml https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_pest_management