Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 60.18
Liaison James Biesecker
Submission Date March 7, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Gettysburg College
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.56 / 2.00 Eric Richardson
Grounds Manager
Facilities Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 220 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 46.20 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 0 Acres

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 152.80 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 21 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

We use biological, mechanical, cultural, and/or chemical applications to control pests to acceptable levels. First we identify the pest, then establish an acceptable level of control, then evaluate and prescribe available treatments. After treatment we reevaluate control. We use the least toxic control measure available. For example, a colony of purple martins is maintained for insect control. Purple martins are a native species and help maintain acceptable levels of pests.


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

We strive to implement as many sustainable practices in to our daily landscape managemanet operations. From monitored water usage and plant material that adapt to ever changing climates, to minimum pesticide use and fertilization in turf when pertaining to weed control and turfgrass health.


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 primarily use native plants in landscaping and look for native alternatives to exotic plants. We do have non-native plants on campus and use them if there is no native alternative. Turf grass is an example of this.


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

We currently do not have an on site composting facility but have all of the yard waste generated by the College taken to a facility that produces mulch and other organic amendments. 100% of the yard waste from campus is recycled.


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

We primarily implement the use of an organic topdressing/compost material when amending soils in the over all repair and health of turf repair and turfgrass rejuvinization.


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

We do not use fertilizer, pesticides used have the least toxic effect on the environment,


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

One acre of wetland located north of campus has been protected by the college.


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

We have shifted from using sodium chloride to magnesium chloride for ice and snow removal on campus sidewalks. We have also reduced the amount of ice melt used by waiting until the end of an event and dialing down spreader rates. This has saved money as well as reduced environmental impact.


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

One acre of wetland located north of campus has been protected by the college.


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:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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