| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 48.98 |
| Liaison | Kevin Miller |
| Submission Date | Feb. 3, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Goshen College
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Glenn
Gilbert Retired - Utilities Manager/ Sustainability Coordinator Physical Plant |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 130 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 38 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 28 Acres |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 64 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 0 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
Integrated Pest Management covers all areas of Goshen College’s campus. Pests are managed as needed rather than routinely, allowing for the minimum necessary amount of pesticides to be used.
Most of the pests are seasonal and predictable, so preventative measures are also taken. For example, because certain grubs are predictable, the grub control substance is integrated into the fertilizer system.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
In the past year Goshen College has converted approximately 12 acres of turf lawn to native landscaping using prairie grasses and native wildflowers. This area will be subject to prescribed burns and occasional high mowing. These areas will no longer receive fertilizer or pesticides.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
Goshen College composts or mulches most of their landscape waste products. Mulching mowers are used on lawns so that leaves and other plant matter can provide nutrients for the soil. Underbrush from shrubbery is either spread on fields. Branches and shrub trimmings are often taken care of by a contracted chipper. Some of the product of this is used as mulch for the college. In some cases, underbrush waste is thrown in the dumpster.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Most of the stormwater runoff on campus is collected in a large retention pond at the southeast end of the campus. Other areas are diverted to a detention area that overflows into the Elkhart River. Only a small number of older buildings direct storm water to the city sewer system.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
Goshen College has not explicitly made policies to reduce the environmental impact of snow and ice removal. The college uses liquid ice ban, a corn-based product, as well as an ice melter blend of several different chlorides. A rotary broom tractor is used to clear sidewalks. The college also contracts an outside company to put down a sand and rock-salt mixture on the main drives. At the end of the winter, much of this mixture is removed by the company.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
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:
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.