| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.28 |
| Liaison | Yumiko Jakobcic |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2023 |
Grand Valley State University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Yumiko
Jakobcic Campus Sustainability Coordinator Office of Sustainability Practices |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The streams on campus flow into the Grand River and are considered "waters of the state." They are protected under Part 301 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
Virginia Bluebells - Endangered
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
The ravines are dominated by hardwood trees, primarily sugar maple. The wetlands and streams at the ravine bottom support a variety of wetland plants, including legally-protected Virginia bluebells.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
The streams and ravines on campus are used regularly by ecology, mammalogy, natural resources, and other classes. Environmental engineers have noted the presence of legally-protected Virginia bluebells in the ravine systems.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
Students routinely investigate ravine sites for sensitive species and areas as part of their lab experiences.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
The GVSU Facilities Department actively manages stormwater flows in the ravines to reduce erosion and protect sensitive areas. Facilities collaborates with the Stormwater Advisory Group, which includes faculty, staff, students, and consulting engineers, to enhance the ravine ecosystems.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.