Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 50.22
Liaison David Petree
Submission Date Dec. 8, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Guilford College
OP-11: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 David Petree
Director of Environmental Sustainability
Operations
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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?:
No

A brief description of any legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance on institution owned or managed land:
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Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

The methodology(-ies) used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:

Guilford College Field Botany classes have used several methodologies to identify the natural communities and plant species in the Guilford Woods. Students have established plots using the Carolina Vegetation Survey methodology in which all species were identified within a 20 x 50 meter plot. Plots were sampled in the hardwood forests with mature canopies.

There is one permanent plot which has been sampled three times over the past four years. This plot was established using the Ecological Research as Education Network methodology. All woody vegetation is recorded and the diameter breast height measured during each sampling. This plot is located near the southwest corner of the Guilford Woods; near the pond and a house.

Throughout the Guilford Woods, students have conducted North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Site Survey Reports. These reports included a species list and description of the natural communities. Additionally, all of the Guilford Woods was included in class field trips for the instruction of plant and natural community identification.

For animals: Every two years, the Vertebrate Field Zoology class (BIOL 235) has surveyed reptiles and amphibians in the College Woods. Both aquatic and terrestrial habitats are surveyed. Every year, the Ornithology class (BIOL 336) conducts a bird census in the College Woods and the main campus.


A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

Although no Federal or State-listed endangered species of plants or animals are found on College property, the College Woods and main campus provide habitat for several species of birds that are considered of Special Concern. Specifically, the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) and Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) breed in the College Woods, and Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica) hunt for insects in flight above the College property. Several species of raptors nest on College property. In addition, the Woods and main campus provide stopover habitat for many species of neotropical migrant birds during both spring and fall migration.


A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

Part of the campus master plan designated the campus woods as an area to be preserved. The Board of Trustees approved this designation. Our woods are natural habitat for numerous species of native wildlife. The area known as "the meadows" are also excellent habitat for many native species of wildlife.

Wildlife pest issues on campus are addressed using relocation methods instead of irradication.


The website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity policies and programs(s) is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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