Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 60.65
Liaison Michael Amadori
Submission Date March 5, 2021

STARS v2.2

Hobart and William Smith Colleges
IN-48: Innovation B

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 Mikayla Gullace
Sustainability Intern
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
HWS Grow Zones and Pollinator Patches

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
Starting with a series of four events entitled "Pollination, Pollution and Your Plate", HWS worked with the Geneva community to raise awareness of pollinator habitats and the need to sustain pollinators. This rolled into the development of twelve grow zones and two pollinator patches on the HWS campus, totaling 1,350 square feet. These served to convert areas that were previously turf grass into pollinator patches or grow zones in a wide variety of areas across campus.

The grow zones specifically were placed in areas that were difficult to mow or maintain and are designated as areas that will untreated by pesticides and maintenance. These will be later fed with wildflower seed mixes to provide food and habitats for pollinators.

The pollinator patches, in contrast, were developed as a student-led initiative revolving around a sustainability grant that served as a service-learning project for a group of students. This involved a student-created proposal for funding, proposed locations, and goals. Students also researched types of native plants that they then planted in each of the two pollinator patches, in turn teaching the students gardening skills while creating new habitats and food for noninvasive pollinators.

Optional Fields

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Plans to continue monitoring, planting, and expanding on these pollinator patches and grow zones are set for future months. A local business, "Butterfly Effect", was also supported in this initiative through our purchase of native plants.

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.