| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 49.02 |
| Liaison | James Speer |
| Submission Date | June 30, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Indiana State University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Stephanie
Krull Grounds Manager Facilities Management |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 207.16 Hectares |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 41.45 Hectares |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 19.38 Hectares |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 146.33 Hectares |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | Hectares |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | Hectares |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
Wherever possible, the preferred method is to use biological controls or natural substances for controlling pests, plant diseases, and weeds on campus, when natural diversity planning has failed. This allows us to limit the type and quantity of chemical and other less desirable controls.
If the use of chemicals is unavoidable, we use less potent chemicals whenever possible. Chemicals are applied according to safety regulations and guidelines. Application usually occurs during the early morning hours or on weekends to limit interaction within the campus community.
Facilities has developed five maintenance levels for campus that are based on public appearance and natural priorities for each area. The central grassy quad of campus is maintained in a more manicured state while other green spaces around campus are maintained using less intensive techniques that allow for more natural mulching, less watering, and greater natural biological control. We have 278 acres of remote landholdings that are used for research and recreation training. These properties have a higher action threshold for insect and disease that results in less interaction, but all properties are controlled for invasive species.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
The preferred method is to use biological controls or natural substances for controlling pests, plant diseases, and weeds on campus, when natural diversity planning has failed.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
For ten years we have been incorporating native species whenever possible in new plantings. Our tree farms are 70% native tree species which will be used to plant new trees on campus. We have an Ash tree replacement farm that is completely native. We are adding shrub beds that are native shrubs that provide feed for wildlife. We are currently replacing many drought killed Yew bushes with bayberry, chokeberry, and viburnum varieties.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
We have mulch mowed for 30 years so that the grass clippings get reintroduced into the soil. We chip 90% of our wood waste to be used as path material at the community garden. Our leaves are collected and used in the compost at the ISU community garden.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
We use organic fertilizers and a combination of aeration, over-seeding and spot weed treatment to maintain a healthy green turf. This is a low impact method employed to save cost, reduce herbicide usage, and promote soil vigor. The turf in this 75% of campus will have a certain percentage of clover and other broadleaf plants.
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:
Our campus irrigation water supply is drawn from ground water throughout the campus through a system of eight(8) wells, and replenished on campus through a system of dry wells, drainage swales and retention areas. Thereby reducing the need for use of the public treated water system.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
Our snow and ice removal policies have been revised drastically over the last five years to eliminate CaCl3, reduce the use of rock salt, increased the use of Magnesium and ice-melt blend products. We have also purchased more precise spreading equipment to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
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.