Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 56.61
Liaison Kelsey Beal
Submission Date Nov. 2, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Indiana University Bloomington
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.03 / 2.00 Mike Girvin
Campus Division Manager
Physical Plant
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 1,926 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 81.86 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 250 Acres

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Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 0 Acres
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined 25 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 4.20 Acres

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A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :
n/a
+ Date Revised: Feb. 12, 2016

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A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Indiana University Policy IV.E.1. issued in 1997 and still active, states, "The following sites are designated as green areas and shall be protected from activities that would alter their essential character: Dunn Woods, Arboretum Center, Woodlawn Field, Bryan House grounds, and Dunn Meadow. Restricted activities include encroachment by new construction of facilities or site development except where necessary for health, safety, maintenance, or governmental compliance. Procedures for the care and maintenance of each site shall be developed and administered by the Office of the Vice President for Capital Planning & Facilities." 25 acres are managed as no mow or low mow areas.

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A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
We have incorporated more native tree, shrub, and plant species in our overall planting pallet. Control of invasive plants is done with staff and volunteers. Methods include hand culling of invasive plants and trees and chemical control. We are utilizing natives to ensure biodiversity on campus. We also utilize native plants in rain garden areas and wetland areas to improve water quality and slow stream erosion on the Jordan River.

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A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
Our mowers are equipped with mulching blades. Leaves and organic debris are composted at our nursery and then re-utilized on campus. All organic materials are either composted or chipped and re-utilized for campus projects. Some tree waste is re-processed and utilized by outside vendors.

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A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
We make every attempt to restore disturbed areas and incorporate campus compost when doing soil repair.

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A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
We do not utilize phosphorus in our fertilizers. Chemical herbicides and pesticide use is minimal. All materials are carefully reviewed before use. Environmental Health and Safety monitors chemical usage.

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A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Wetland areas are closely monitored and maintained. Drainage areas are protected from run off during construction projects. Storm drains are protected with sediment bags to prevent sediment loading of waterways.

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A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
IUB quit utilizing sand several years ago because of sediment loading in waterways. We are still looking at environmentally friendly ice melters. We are now utilizing salt brine technology on campus which is reducing our salt use by approximately 25%. IUB has not yet found a cost efficient replacement for salt, but it is used more carefully than in the past.

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A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
The 1,600 acre IU Research and Teaching Preserve is not included in the institutional boundary, but is maintained as a preserve.

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Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
Yes

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The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The Campus Garden is 0.2 acres, and the Hilltop Garden and Nature Center is approximately 4 acres. Both gardens are maintained organically. Two 10-acre urban woodlands sites are maintained by a team of students, faculty, and professionals who work to remove invasive species and reintegrate native species. These sites serve as a model for the importance of urban green space and the services provided by woodland environments.

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.