| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 46.12 |
| Liaison | Kristina Hope |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Knox College
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.81 / 2.00 |
Deborah
Steinberg Director of Campus Sustainability Initiatives Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
787
Acres
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses a four-tiered approach | 23 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an organic land care standard or sustainable landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials | 1 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 7 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 31 Acres |
If the total area of managed grounds is less than the total campus area, provide:
700 acres of campus land are the biological field station, which is not managed grounds. The remaining land is buildings.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
74.19
If reporting an IPM program, provide:
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A brief description of the IPM program:
The College uses the four-tiered IPM approach for the 7 acres of athletic fields we have as well as the approximately 23 acres of grounds on campus. Chemical control is always the last resort. We have visual thresholds and monitor fungal and insect pest damage. We try to maintain healthy plants with limited excess nutrient availability. Only in situations where weather or density will not control an issue do we use chemical control to prevent loss of turf. No control is used on trees or non-turf plant material.
The 23 acres of grounds on campus are not treated with chemical pesticides.
The Green Oaks Biological field station includes a restored prairie that is burned annually, as well as old-growth and new-growth forests that are managed for biodiversity. The property is carefully managed for invasive species with mechanical methods and occasional targeted herbicide applications.
Organic Program
3.23
If reporting an organic program, provide:
The farm is managed using a sustainable landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials.
Optional Fields
Existing plant material is almost always reused on campus. There are a few times every year when plants have to be removed due to construction or projects. When this happens we do our best to transplant the material in another appropriate location. The removal of plant material is only considered when safety is concerned. Although not a popular choice, occasional trees must be removed if they are deemed unsafe. This recommendation is usually given by a certified arborist if it is not immediately obvious. Most of the plantings on campus consist of a mix or solely of native material. Plant selection is the most important part of IPM. There are a few invasive species that we deal with on campus. In the case of Japanese beetles we occasionally have to use chemical treatment to save existing plants. Most invasive weeds are controlled by maintain healthy turf through proven cultural practices.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
More efficient sprinkler heads (less water but more coverage), allow soaking time to prevent runoff.
A brief description of the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
Grass clippings are left on all lawns, branches and other yard waste is mulched.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
We have implemented an in-house policy that for every mature tree removed, we replace it with two trees.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution (e.g. use of environmentally preferable landscaping materials, initiatives to reduce the impacts of ice and snow removal, wildfire prevention):
Grounds uses a calcium chloride-based product to melt icy sidewalks but uses sand whenever possible to avoid use of salt.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.