| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.93 |
| Liaison | Joanne Wong |
| Submission Date | June 20, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Mills College
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.47 / 2.00 |
Linda
Zitzner Director of Campus Facilities Facilities |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 135 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 13.74 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 0 Acres |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 57 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 0 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
Plant infestations are investigated on a case-by-case basis and treated with escalating levels of control. Most pests are identified by skilled staff.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
The grounds department exercises strong plant stewardship with financial investment, monitoring, and care for the many trees on campus. All green debris is mulched or composted on-site, except for diseased debris that is composted off-site. Lake Aliso, located on the Mills campus, is the primary source for landscape irrigation and significantly reduces the need for potable water for landscaping. Mills College supports a Creek Restoration Program that has heavy involvement and leadership from students.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
Grounds selects plants from botanical gardens and local nurseries who specialize in native plants. In 2012, Mills College created a native plant palette for use by the Grounds Department.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
All tree trimmings are mulched and used in landscaping and restoration on campus. Landscape waste is kept on campus in two piles and later used as soil amendments.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
Fertilizers and chemicals are used in a targeted and limited capacity to maintain the current lawns and select ornamental landscapes. In the 57 acres that are sustainably managed, chemicals are not used. Compost and mulch is used from on-site plant debris. Organic soil is purchased from a local vendor for use on campus, as well.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
The grounds department uses very few materials outside of plantings for landscape design features.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Leona Creek flows through campus, remains daylit until it leaves campus, and eventually flows to the Bay. Mills College has been restoring the creek to control damaging water flows that threaten bridge stability and creek beds. Mills College hosts Creek Care Days to foster stewardship and restore the native habitat at two main restoration sites along the creek. These two restoration sites were selected to accompany hydrological support for the creek alongside two bridges.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
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.