| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 51.41 |
| Liaison | Tracey Coronado |
| Submission Date | April 1, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Missouri State University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.06 / 2.00 |
Doug
Neidigh Sustainability Coordinator Environmental Management |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 225 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 120.21 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 24.79 Acres |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 70 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 10 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
Missouri State University Grounds Services takes a five tiered approach to IPM:
1. Inspection and Monitoring
2. Identification
3. Habitat Modification
4. Treatment
5. Prevention
Inspection and Monitoring
Make sample inspections of each type of plant in different locations looking for the following signs: insect parts or carcasses, droppings, holes, or discoloration in leaves. Regular inspections can keep a small problem from becoming a large problem. Remember that finding one or two insects is a reason to closer monitor and not a reason to spray.
Identification
It is important to know what type of pest you are dealing with so you do not waste time and resources on treatments that are not appropriate or are ineffective to the pest.
Habitat Modification
Find out what it is that pest like about the environment and change it if possible. This can be done by removing dead portions of the plant, thinning broken branches, or cleaning contaminated leaves and debris from the ground.
Treatment
Only use those chemicals that are appropriate for the specific pest and application. Read each label and understand what you are applying and at the proper rate. Always wear the proper safety equipment and be aware of your surroundings while applying.
Prevention
In some cases pretreatment of certain species is prudent. Soil injections and tree injections have been used to control insects such as the Japanese Beetles on certain varieties of trees.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Grounds Services looks at several factors when managing the landscape.
•Non-restrictive chemicals are used when chemical use is required.
•Preventative maintenance is performed on the trees to reduce issues and removals.
•Cost of maintenance is evaluated on new and existing landscape with changes and recommendation being made.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
Trees are fenced off during construction projects to protect the root zone and keep equipment from damaging the tree. Existing vegetation is transplanted if it is in good shape and is a preferred variety to have on campus. Native and ecological appropriate plants are placed at a higher priority with new landscape designs. Invasive species are not planted on campus nor are species that may be determined to be high maintenance.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
All tree waste and yard waste are sent off site to be recycled. Missouri State University does not have the space for an on-site facility.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
Soil test are taken annually and adjustments are made if needed. Leaves are mulched in areas to promote decomposition and nutrient release back into the soil.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
The outdoor bench seating on campus is made from recycled plastics. Some mulch and compost used on campus is from recycled trees and yard waste.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Campus lawn areas are aerated annually to promote rainwater infiltration and reduce runoff. Landscaping to promote transpiration and reduce standing water is also applied.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
Missouri State University has a snow and ice removal policy posted on our University website. http://www.missouristate.edu/policy/snowremoval.htm.The snow or ice event, classes in session and events happening on Campus dictate the response that Grounds Services takes. If classes are not in session unused parking lots and sidewalks are not cleared and allowed to melt naturally to save on resources. The University has also invested in spreaders with gates so that flow of material can be better controlled. These spreaders paid for themselves the first season of use by not wasting excess material.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
Missouri State University has no certified or protected areas on the main campus.
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.