| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.96 |
| Liaison | Tracey Coronado |
| Submission Date | March 15, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Missouri State University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.25 / 2.00 |
Doug
Neidigh Sustainability Coordinator Environmental Management |
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
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 | 70 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 | 40 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 10 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 120 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds (e.g. the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces, experimental agricultural land, areas that are not regularly managed or maintained):
Land excluded represents the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces (sidewalks, parking lots, etc...).
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
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.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an organic program:
A brief description of the organic land standard or landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials:
Grounds Services has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides in favor of ecologically preferable materials and 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 the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
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 approach to hydrology and water use:
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 the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
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 approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
Energy-efficient landscape design initiatives include, for example, the placement and selection of shade trees and wind breaks and the use of vegetation and reflective materials to reduce heat islands.
Missouri State University is committed to increasing the tree canopy by 15% in the next five years. This last year a new shaded seating area was created with additional seating for the students to enjoy.
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):
Missouri State University has a snow and ice removal policy posted on our University website. https://www.missouristate.edu/facilities/SnowRemovalPolicy.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.
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.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.