Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 59.95
Liaison Mari Acob-Nash
Submission Date Dec. 14, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

North Seattle College
OP-10: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Tim Albertson
Sustainability Coordinator
Student Development Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
No

A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:

The Bartonwood Natural Area is a 12-acre preserve on the north end of the North Seattle College Campus, providing a range of natural services to the college community. It serves as open space, as habitat for the local fauna, as a stormwater retention facility, and as a living laboratory for students in the natural sciences. The area takes its name from John Barton, a popular physics professor in the early years of the College.


Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas (including most recent year assessed) and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:

A major role for this area is as a platform for student research in the natural sciences. The area affords a diverse topography, varied ecological zones, a complex hydrologic system, and a unique geologic setting. Students have been conducting studies on the biology, hydrology, geology and ecology of this area for decades. Most recently, students mapped the existence of an invasive species, knotweed, in the Thornton Creek Watershed, and is working with a non-profit to eradicate it, which will require a 10 year monitoring project to ensure it does not return.


A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

Species include Pacific Tree Frogs, Northern Flicker, and the Long-Toed Salamander. Habitat primarily includes that Bartonwood Natural Area and surrounding wetlands.
See the following links for more specific info:
https://facweb.northseattle.edu/jfigge/BESTProject/25.BiologyFrogs/
https://facweb.northseattle.edu/jfigge/BESTProject/26.BiologyWetlands/


A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

North Seattle College maintains a Certificate of Achievement from National Wildlife Federation through its Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program, certificate no.94291 (formerly 25596). We were awarded this certificate for establishment and maintenance of Backyard Wildlife Habitat due to the ground’s crew’s “conscientious planning, landscaping, and gardening, wildlife may find quality habitat-food, water, cover, and places to raise their young." The Environmental Science Department continues to integrate habitat issues as learning outcomes and uses the backdrop of NSC's wetlands as a living laboratory.


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:
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