| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.56 |
| Liaison | Mari Acob-Nash |
| Submission Date | Oct. 30, 2021 |
North Seattle College
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Adam
Maurer District Sustainability Coordinator Finance and Ops |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
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 to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
Species include Pacific Tree Frogs, Northern Flicker, and the Long-Toed Salamander. Habitat primarily includes the Bartonwood Natural Area and surrounding wetlands.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
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.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
A major role for the Bartonwood Natural 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 the scope of the assessment(s):
Faculty and 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 the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
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.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity 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.