Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.35
Liaison Alexis Reyes
Submission Date Oct. 29, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Pomona College
IN-4: Innovation 4

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Ginny Routhe
Director
Sustainability Integration Office
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Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Trails End Ranch: Ecological Field Station
+ Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016

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A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Trails End Ranch is a 52-acre property in the Claremont foothills that was purchased by Pomona College in 2012, with the goal of establishing a biological field station to be used by students and faculty alike. The Ranch includes a ranch house, a 2,000 square foot workshop suitable for supporting fieldwork, and land ideal for a range of research. Though part of the property has been developed and cultivated, much of the natural vegetation remains, including intact chaparral stands, a rarity in heavily developed coastal southern California areas, and undisturbed riparian oak woodland.The high degree of biodiversity in these ecosystems provide an invaluable resource for students at Pomona College, especially those interested in Environmental Analysis, Biology,and/or Geology. To aid in the site’s sustainability, a majority of energy usage is offset through photovoltaic panels. The property is 3.9 miles from campus and adjacent to natural lands owned by the County of Los Angeles and the Claremont Wilderness Park.
+ Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016

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A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
The site features 52 acres of natural land. No chemical pesticides are used on the property. The site also features 196 photovoltaic panels. In fiscal year 2015, the PV system generated over 13,600 kWh of electricity, which offsets over 70% of the entire site’s electricity usage. Four students extensively studied Trails End Ranch during their Environmental Analysis Senior Seminar in Spring 2014. Research included: history of the land, landscape ecology, database of flora and fauna, a GIS map, and future research potential.
+ Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016

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A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
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Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
Yes or No
Curriculum ---
Research Yes
+ Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016
Campus Engagement No
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Public Engagement ---
Air & Climate ---
Buildings ---
Dining Services No
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Energy Yes
Grounds Yes
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Purchasing ---
Transportation ---
Waste No
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Water No
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Coordination, Planning & Governance ---
Diversity & Affordability ---
Health, Wellbeing & Work ---
Investment ---

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Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
http://terpomona.weebly.com/
+ Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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