| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.35 |
| Liaison | Alexis Reyes |
| Submission Date | Oct. 29, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Pomona College
IN-4: Innovation 4
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Ginny
Routhe Director Sustainability Integration Office |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016
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
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
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
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
Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016
|
| Public Engagement | --- |
| Air & Climate | --- |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services |
No
Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016
|
| Energy | Yes |
| Grounds |
Yes
Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016
|
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | --- |
| Waste |
No
Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016
|
| Water |
No
Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016
|
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | --- |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | --- |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Date Revised: Jan. 7, 2016
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.