Ringling College of Art and Design
OP-9: Landscape Management

Over the past several years, the college has purchased a series of vacant lots that are not currently under our managed grounds program criteria. These areas are currently being maintained on a as needed basis.

Ringling College's approach in designing an effective IPM program begins at the design phase itself and we utilize the following criteria in planning for healthy landscapes: a. The Initial Design/Maintenance Interface b. Cultural Component - plant selection and planting design c. The Biological Component - natural enemies and other beneficials d. The Genetic Component - plant or turf grass selections - chemical controls - use of least toxic and selective alternatives Our goals are to maintain the final landscaped product with long-term, effective cost measures in place while promoting environmentally sound practices including: a. Identify and monitor known pests and diseases using phenology checklists, landscape reports from Institute of Food Agricultural Sciences - University of Florida (IFAS) and visual inspection. b. Identify beneficial insects reptiles and amphibians and encourage habitat through planting or native and host plant species in addition to timely plant cleanup. c. Physical removal of pests through manual and mechanical means to maintain an acceptable threshold of damage. d. Removal of plants that cannot be maintained at acceptable levels and replanting with a more disease resistant type. e. Use of insecticidal soaps and other sanctioned plant health additions while utilizing strategies that include the use of Neem oil and proper watering schedules that avoid over-watering. All fertilization applications are done within strict compliance of Florida laws. If pesticides are deemed necessary, the use of the least toxic chemical is preferable and spot treatments are recommended over the traditional wide spectrum application.

The college has eliminated the use of all inorganic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in and around all retention ponds throughout the college. We have also incorporated the 10' low maintenance buffer zone principle that under the right conditions will utilize selected plant materials when deemed appropriate. –

The College engaged Biohabitats to perform a green infrastructure assessment. As part of this assessment, native plant species were identified and cataloged, assisting with plant selection decisions as projects are developed. Native plant species are integrated into stormwater retention areas, utilized as street trees, and integrated into planting beds throughout the campus.

Currently, Ringling College utilizes sub-surface irrigation and avoids the use of traditional "pop-ups" or "gear driven" sprinklers whenever possible. Ringling also adheres to irrigation schedules that are in strict compliance to South West Florida Water Management District mandates. The college uses a combination of well water and reclaimed water provided by the City of Sarasota for our irrigation needs.

Grass clippings and most fallen leaves are mulched and allowed to remain on the grounds to compost naturally. Large landscaping materials are taken offsite where they are chipped or composted and returned to campus for ground cover.

Ringling College utilizes a variety of applications in energy efficient landscape designs in our planning process that includes understanding existing shade patterns, site preparations that improves soil conditions, reduces water runoff. Selecting site appropriate trees,shrubs, grasses and ground covers is equally important in sustaining our energy efficient approach to landscape designs. in our planning process