Ringling College of Art and Design
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Andreas
Wolfram Energy and Sustainability Manager Facilities Operations |
Total campus area:
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed organically, without the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides | 2 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 49 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 2 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 53 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
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.
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
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.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
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.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
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.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
Currently, Ringling college utilizes sub-surface, low volume micro-sprays, water efficient nozzles and is currently upgrading the current irrigation controllers to a manageable central control system to be able to manage watering schedules from one location or from a smart phone or tablet to save water, detect problems faster and manage multiple sites. Ringling college uses a combination of well water and reclaimed water for our irrigation needs.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
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.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
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.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program 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.