Rowan University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Shante
Walker Institutional Research Analyst Office of Institutional Research & Analytics |
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:
677 acres of land that drain to Chestnut Branch below Bowe Boulevard, 207 acres are comprised of Rowan University (31%).
Endangered and vulnerable species
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
swamp pink (flower) northern long-eared bat (mammal) bog turtle (reptile)
Areas of biodiversity importance
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
Methodologies
If yes to either of the above, provide the following:
In Rowan University's Stormwater Management & Landscape Master Plan explains our Green Infrastructure Approach on page 7:
Inherent in the stormwater management and landscape master planning approach is the need to protect, enhance, and create functional landscapes that demonstrate and embrace the manner in which water serves as a resource. These landscapes also provide important habitat, microclimate, and aesthetic
benefits that will be consistent with their specific locations on campus. For example, in redevelopment and new development situations, it is important to target opportunities to incorporate ecology and water into active landscapes such as courtyards, plazas, walkways, parking areas, and adjacent to building foundations.
Developing a strong and resilient green infrastructure network involves examining, interpreting, and building upon the inherent patterns in the landscape, to build a site’s capacity for regeneration. This approach involves a strong focus on connectivity, and designing for benefits at multiple scales with an appreciation for historic function but an understanding that in urbanized areas, where natural function may not return to its original form, a new functional living system with natural characteristics can be introduced.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The planning principles, design guidelines, and landscape typologies developed in the Stormwater Master Plan can also be extended to Rowan’s other campuses, including West Campus, Camden, and Stratford.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
The primary goals of the open space plan presented in the Stormwater Master Plan include:
- the protection of significant existing natural and man-made landscapes on campus,
- the reinforcement of a pedestrian-oriented campus through the creation of attractive
walkways
- defined landscape spaces
- heightening of the campus identity through the landscape treatment of campus edges and gateways.
Optional Fields
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.