Saint Louis University
OP-9: Landscape Management

Footprint of buildings, impervious surfaces, inclusion of parking garage decks

The IPM plan will utilize all methods of pest control, which may include modifying cultural practices, monitoring for pest populations, mechanical and biological control, and the judicious use of pesticides. The IPM plan is intended to cover all developed turf, landscaping, and ornamental areas of the St. Louis physical campus. This plan excludes all vacant properties, teaching gardens/orchards, and sports field turf areas. IPM Plan Attached and may also be found here: http://www.slu.edu/facilities-services-home/sustainability/campus-operations/buildings-and-grounds##2

The Teaching Garden and Orchard on the University's South Campus is maintained as an organic garden and orchard. The Garden Plot Agreement document clearly states that SLU Community Members acknowledge that "As this is an organic farm under USDA standards, I will use organic gardening methods only and understand that the planting of organic seed and seedlings is highly encouraged. I will not apply synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers on my plot. If I am unsure about a certain product’s classification as organic or non-organic, I will consult the SLU Garden staff."

Saint Louis University has a social obligation to preserve and conserve our valuable natural landscape resources. We believe a beautiful campus environment assists in the overall experience for our students, faculty, and staff. This keen awareness of our impact on the campus community helps define our sustainability practices. Consequently, the Grounds Department emphasizes native plant installation on all new projects. This practice was implemented on July 1, 2010. The target goal for native plant material on each new project is 50%. Perennial flower beds on campus feature a variety of native plants that include: Purple Coneflower, Carex, Heliopsis, Blazing Star, Bee Balm, Turtlehead and Rudbeckia. Other types of native plants used on campus include: Blue Wild Indigo, Aster, Coreopsis, Purple Coneflower, Rattlesnake Master, Wild Bergamot, Yellow Gray Coneflower, Goldenrod and Golden Alexander. In accordance with the IPM plan, visual monthly inspections for Chinch bug, sod webworm, billbug and/or other destructive turf pests will be conducted. Application of insecticides to turf areas will be limited in an effort to preserve populations of beneficial insects and nematodes. Widespread application of broadleaf herbicides will not be performed unless weed species have invaded greater than 10% of the entire turf area. Spot application may be done on small areas on a needed basis. Pesticides for turf disease will only be performed if evidence of disease has been found and significant areas (10-15% of the total turf area) of permanent damage are found. To preserve beneficial & predatory insects, pesticides will be applied only on an as needed basis, meaning more than 10% damage or defoliation to ornamental plants. Priority will be given to those pesticides having the lowest toxicity and whenever possible, biological pest control – predatory insects, beneficial nematodes, and microbial pesticides - will be used. Insect and disease resistant plant varieties will be selected for planting in any flowerbed and/or formal landscaping areas.

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Beginning on July 1, 2010, the Saint Louis University Grounds Department implemented a composting and mulching practice which includes all landscaping waste including but not limited to grass, leaves, and other landscape related debris. Difficult to compost items, such as tree stumps, are transported by Waste Management to the Milam landfill. There the yard waste is put through a composting process that allows them to use it as an additive to the soil cover. It helps prevent erosion and is great for growing grass in sandy soils at the site. In FY17, 27.72 tons of yard waste was hauled away for composting.

As part of the construction of SLU’s Doisy Research Center in 2008, approximately 7,200 square feet of vegetative roof was installed on the 212,000 square foot building. The roof is an extensive system (4”) and is planted with five (5) varieties of sedum. These varieties were chosen based on their survival capacity and adaptability to a vegetative roof environment in the Midwest (Missouri) climate. This installation helps reduce the effects of heat islands. Open for residence in Fall 2016, Spring Hall contains many energy-efficient measures. In particular, stormwater is detained and diverted from the sewer system and filtered for water quality. For all new flat roofs on campus, the University uses white roofing materials. Experiments are being conducted to evaluate what materials are the best for the application and cost-effectiveness.

Saint Louis University recognizes the impact of snow and ice removal on the grounds and therefore follows a detailed policy for snow and ice removal operations. This policy includes designated areas for snow storage to minimize salt runoff, information on acceptable de-icing materials to be used on campus and detailed breakdown of snow removal routes that minimize fuel consumption. Additionally, calcium applications are applied in early winter and late spring along all turf and landscape areas to help remove salt from the soil profile. Visit http://www.slu.edu/facilities-services-home/sustainability/campus-operations/buildings-and-grounds##2 to review the Operation Snowfall process.