Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 55.74
Liaison Kristyn Achilich
Submission Date May 11, 2021

STARS v2.2

Saint Michael's College
OP-9: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.93 / 2.00 Kristyn Achilich
Director and Instructor
Center for the Environment; Education
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Total campus area:
437.75 Acres

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 133.75 Acres
Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed 0 Acres
Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices 5 Acres
Total area of managed grounds 138.75 Acres

A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:

Land excluded from the area of managed grounds includes all campus buildings (Academic/Administrative/Residential areas), all impervious surfaces (walkways, parking lots and roads) as well as the SMC Natural Area (350 acres) along the Winooski River. Total building coverage is 11.39 acres and total impervious surface coverage is 19.08 acres.


Percentage of grounds managed organically:
96.40

A brief description of the organic landscape management program:

The college does not have a formalized organic landscape care plan, but our general practice is that we do not use pesticides or herbicides on campus, except in extreme cases (which apply to specific areas of campus). Key practices followed: limiting of vectors for infestation and growth, planting resistant species, limiting monocultures, limiting the introduction of pests, and generally providing for a healthy horticultural environment. When pesticides/herbicides have to be used, timing of application is done so in a manner to protect pollinators and other key species on campus. Acreage was excluded above to covers the small portion of areas where (in extreme and very rare cases) pesticides/herbicides are utilized.


Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
0

A copy of the IPM plan or program:
---

A brief description of the IPM program:
---

A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:

As part of the restoration effort in the Natural Area, we have developed a plan for native plantings (trees, shrubs) as well as an invasive plant removal plan. We have established a native plant nursery at another location on campus, that is managed for the purpose of having a supply of plants for these restoration plantings, as well as for use elsewhere on campus. The nursery if maintained by students and faculty, and is coordinated through the Center for the Environment.


A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:

Restoring the hydrology of the natural area is key to its restoration, so we are very aware of the importance of hydrology and water use. The campus has a longstanding plan to collect and re-direct stormwater, which is used for our limited watering and eventually is diverted into an adjacent natural stream flowing through the Gilbrook Nature Preserve (described in OP10).
We focus on water conservation in our sustainability education program with students; we purchase low-flow toilets and shower heads for residence halls and buildings. We have begun planting perennials in landscaped areas on campus, with a goal of having low-maintenance native perennials as our only plantings.
We banned plastic water bottles years ago, and installed water bottle filler devices on many water fountains.


A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:

All landscape debris is composted on site.


A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:

By converting to primarily perennial gardens on campus, we will minimize the need for watering, planting, etc. which will reduce energy utilization.


A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:

The Grounds Department utilizes eco-friendly "salt" to de-ice campus walkways, roads and parking lots.


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:

current (20-21) data


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.