Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 49.78
Liaison Herbert Sinnock
Submission Date April 20, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Sheridan College (Ontario)
OP-11: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Chris Nanos
Manager, Facilities Services
Facilities Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
Yes

A brief description of any legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance on institution owned or managed land:

Sheridan owns and maintains a woodland at its Trafalgar campus, which is protected under the Greenlands System (Regional Natural Heritage System). Other areas of conservation importance include the stream at the Trafalgar campus and the pond at the Davis campus, as they help to conserve the natural hydrology and ecosystems around campus and the surrounding area. Sheridan Trafalgar campus is also located in the Sixteen Mile Creek which falls within the jurisdiction of Conservation Halton.


Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

The methodology(-ies) used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:

Urban Forest Associates conducted a review of Sheridan’s arboreal assets, as well as an evaluation of the areas flora and fauna communities conducted by BioLogic. These surveys were done in 2012 for the Trafalgar campus.


A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

BIRDS
25 species of birds were recorded on campus. There was breeding evidence or suitable breeding habitat for 23 of the 25 species. The other two species were considered to be visitors to the site due to lack of breeding evidence. All of the species observed are widespread and common in southern Ontario.

AMPHIBIANS
One species of amphibian was recorded. One Eastern Red-backed Salamander was found under a small log. There are no permanent ponds or vernal pools on the uplands or in the creek valley so breeding by other amphibians is not likely. It is possible that American Toad and Green Frog might breed in quiet backwaters of the creek in years with low water flow.

REPTILES
One reptile species was recorded: Eastern Gartersnake. The site likely does not have any resident turtle species. There are no permanent ponds and the stream is not likely deep enough for overwintering. There are no permanent ponds for summering. The wooded creek valley and adjacent uplands are too shaded for egg-laying.

MAMMALS
One species of mammals was observed: Eastern Gray Squirrel. Other species likely present include Northern Raccoon and the Eastern Cottontail.

BUTTERFLIES
Ten species of butterflies were recorded. Most species and individuals were found in the open in the proposed development area including the mound of dirt covered with annual weedy plants. All are common and widespread in Southern Ontario. The Monarch butterfly is listed as Special Concern in Ontario and Canada.

ODONATES
Four species of odonates were recorded. The three dragonfly species were found in the open area and the area slated for development. The Ebony Jewelwings were located in the woodlands along the stream. All are common and widespread in Ontario.

TREES
There are 853 trees (not species) on campus which belong to several different species as assessed by Urban Forest Associates in their arboreal report.


A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

Sheridan’s uses best practices to preserve and protect wildlife and environmentally-sensitive areas.


The website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity policies and programs(s) is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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