| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.43 |
| Liaison | Greg Maginn |
| Submission Date | June 30, 2023 |
The Ohio State University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.38 / 2.00 |
Greg
Maginn Sustainability Analyst FOD |
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 | 48.65 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 528 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 1,088.35 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 1,665 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
City and state roads that run through campus and buildings have been excluded from the total managed grounds.
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
Grounds managed organically is a combination of no-mow zones, the grounds around the 4-H Center, and other woody/grassy areas that don't require routine management.
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:
These areas, including all campus lawn and planting beds, are monitored for pest outbreaks and treated when plant health is in jeopardy.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Ohio State's campus is used as a teaching lab, as such it is extremely important to increase the diversity of tree species. A species list has been developed by the Tree Advisory committee and is updated on an annual basis to accommodate requested trees for teaching as well as underrepresented species and cultivars across campus. Site conditions guide tree selection with emphasis placed on native species, but some sites may be planted with exotics or adapted plants. Ohio State will not plant invasive plants that might threaten natural areas on or adjacent to the university. Plants considered to be invasive are those by the Ohio Invasive Plant Council. Research initiatives may preclude the preceding statements.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
The OSU has been active in planting trees and removing invasive species in the riparian zone of the Olentangy River, which runs through campus. The OSU has also been focused on storm water management and is actively trying to implement green infrastructure projects to restore a more natural hydrology on campus. Two major projects that were recently completed are the Restoration of Mirror Lake which involved the redesign and naturalizing of a historic water feature on campus and the Relocation of Cannon Drive which removes surface parking adjacent to the Olentangy River and creates an expansive green space for stormwater and floodplain management.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Landscape waste is collected in green-waste holding areas before being transferred and staged at central location for pick up by a local mulching firm.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
One of Ohio State's resource stewardships goals is to improve our Ecosystem Services Index which is based on a multitude of environmental factors, one of which is to reduce the university's urban heat island effect through increasing tree canopy and vegetation cover.
Additionally, Ohio State has started introducing electric mowers and blowers on campus to reduce emissions from traditional mowers and blowers.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
The university has a collection of standard operating procedures incorporating sustainable practices such as brining rather than salting surfaces and weather informed plowing schedules to reduce the environmental impact of snow and ice removal. Additional information can be found in the IPM plan.
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.