University of California, Irvine
OP-9: Landscape Management

UC Irvine's pest control program is centered on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system that employs physical, mechanical, cultural, biological, and educational methods to limit pest problems. Where a chemical pesticide is required as a last resort to control pests, the least toxic chemical pesticide is used. Basic pest management principles allow the campus community to prevent pest problems and find the best pest control solutions. The basic principles include storing food appropriately, keeping work areas clean and uncluttered, removing recycling and trash regularly, and checking insect entry points to make sure they are properly sealed. The goals of the IPM program at UCI are: 1. Protect human health and the surrounding environment by employing a range of preventative strategies and using least-toxic products for pest control and eradication. 2. Inspect and monitor pest populations and locations to enhance control strategies. 3. Minimize the quantity and toxicity of chemicals used for pest management. 4. Minimize environmental impacts by using species-specific pesticides and targeting application areas carefully. 5. Establish clear criteria for acceptable circumstances in which using a pesticide other than a least-toxic pesticide is necessary; toxic pesticides shall only be used when there is a threat to public health and safety, or to prevent economic or environmental damage, and only after other alternatives have been implemented and are shown to be ineffective. 6. Provide building occupants and visitors with advanced notice of IPM activities involving use of a pesticide other than a least-toxic pesticide.

The Green and Gold Plan identifies native and climate appropriate plants for use on campus and management of the campus open space networks to maximize habitat and natural resource value. UCI sustainability staff, faculty, and students work collaboratively on campuswide habitat protection and enhancement programs involving the creation or restoration of native plant associations to provide native habitat in campus upland, wetland, and riparian habitat types. Current projects have included the replacement of a turf area adjacent to the administration building and a new bikeway that have both been landscaped with California native plants. Future projects are looking at reducing underutilized turf areas and replacing with California native plants through student volunteer planting events. Facilities Management controls invasive species including artichoke thistle, pampas grass, tamarisk, and other invasive species that threaten habitat resources. UCI grounds staff follows the IPM plan to manage invasive species.

The Long Range Development Plan identifies preservation and enhancement of the natural arroyos (season drainage features). As part of the natural hydrology of the campus these arroyos serve important functions as riparian habitat for native species, rainwater management, and recreational corridors to the campus community. UC Irvine's Water Action Plan includes provides for Low Impact Design (LID) as required strategy for all new construction and major redevelopment projects. The campus already has a variety of sustainable stormwater treatment facilities including bioswales, sand filter beds, percolation galleries, and natural treatment facilities that help protect the integrity of its watershed. The Office of Environmental Planning & Sustainability is working with research programs on campus to develop demonstration projects incorporating vegetated swales to treat runoff associated with on-going operations. UCI Water Action Plan 2017 Update: http://sustainability.uci.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/UCIWAP2017.pdf

100% of landscape waste at UCI is composted. The campus uses two methods of mulching on site: It uses self-mulching mowers on grass and annually chips 150-plus tons of green waste for compost used in planting beds and park trails on campus. Larger landscape waste items (i.e. tree removals) are composted at a local facility.

The university waters 95% of the irrigated landscape of the campus with reclaimed (non-potable) water. The university also has many buildings with drought-tolerant landscaping that is designed to reduce runoff and heat island effect.

UC Irvine was recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 2014 Partnership Award for its management of UCI's urban forest. This award recognized UCI's collaboration with the Irvine Ranch Water District and other community partners to manage a volunteer-based on-campus nursery which provides locally grown native and drought tolerant shade trees which are planted primarily by student and community volunteers on campus and in the local community to support UCI sustainable landscape goals. The campus also received its ninth consecutive annual Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation in 2018.