University of California, Santa Barbara
OP-9: Landscape Management

Areas that are excluded form the 'managed' grounds include driving surfaces, bike paths, building footprints, street medians, and un-managed natural areas.

Started in 1995, the University of California, Santa Barbara's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisory Committee oversees and supervises pest control on campus. The IPM Advisory Committee works to proactively minimize the use of pesticides and promote the application of IPM methods. Since its origin, the IPM Advisory Committee has banned the use of pesticides inside UCSB buildings, mandated that IPM methods be used on all University properties, and replaced pesticides with environmentally friendly products. A detailed account of the IPM Advisory Committee's accomplishments can be accessed at the link below.

Landscape guidelines at UCSB prioritize that the perimeter of the University is landscaped with native vegetation. Native plant species are also used in landscaping around buildings and other structures. The University does place an emphasis on creating landscapes that encourage large gatherings, and although these particular areas may not always consist of native vegetation, architects are encouraged to utilize drought tolerant plants and native plants in surrounding fringe areas and where appropriate. In addition, for teaching and restoration purposes, more than 233 acres are protected and being restored to native plant communities.

UCSB irrigates 90% of the main campus with recycled water. Impervious surfaces are often bordered by bioswales in order to decrease runoff and promote infiltration and groundwater recharge. Examples of large impervious surfaces bordered by swales include parking lots and the library corridor. The Davidson Library corridor at UCSB is also paved with permeable pavers that allow water to infiltrate them and not run off. This feature significantly decreases stormwater runoff. It is of the utmost importance for UCSB's Environmental Health & Safety department and the Cheadle Center for Biological and Ecological Restoration to ensure and restore the integrity of the natural hydrology on campus, which is often done through testing and audits, working with groundskeepers and contractors and implementing restoration programs/ projects.

At UCSB, all grounds keeping waste is collected for mulching purposes. For lawns, trimmings are directly deposited back onto the grass, a system called Grass Cycling. The trimmings of all other vegetation, such as plants and trees, are stored in a campus depository to be later used as mulch. Approximately 300-400 cubic yards per year of this mulch are used for soil and landscaping purposes.

The University plants xerophytic vegetation that requires little to no irrigation. Landscape waste is collected, mulched, and returned for use in campus landscape. The on-campus weather station collects data on evapotranspiration levels, and irrigation only occurs with high recorded levels.

The University of California Santa Barbara is in a temperate coastal climate that does not experience drastic seasonal variation. Weather patterns of the region do not support snow or ice accumulation.