| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.91 |
| Liaison | Elizabeth MacKenzie |
| Submission Date | June 25, 2024 |
University of Iowa
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Emma
Duncan Grad Student Intern Office of Sustainability and the Environment |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The University of Iowa helps manage and protect the Iowa River along with the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory, an educational and research facility for UI students and researchers and the local community.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
Areas of biodiversity importance include areas adjacent to the Iowa River and Ashton Prairie.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
Professional assessment of relevant local areas (Iowa River) paired with expertise in the area is used to identify endangered and vulnerable species. In addition, an annual BioBlitz is held at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory each summer where the public joins researchers in collecting, observing, and recording biodiversity.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The findings of the BioBlitz inform a major research project and each year of data collection informs how diversity changes at Ashton Prairie over time.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
Wildlife habitat plantings are incorporated on UI property wherever appropriate. The UI campus is primarily urban, which can limit significantly-sized wildlife habitat in some areas. However, areas adjacent to the Iowa River, including ravines and wetlands, and areas at the Oakdale campus are managed for wildlife habitat. Management includes removal of invasive species, protection and encouragement of mast trees and bushes, and re-establishment of native species where possible. The University does not spray pesticides along riverbanks.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives 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.