| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 51.71 |
| Liaison | Jeffrey Severin |
| Submission Date | July 17, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Kansas
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Jeff
Severin Director KU Center for Sustainability |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 857.82 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 350 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 229.80 Acres |
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Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 278.02 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 0 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
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A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :
Facilities Services Landscaping uses integrated pest management practices, avoiding the use of pesticides unless there is an economic impact from a pest population (i.e., the loss of a plant or tree). Cosmetic damages to a plant are accepted if there will not be long term effects.
This practice involves:
1. Proper knowledge and ID of target pest and life cycles.
2. Closely monitoring pests and populations.
3. Application of controls that are most effective and when populations warrant.
4. Control measures that do not injure non-target organisms or the environment.
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A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
The University's landscape master plan prioritizes sustainable landscape management by promoting the planting of native vegetation when and where appropriate. The recent campus master planning process has also spurred the Facilities Services and Design and Construction Management Departments to consider "living laboratory" approaches to landscape management in an effort to entice students to participate in outdoor activities throughout campus.
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A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
Native plants are being extensively used in new landscaping on West campus, and the University attempts to use plants that do not require high inputs (labor, water, pesticides) in all of the new landscapes.
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A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
The landscaping division composts all leaf and landscaping debris.
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A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
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A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
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A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Parking Lot 54 was reconstructed in Summer 2013 with pervious pavement that captures and infiltrates storm water runoff into the subsurface and incorporate rain gardens/bioswales. This parking lot is in a high-profile location on campus, bounded by 15th Street on the north, Naismith Drive on the east, and Irving Hill Road on the south. The reduction in storm water runoff will help alleviate flooding in the overloaded city storm sewer system to the south. Phase 2 of the Jayhawk Boulevard reconstruction project, completed in summer 2014, includes storm water irrigation wells to capture, store, and filter rain water. DCM has also designed several bioswales and rain gardens that are watered primarily with gravity-driven storm water runoff.
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A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
Magnesium chloride is used on walkways and sodium chloride is used for streets.
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A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
The core of campus was recently designated as an historic district. This includes undeveloped areas around Potter Lake and the Memorial Campanile and along Jayhawk Boulevard. Historic district designation will help to preserve the natural beauty, cultural significance, and environmental benefits of these green spaces.
When dedicated in the 1930s, KU's Prairie Acre was believed to be the last portion of KU’s Mount Oread campus that had never been disturbed by plow, shovel, blasting powder nor other man-made device. The site is still managed by burning every other year to preserve it in its most natural state. To this day Prairie Acre represents a protected glimpse into the history of the Plains region.
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Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
Yes
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The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Acreage excludes all property outside of the central Lawrence campus property.
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.