Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 53.64
Liaison William Cocke
Submission Date May 14, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of North Texas
OP-11: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Todd Spinks
Director
UNT Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
Yes

A brief description of any legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance on institution owned or managed land:

Located on the east side of UNT's Eagle Point campus, the Greenbelt is a natural greenspace that serves as a buffer between the campus and the adjacent Denia neighborhood. This area is home to numerous native trees and wildlife, and features a small duck pond – utilized for many years by UNT’s renowned water research program.

The greenspace adds to the natural beauty of the landscaping surrounding Apogee Stadium and is easily accessible to residents at Victory Hall and the surrounding neighborhood. With several park benches in the area, the greenspace is a perfect place for students, faculty, and staff to enjoy the natural environment.


Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
No

The methodology(-ies) used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:

Students, as well as faculty, conduct field research on populations of birds, bees and reptiles that are endangered in the North Texas area, as well as in other countries.


A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

From investigating declining bumblebee populations to determining the effects of flooding and climate change on reptiles, UNT animal conservation research is making a difference around the world.

UNT students have the opportunity to learn about conservation through the university's new Ecology for Environmental Science bachelor's degree program. The program is the only one of its kind in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and adds to UNT's history of education and research programs related to ecology, conservation and environmental science.


A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

Part of the research projects includes releasing animals that have been bred in captivity into areas in which they will thrive and grow.


The website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity policies and programs(s) is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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