University of Pennsylvania
OP-10: Biodiversity

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania conducts a Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan every ten years. This Plan includes bird Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Species that have been documented on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, according to the PA Wildlife Action Plan, 2015-2025:

• American Kestrel
• Black-and-White Warbler
• Blackpoll Warbler
• Black-Throated Blue Warbler
• Black-Throated Green Warbler
• Blue-winged Warbler
• Brown Creeper
• Chimney swift
• Golden-Winged Warbler
• Gray Catbird
• Peregrine Falcon
• Swainson's Thrush
• White-Throated Sparrow

The 2015 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan is a non-regulatory, proactive conservation blueprint to prevent Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) from requiring federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. This approach helps reduce the costs of wildlife management by decreasing expensive recoveries of species in need of critical care. 

The Ecological Landscape Stewardship Plan (ELSP), developed in 2018, offers a framework for the Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services to design, maintain, and celebrate the beauty of the campus landscape with an emphasis on its role as a balanced ecological system.

As part of the Ecological Landscape Stewardship Plan, Penn's campus was comprehensively assessed to better understand the design intent, biodiversity, plant health, soil, and stormwater implications. While not a complete survey (for example, it does not include Penn Park, New Bolton Center campus, or Morris Arboretum), the ELSP focused on specific important areas of biodiversity that are on land owned or managed by the University of Pennsylvania. These areas include:

The methodologies used to identify areas of biodiversity importance within the University of Pennsylvania's Ecological Landscape Stewardship Plan (ELSP) primarily involve comprehensive site evaluations, stakeholder collaboration, and ongoing monitoring mechanisms. Key methodologies and processes include:

1. Comprehensive Site Evaluations:

   • The ELSP employed seasonal evaluations of pilot sites to assess biodiversity, plant health, soil conditions, and stormwater management. These evaluations examined structural and species diversity, habitat opportunities, and ecological resilience.
   • Observations included identifying vegetative layers (ground cover, shrubs, trees) and species diversity, aiming to enhance habitats for pollinators, birds, and small animals.

2. Stakeholder Collaboration and Feedback:

   • Input was gathered from maintenance teams, faculty, landscape architects, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic understanding of biodiversity conditions and maintenance challenges.
   • Interviews and group discussions helped identify barriers to ecological enhancement and facilitated tailored recommendations.

3. Monitoring and Data Collection:

   • Shoemaker Green, as a Sustainable SITES pilot project, operates as a living laboratory, providing long-term data collection on green infrastructure performance, plant health, and soil conditions. This includes tracking the success of habitat creation and stormwater management systems.
   • Adaptive management practices were recommended to empower groundskeepers to monitor and address landscape conditions dynamically.

4. Integration with Broader Ecosystems:

   • The campus’s proximity to key ecological corridors, such as the Schuylkill River and the Atlantic Flyway, influenced biodiversity strategies, emphasizing connections to regional habitats.
   • Recommendations focused on improving native plant habitats and minimizing ecological disruption from urban pressures.

By combining these methodologies with tools like ecological performance strategies, soil testing, and stakeholder input, the ELSP ensures that areas of biodiversity importance are identified and preserved while creating a more resilient campus landscape. The plan promotes continuous improvement through adaptive practices and periodic re-evaluations.

The scope of the assessments conducted under the Ecological Landscape Stewardship Plan (ELSP) included a detailed, seasonal evaluation of four representative landscape typologies on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, covering approximately 10% of the campus area. These assessments aimed to enhance planning, design, maintenance, and policy practices related to environmental sustainability and landscape stewardship.

Key aspects of the assessment included:

1. Biodiversity Evaluation: Species diversity, plant health, and habitat opportunities were analyzed to improve biodiversity in both naturalized and urbanized areas.

2. Soil and Stormwater Analysis: Soil health and stormwater management systems were assessed to create resilient landscapes that mitigate urban environmental pressures.

3. Design and Maintenance Practices: Existing design standards, maintenance operations, and policy frameworks were reviewed to align landscaping practices with ecological and sustainability goals.

4. Pilot Site Typologies: The four typologies evaluated included high-activity lawn spaces, heavily paved pedestrian areas, biofiltration zones, and perennial plantings. Seasonal assessments provided insights into challenges such as pedestrian traffic, snow removal, and the need for clean and controlled aesthetics.

These assessments provided actionable recommendations to improve ecological performance, streamline operations, and balance sustainability with aesthetic and functional campus requirements, making Penn's campus a model for urban ecological stewardship.

Penn’s campus incorporates several initiatives to protect and enhance species, habitats, and ecosystems. Meadow habitats are safeguarded through "no mow" zones, ensuring these sensitive areas remain undisturbed. Physical infrastructure, such as railings, is strategically placed to guide pedestrians along pathways and prevent foot traffic in ecologically sensitive zones. Additionally, as a certified Level II Arboretum, Penn highlights its commitment to biodiversity by adding informative signage to significant trees, Heritage trees, and those in prominent locations, fostering awareness and appreciation of the campus’s rich ecological landscape.

The University of Pennsylvania Campus Tree Care Plan: https://arbnet.org/sites/arbnet/files/Penn%20Campus%20Tree%20Care%20Plan.pdf