| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.50 |
| Liaison | Amy Kadrie |
| Submission Date | Jan. 31, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Rochester
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
John
McIntyre Manager Horticulture and Grounds - Facilities & Services |
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses a four-tiered approach | 259 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an organic land care standard or sustainable landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials | 0 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 259 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds (e.g. the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces, experimental agricultural land, areas that are not regularly managed or maintained):
Managed grounds only includes the managed green space; figures does not include square footage of building footprints; parking lots, roadways, walkways.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
An excellent example of a cultural practice is promoting soil invigoration for treatment of trees. The University of Rochester uses as few pesticides as possible. There is nowhere on the campus that is not covered by the IPM plan. The pest control unit is very careful with IPM and tries to limit their use of pesticides. IPM considers what is economically practical, socially and esthetically acceptable, as well as environmentally responsible. The results are a Campus with high quality plantings with fewer pesticide applications. Judicious cultural and fertilizer practices are other reasons for the excellent horticulture results. No preventative pesticides are used, promoting beneficial insects and mites in tree canopies. In addition, regular overseeding promotes healthier turf resulting in the reduced demand for herbicides.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an organic program:
A brief description of the organic land standard or landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials:
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Whenever possible, native plants are prioritized for planting. They are the first consideration in any planting project. Native plants are also used in landscaping for education and pest resistance opportunities. We select pest-resistant grasses when seeding lawns.
Protection of existing trees and shrubs shall include fencing a minimum of 5’ outside the dripline of the crown; lawn areas shall be protected with fencing at limits defined by the Project Manager. Any traffic or construction within this area requires authorization from the Manager of Horticulture and Grounds. Where traffic is approved within the dripline, the area of travel is to be covered with 6” of mulch placed on the ground and then a layer of 3⁄4” plywood prior to any work.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
The University of Rochester is dedicated to installing rain-gardens with every new building project. In 2017, a rain garden was installed as part of the new Genesee Hall building project.
A brief description of the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
The brush composting and reusing program has been going on for at least 50 years. The University of Rochester Grounds staff never puts organic waste into dumpsters or other trash disposals.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution (e.g. use of environmentally preferable landscaping materials, initiatives to reduce the impacts of ice and snow removal, wildfire prevention):
Managing deicing compounds throughout the winter season is a top priority; providing safe conditions on roads, lots, and walkways while being environmentally conscious and sensitive. Practices include: monitoring application rates, promoting drop spreaders over broadcast spreaders; designating strategic locations for snow storage; reducing (closing off) secondary walks and stairs.
During the growing season, students are hired to hand weed garden beds.
The website URL where information about the programs or 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.