| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.35 |
| Liaison | Amy Kadrie |
| Submission Date | Dec. 15, 2021 |
University of Rochester
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
John
McIntyre Manager Horticulture and Grounds - Facilities & Services |
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 Rochester's South Campus is home to an ecologically rich, biodiverse, old-growth forest, Whipple Woods. Assistant Professor Justin Ramsey and Research Associate Tara Ramsey assembled a team of students to conducted extensive site surveys and data collection to research the distribution of plant life in the forest. The Ramsey team built trails, enacted controls on certain invasive plants, and served to manage the Whipple Woods. The trails benefit the area by keeping people off sensitive areas that would be damaged from being stepped on and disturbed.
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:
The Chorus Frog lives in vernal ponds near the Laser Lab in Whipple Woods on South Campus. Vernal ponds are protected in Massachusetts but are not legally protected in New York State. The University took it upon themselves to provide a suitable habitat for these frogs since the expansion of the laser lab would take away part of their habitat. Shortly after the new habitat was built the frogs had successfully migrated to their new home a mere 100 yards away.
Additionally, we are currently mapping out all the trees in this area and other spaces on campus. This will help us more easily find what trees are endangered and rare, and what need some extra help to preserve. This also increases education as everyone has access to this map with information.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
An environmental study is performed on any undeveloped property prior to construction. Evaluation includes water, wildlife, ecosystem evaluation.
For the tree mapping, we have people going around with GPS devices, recording the exact location of the trees, and inputting information about the trees themselves.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The tree mapping is done on University-managed and owned property. Not all area has been covered, but the assessment is still in progress.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
There are in-place wildlife habitats on the lands owned by the University of Rochester. There are habitats on the South Campus (old growth forest), alongside the Genessee River, and around the Mees Observatory.
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.