University of Victoria
OP-10: Landscape Management

While UVic does not have a formal IPM process, we operate within an IPM framework (with the exception of setting thresholds) to influence decision making when considering insect control in the areas of horticulture and landscape maintenance. This includes anticipating problems where possible and dealing with them preventatively as well as by using best industry practices wherever practical. Pesticides are only used when all other options have been considered and confirmed to not be effective under the circumstance. Where determined to be necessary, only the least toxic material specific for the target is selected and only applied by certified applicators and only at the lowest recommended rate. In the summer months, watering and grass cutting is eliminated in parts of campus determined to be "naturalized areas".

While UVic does not have a formal IPM process, we operate within an IPM framework (with the exception of setting thresholds) to influence decision making when considering insect control in the areas of horticulture and landscape maintenance. This includes anticipating problems where possible and dealing with them preventatively as well as by using best industry practices wherever practical. Pesticides are only used when all other options have been considered and confirmed to not be effective under the circumstance. Where determined to be necessary, only the least toxic material specific for the target is selected and only applied by certified applicators and only at the lowest recommended rate. In the summer months, watering and grass cutting is eliminated in parts of campus determined to be "naturalized areas".

Native plants are used in landscaping around all new buildings (LEED Gold standard) and are integrated into gardens on all other areas of campus where appropriate. Invasive species such as ivy is pulled manually on a regular basis as required, by Grounds staff and student volunteers.

All campus garden waste including grass and tree clippings, are sent to be composted at local facility, Mitchel Bros Farm. The multch from trees and branches multched onsite is spread on gardens and trails across campus.

The shrub beds are mulched with ground wood chips and composted woody debris, mulching with leaves where practical. Everything else is either lawn or a naturalized area.

- Pesticides are not used for cosmetic purposes anywhere on campus. - Leaf mulching is done where practical - A mix of organic and inorganic fertilizers are used on the university sport fields

The university follows a storm water management plan (See: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/2004.Integrated.Stormwater.Management.Plan..pdf) - Includes storm water detention practices in new building design and construction - Includes use of rain garden technology in landscape design and construction - Includes use of green roof technology in building design and construction where practical

UVic Grounds and Parking Services use only rock salt when required for snow and ice removal and used in very limited amounts due to our mild westcoast climate.

Mystic Vale is a forested natural area which includes Hobbs Creek on the southeast side of the campus. It has unique ecological characteristics with many trees between 100 and 150 years old and is home to more than 75 native plant and wildlife species. Its ecosystem provides a valuable contribution to the biological diversity of the south part of Vancouver Island and the province. Mystic Vale also contributes to the university’s visual image with the aesthetic value of the trees marking the edge of the campus. It is also actively used as a resource for teaching and research. The parcel is 11.6 acres ( 4.7ha) in size and is protected by covenant registered on title that require it to be maintained in its natural state. Haro Woods is a 2.8 acre (1.1 ha) parcel of second growth forest located at the northeast corner of the campus. It has also been designated for protection in its natural state with a covenant that is registered on title. Other natural areas on campus, Gary Oak Meadow and Finnerty Gardens (18.3ac), Bowker Creek Wetland (14.0ac), South Woods (28.5ac) are other areas on campus that are designated as Identified Natural Protected Areas with development moratoriums. They are environmentally important, contribute significantly to the university’s image and have aesthetic values with a green perspective that provides the first views of the campus from its south and west entrances.

While UVic does not have a formal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) process, we operate within an IPM framework (with the exception of setting thresholds) to influence decision making when considering insect control in the areas of horticulture and landscape maintenance. This includes anticipating problems where possible and dealing with them preventatively as well as by using best industry practices wherever practical. Pesticides are only used when all other options have been considered and confirmed to not be effective under the circumstance. Where determined to be necessary, only the least toxic material specific for the target is selected and only applied by certified applicators and only at the lowest recommended rate. In the summer months, watering and grass cutting is eliminated in parts of campus determined to be "naturalized areas". More information can be found here: http://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/operations/grounds/index.php and in the Storm Water Management Plan (https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/2004.Integrated.Stormwater.Management.Plan..pdf) and the Campus Plan