Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 66.44
Liaison Mike Wilson
Submission Date Jan. 29, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Victoria
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.52 / 2.00 Bentley Sly
Manager, Grounds and Environmental Services
Facilities Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 402 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 60 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 39.10 Acres

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 0 Acres
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined 288.50 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 14.40 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

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".


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable 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".


A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:

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.


A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:

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.


A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:

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.


A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:

- 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


A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:

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


A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):

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.


A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:

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.


Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
No

The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

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


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

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.