| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.99 |
| Liaison | Mary-Lee Townsend |
| Submission Date | Oct. 20, 2021 |
Western University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Mike
Lunau Manager Landscape 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:
Provincially significant wetlands on Gibbons Lodge property, lands connected to the Medway Valley ESA and Medway creek, lands adjacent to the Thames River
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:
The late Dr. Jane Bowles, in cooperation with researchers at the Sherwood Fox Arboretum, The Thames Talbot Land Trust, The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, and many other conservation organizations, identified and recorded regions on campus and throughout Middlesex County where vulnerable species or environmentally sensitive areas exist. Though little-to-no work was formally published regarding on-campus identification of such species, her records and more information regarding endangered/vulnerable species can be found by contacting the office of the Sherwood Fox Arboretum.
http://www.uwo.ca//biology/research/biology_facilities/arboretum.html
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 methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
The fundamental objective of the Arboretum is to have on campus as many as possible of the several thousand kinds of temperate tree that could thrive in this climate. These woody plants represent a variety of native species that grow in temperate regions throughout the northern hemisphere, some a part of the Carolinian Forest Zone that spreads across much of the northern United States and up to Southwestern Ontario. Other non-native cultivars from Europe and Asia are planted, as well as horticultural cultivars and interesting hybrid species that play an important role in public education and scientific research.
Our materials are obtained in two main ways. Firstly, there is a donor program where donors make a gift to the university in the name of the arboretum. Several dozen prominently plaqued trees around campus result from this. Secondly, the Landscape Services continues to do most of the campus landscaping and is responsible for obtaining and planting most of the trees on campus, even though the SFA digitally maps, catalogues, and labels them.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
Conceptually, the Arboretum encompasses all the planted, manicured trees, and shrubs on campus and affiliated areas (Platt's Lane Estates, and the student residences Elgin Hall, Medway-Sydenham Hall, and Alumni House), excluding natural areas.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
Landscape Services at Western uses a variety of practices to support ecologically-beneficial plantings across campus. Native plants are considered first in planting plans, and the right plant is selected for the right location.
In Western's new rain garden by the Physics and Astronomy Building low maintenance native plants like coneflower, Joe-pye weed, and Christmas fern will be planted. Non-native plants are selected to complement native species, where conditions are not suitable to native plants, and to contribute to our role as an Arboretum. Jane's Garden in the Biological & Geological Sciences Building (BGSB) courtyard is a great example of this planting practice with many native and non-native plants.
Invasive species have been targeted aggressively across campus. Buckthorn and non-native honeysuckle have been targeted in the woods behind IGAB, parts of the river bank, and other areas around campus. An invasive Arailia species was identified by faculty in the Department of Biology, and has also been targeted. In collaboration with Brescia University College, Phragmites is being controlled in the area behind Ivey Business School.
Invasive species are not planted on campus, and those that are in place will stay until they reach their end of life and are cut down (e.g. Norway Maple); along with succession plantings of appropriate species.
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.