Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.68
Liaison John Gardner
Submission Date May 31, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.67 / 2.00 John Gardner
Sustainability Planning & Policy Analyst
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 629.50 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 36.50 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 0 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 0 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 494.05 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :

UWM does not have an IPM plan; however, for non-Field Station properties, the university has an Herbicides Guidelines and Procedures plan (copy above) that outlines best management practices for use in on-campus shrub and garden beds only (In keeping with the principles of Integrated Pest Management). The guidelines instruct the university staff to use herbicides in a safe, efficient, and effective manner that will minimize any negative consequences.


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

Natural Lawn Care: All 23+ acres on the Kenwood campus are regularly aerated, overseeded, and topped with compost.


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 utilized and prioritized throughout the campus, including 4 campus prairies, 2 rain gardens, as well as in traditional bed plantings (many of which have been converted from annuals to native perennials). Many of the campus Field Station areas have been designated as State Natural Areas, thereby protecting vegetation for long-term conservation.


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

Grass trimmings are immediately returned back to the lawn as they mow. Grounds Services also saves all down trees and limbs and returns them to mulch for the grounds.


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

In 2014, UWM's Physical Environment Committee approved a change to natural lawn care and the elimination of chemical applications on campus lawns. Now, all 23 acres on the Kenwood campus are regularly aerated, overseeded, and topped with compost.


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

Natural Lawn Care uses 330 cu. yds. of locally-sourced compost each year to maintain grounds on the main Kenwood campus.


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

Green infrastructure in the form of rain gardens, bioswales, and green roofs and cisterns seeks to maintain the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus. Stormwater management is a high priority for campus and the City of Milwaukee. Projects are implemented as part of the "UWM as a Zero-Discharge Zone" stormwater masterplan for campus.


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

Snow and ice are yearly challenges at UW-Milwaukee. Good mechanical and manual snow removal is the first defense. Second, salt products and strategies were analyzed for reduced environmental impact, effectiveness, and interior impacts. Third, university staff were trained on the proper amount of salt application and the above strategies.


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

The Downer Woods Natural Area is an 11.1-acre fenced forest on the UWM campus, which became part of the UWM Field Station in the Spring of 1998. The UWM Field Station also manages over 400 acres of natural areas throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The field station-managed land includes designated State Natural areas such as the Cedarburg Bog and Sapa Spruce Bog as well as the Upland Habitats at the Field Station (part of a beech-maple forest that is classified as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of Interior), Downer Woods on the main Kenwood campus, Neda Mine (the largest bat hibernaculum in the Midwest, and Benedict Prairie (a virgin prairie).


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:

An graduate urban planning intern within UWM's Office of Sustainability has laid the groundwork for UWM to be recognized as a Tree Campus USA program (submittal slated for Fall 2016).
Area of managed grounds that is "Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected" only includes Main Campus lawns-23 acres (managed organically and herbicide free), the 11.35-acre Monarch Conservancy at Innovation Campus, and all Field Station Properties (459.7 acres). All Field Station properties were considered “protected,” both those with State Natural Area designation and those without, as they are actively managed and maintained by the Field Station (“effective management“ dedicated to achieving long-term conservation as defined by the credit).


An graduate urban planning intern within UWM's Office of Sustainability has laid the groundwork for UWM to be recognized as a Tree Campus USA program (submittal slated for Fall 2016).
Area of managed grounds that is "Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected" only includes Main Campus lawns-23 acres (managed organically and herbicide free), the 11.35-acre Monarch Conservancy at Innovation Campus, and all Field Station Properties (459.7 acres). All Field Station properties were considered “protected,” both those with State Natural Area designation and those without, as they are actively managed and maintained by the Field Station (“effective management“ dedicated to achieving long-term conservation as defined by the credit).

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.