| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.65 |
| Liaison | John Gardner |
| Submission Date | Nov. 27, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
John
Gardner Sustainability Planning & Policy Analyst Office of Sustainability |
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses a four-tiered approach | 0 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an organic land care standard or sustainable landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials | 34.35 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 34.35 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds (e.g. the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces, experimental agricultural land, areas that are not regularly managed or maintained):
UWM Field Station land is excluded from the area of managed grounds as is the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces. The Field Station area are undisturbed, high-quality natural communities available for teaching and research (including a number of protected State Natural Areas).
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
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.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an organic program:
A brief description of the organic land standard or landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials:
In 2014, UWM’s Physical Environment Committee approved the change over to natural lawn care and the elimination of chemical application on campus lawns. Now, all non-Field Station managed, vegetated acreage on the Kenwood campus is regularly aerated, overseeded, and topped with compost.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
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 approach to hydrology and water use:
Green infrastructure in the form of rain gardens, bioswales, 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 the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
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 approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
UWM has green roofs on several campus buildings which reduce heat island effect: Cambridge Commons Residence Hall, the main lobby building of Sandburg Residence Hall, the Student Union, Golda Meir Library, School of Freshwater Sciences, and Pangaea Mall near the Lubar School of Business.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution (e.g. use of environmentally preferable landscaping materials, initiatives to reduce the impacts of ice and snow removal, wildfire prevention):
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.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
An graduate urban planning intern within UWM's Office of Sustainability laid the groundwork for UWM to be recognized as a Tree Campus USA program in Fall 2016 and UWM strives to maintain the certification.
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 laid the groundwork for UWM to be recognized as a Tree Campus USA program in Fall 2016 and UWM strives to maintain the certification.
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.