Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 55.91
Liaison Allie McAllister
Submission Date Nov. 25, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Villanova University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 2.00 Ryan Oney
Student
Villanova
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 225 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 29.56 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 50 Acres

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 145.44 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 0 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

Villanova uses IPM on grounds throughout campus. We have not used fungicide in the past 23 years; instead, we work to limit watering to nighttime or early morning when temperatures are low and use fertilize when needed in spring and fall. 
Pesticides are only used as a last resort (limited to ~4 times in 18 years, mostly on athletic fields). We closely monitor for pests and use cultural practices when possible to help control the pests before they reach a threshold. Herbicides are used sparingly. Again we use cultural practices to control weeds (e.g., hand weeding, weed whacking and mowing before weeds go to seed, mulching, and monitoring for weeds and invasive species). In winter we also continue to remove invasive species from around the perimeter of campus, such as along fences, railroad tracks and meadows. We utilize these practices on all 225 acres of campus grounds.


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

Villanova uses the "Integrated Plant Management" approach which uses different techniques to maintain a healthy landscape. This approach starts with proper horticultural practices, such as pruning, mulching, mowing at appropriate intervals and correct height and aeration. Villanova utilizes recycled organic materials for its mulch and soil amendments where possible. They then set thresholds for introduction of organic fertilizers based on soil testing, and use biometric thresholds when determining suppression of pests and diseases. The introduction of beneficial insects to control insects is the first line of control when warranted and appropriate. As a last resort, Villanova will utilize chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.


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

The grounds department mainly orders native plants for their projects on campus. When replacing plants, Grounds prioritizes native plants over non-native or invasive plants.


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

Villanova does not have written policies for the landscape materials management or waste minimization. However, Villanova has been committed to those practices for over 23 years. The practices have evolved over the years to incorporate best practices as established by University research and industry experience.


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

Villanova's organic soils management practices are the basis for the University's "Integrated Plant Management" practices.


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

Villanova does not have written policies for using environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management, but DOES follow industry recognized practices which promote a healthy landscape and environment.


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

Villanova's Grounds Maintenance department works very closely with Dr. Traver in the Environmental Engineering department to provide the best and latest methods of maintaining the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus. The Villanova campus is considered a model for this type of management, having over a dozen different actual sites including rain gardens, several porous paving installations, bio retention basins, underground infiltration beds, etc.


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

Villanova's primary concern and commitment is ensuring the safety of the community during snowy/icy conditions. When possible, the grounds department will minimize the application of salt products and/or choose products that they believe have the least environmental impact.


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

N/A


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:
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