| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 61.14 |
| Liaison | Jeff Spoelstra |
| Submission Date | Feb. 28, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Western Michigan University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Mark
Frever Director of Landscape Services Facilites Management |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
1,200
Acres
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 | 1,200 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 | 0 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 1,200 Acres |
If the total area of managed grounds is less than the total campus area, provide:
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
100
If reporting an IPM program, provide:
A brief description of the IPM program:
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Organic Program
0
If reporting an organic program, provide:
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Optional Fields
WMU Landscape Services and Natural Areas and Preserves professionals review all campus landscape plans for appropriate plant material. Priority is given to incorporating the existing native and horticultural material existing on site as well as selecting new plant material that is adapted to the site and design. Michigan grown native plants and horticultural varieties adapted to Michigan soils and climate are given priority. Plants considered to be exotic and/or invasive are removed from the plant list and suitable substitutions provided.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
WMU is committed to a goal of storm water neutrality. In order that rain and snow melt falling on impervious surfaces is processed prior to retuning to surface waters or the aquifer, all new construction provides for capture, retention, detention and infiltration in the design. Campus construction includes the use of cisterns, basins, rain gardens, plant buffer zone and green roof material to accomplish this goal. The WMU Business Research Technology Park includes 20 acres of landscape that acts as a storm water management area.
A brief description of the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
WMU Landscape Services is committed to reducing the amount of water lost due to irrigation. Landscape Services has been managing our plant waste by stockpiling then grinding into suitable mulch for our landscape. Mulching mowers have eliminated the land fill usage needed to deal with grass clippings. Any plastic containers used for flowers are recycled at local recycling locations. Soilless plant mixes used for planting containers is composted later to be used in landscape beds. We continue to enhance and establish new storm water features to manage storm water. We are working toward having Landscape Services located in one location rather than the current separation. This would increase efficiency while reducing wasted travel time.
http://www.fm.wmich.edu/lss/governing_documents
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
N/A
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):
Our truck mounted beet juice and brine sprayer has been calibrated to reduce the usage per lane mile. Beet juice is also used to impregnate our rock salt. This helps to reduce the eutectic temperature and adds weight keeping the salt in place and reducing off target application.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.