| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.06 |
| Liaison | Casey Meehan |
| Submission Date | June 15, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Western Technical College
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.00 / 2.00 |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 3.25 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 1.63 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 | 0 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Western Technical College has taken an active role in sustainable landscape management. Many of the trees and plants on campus are maintained by the horticulture students. Students are given a hands on approach to sustainable landscaping. Western works with field experts to maintain a balance between sustainable landscape practices and obtaining a full rich plant life on campus.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
Western Technical College plants native vegetation whenever possible. These plants provide both an enrichment to local ecosystems as well as storm-water mitigation. The plants used on the green roof have been carefully selected to survive Wisconsin winters and help deflect intense UV radiation.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
The City of La Crosse picks up yard waste and trimmings from campus. These trimmings and waste are composted into mulch for city use, rather than being simply discarded.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
N/A
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
Western Technical uses preferable materials in several areas on campus. The plants used in the green wall and on the green roof are grown from the institution's greenhouse my horticulture students. These students also grown plants for use on the grounds and help to plant them. Another area Western is active in using preferable materials is mulch used on campus. The mulch used on campus has been recycled from yard waste, this prevents yard waste from simply being delivered to landfills.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Western Technical College helps to maintain the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus. Western implements permeable pavers in several courtyards on campus. These pavers help to promote the infiltration of storm water through the surface of the pavers into the ground, cleansing and cooling the water while promoting the recharging of the local aquifers. Western also has implemented several rain gardens on campus. These gardens have been strategically placed to mitigate run off from buildings and parking lots. Also assisting with natural hydrology of the campus dealing with runoff from water is located at downspout locations. Western uses rocks at each of the downspout locations. These downspouts are directed towards either a rain garden or vegetated area, this helps water to seep into the soil at a natural pace. The water is directed away from simply flowing down storm drains in large volumes very quickly. Western has vegetated swales at its automotive building, and near the Cleary courtyard as well to help with campus hydrology. A bioswale has also been implemented along a major street near campus. Native plants which serve as animal habitats are planted in these bioswales. The bioswales help absorb rainwater and help the water naturally seep into the soil.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
Western is investigating options.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
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:
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.