| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 49.75 |
| Liaison | Keaton Schrank |
| Submission Date | April 26, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Westminster University - Utah
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Mariah
McCoy Sustainability Fellow Westminster Environmental Center |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 29.90 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 7.68 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 | 22.20 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 :
The Westminster College Grounds and Landscape Management Group strives to minimize the use of chemicals, insecticides and other invasive procedures in the control of pests, and employs this Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan to that end. Core principles of the Westminster IPM Plan are:
• Managing to acceptable pest levels (control not eradication of pests)
• Monitoring of pest populations
• Employing biological and mechanical controls on pest populations responsibly
• Using the least-toxic chemical pesticides
• Minimum use of chemicals – used only as needed
• Plans to assist and educate students in the event of a pest issue
• Use of chemicals only in specified locations and only for the targeted species
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Westminster tries to use materials for landscaping only as needed, and therefore only fertilizes when necessary, only builds new barriers when the old ones threaten to fail, only mows and collects tree debris when the situation demands it, etc. Additionally Westminster tends to fix and reuse much of its landscaping materials rather than buy new supplies.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
We have numerous demonstration gardens including a xeriscape garden, pollinator garden, organic garden, and a native "mountain desert garden." Information regarding these gardens can be found on the URL at the bottom of this page (https://www.westminstercollege.edu/environmental_center/index.cfm?parent=6676&detail=6704&content=6762).
Additionally, the Immigration Creek Natural Area is a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
Nearly all green waste from campus landscaping is composted at the county green waste facility, including grass clippings and leaves.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
The student run garden has a small compost that then is used on campus gardens and landscaping projects of the students choosing. Westminster uses as little chemical fertilizer as possible, and lets the native areas keep their leaves as soil enrichment.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
Permeable paving is used wherever possible, including in large courtyards and commons areas. Land-management also uses mulch that comes from a local provider.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Westminster has employed permeable paving in the commons, and has storm water capturing abilities near the soccer field that capture from the field itself, the gym, library, and two classroom buildings roofs nearby. The capturing system mediates the flow of water back into the natural environment. Meldrum Science Center can also capture storm water. Additionally the college has worked to restore the natural area around Emigration Creek which flows through campus.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
The college covered the creek bridge to reduce the runoff of ice melt into the creek. In particularly harsh winters Westminster uses sand instead of salt or chemical ice melt as a solution for icy walkways, which is easier on the environment.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
The Immigration Creek Natural Area is a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat. Also the campus Pollinator Garden is a registered Monarch Waystation.
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.