York University
OP-10: Landscape Management

York University follows an Integrated Pest Management strategy: The IPM strategy used by York aims to prevent and reduce the occurrence of pests through cultural techniques, such as maintaining good building cleanliness and encouraging individuals to dispose of food waste in outdoor compost digesters or kitchenette organic waste bins. In the event that pest control is required, we use humane and non-chemical mechanical controls to physically remove pest. If necessary, highly localized and species-specific chemical controls may be applied in strict adherence with York University’s Standard Operating Procedures (http://www.yorku.ca/csbo/documents/CSBO%20Spray%20Days%20SOP%200803.pdf) which state that It is imperative that activities producing fumes, odours, or spray drift be carried out in such a manner that insect, animal and plant research is protected.

York’s Master Plan is adopting a larger focus on greening the campus in a sustainable way. Through a 2009 assessment, York’s tree canopy covers 16.2% of the campus. The York Master Plan has set a target of 30% tree canopy coverage in order to meet City of Toronto guidelines. Grounds management decreased the amount of grass cutting, which has allowed for more naturalization of green areas and a reduction in energy and fuel consumption. Landscape development is increasingly being done with xeriscaping, planting primarily native species that are suited to the local climate.

The natural beauty of the campus is complimented by increasingly using xeriscaping, planting primarily native species that are suited to the local climate.

Approximately 60 Organic Digesters (a.k.a. composters) are located around the outdoors of Keele and Glendon campuses (see the Waste Diversion Map for locations). These digesters can be used by the York community to dispose of any fruit or vegetable waste.

The university applies organic fertilizers, as well as applying organic materials, including compost for topdressing and mulches around planting areas (trees, shrubs, perennials, etc). We also leave all grass clippings during our grass cutting operations and mulch tree materials (wood chips, leaves, etc), which are applied back to the campus grounds.

-Since 2006 the use of pesticides has decreased by 50%. - 50% of fertilizer used on campus is organic

A continuously growing amount of York’s landscaping features are being designed to require minimal watering. This is done by selecting plants and shrubs that are naturally suited for York’s climate. York has increased its use of mulch in planted areas for water retention and the use of porous hard surface materials such as interlock pavers (which are reusable, offer better durability than asphalt/concrete and improve water infiltration). As well, York uses landscape features to maintain the natural hydrology of campus. Bio swales have been constructed throughout the campus in locations where they can collect and filter storm water naturally before it runs into drains. Two ponds (Stong pond, Tennis Canada pond) have also been constructed which are serve as retention ponds to prevent flooding during heavy rain and storms.

York strives to minimize the use of rock salt for environmental reasons, to reduce corrosion and to avoid tracking salt into buildings. As such, a mixture of sand and salt is utilized for de-icing purposes. Straight rock salt may be used during an ice storm or freezing rain situation. Potassium chloride pellets are used on concrete surfaces or at entrances and stairways in order to minimize corrosion.

The City of Toronto Ravine and natural Feature Protection By-law, Municipal Code Chapter 658, was amended by the City in May 2008 to include woodlands in addition to ravines. The purpose of the By-law is to promote the management, protection and conservation for ravines and associated natural and woodland areas and to prohibit and regulate the injury and destruction of trees, filling, grading and dumping in defined areas. York has four woodlots on Keele campus as well as Hoover Creek. These features are located within the ravine and natural heritage protection area and are thus subject to the requirements of the By-Law. The Glendon forest is located within a designated historic site protected by the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TCRA)