Clarkson University
OP-9: Landscape Management

Included in the 791 acres we own are: -22 acres of building footprint -Around 50 acres of parking and roads -Campus lawns -Hundreds of acres on various parcels of natural space that are managed for recreation, research and ecosystem services -Only 11 acres are conventionally managed. These include a subset of key lawns and athletic fields.

The University Grounds crew monitors samples of an area and waits until a pest is prevalent before engaging in eradication. Pests are specifically targeted for elimination. We use preventative measures, such as deer resistant plants. We try natural methods as a first line of control before moving onto harsher methods.

We are fortunate to live in a lush and healthy ecosystem. We only use chemicals on athletic fields and on one central campus lawn. The rest of our land is managed organically. We follow organic principles but do not have a third party standard. At the time of our last AASHE report we were treating 57 acres with chemicals. Our grounds department has very consciously been moving towards organic stewardship.

Our tree plan has a policy of using only native species, although not all of our plants and shrubs are currently native. We do not plant any invasive species. We control for japanese beetles, aphids, sawfly, and tentworm on an as-needed basis in key areas critical to landscape appearance. The emerald ash borer is a serious concern in our area. All non-treated ash trees will be killed by this invasive. We have started to treat key trees on campus against the EAB. One of our senior groundskeepers is very experienced with arboriculture. He gives special attention to how trees are pruned and managed throughout the season. Careful pruning with insight into how the weight of a veteran tree is distributed adds to the lifespan of our trees.

Clarkson maintains significantly more pervious than impervious surfaces on campus. Where possible, Clarkson encourages aquifer replenishment by allowing water to filter slowly into the groundwater. Where feasible, use open channel storm drainage and vegetated swales for storm water conveyance instead of pipes. (Facilities Management, Sect. 3.4) We use salt brine to lessen the amount of salt (this also helps to keep off rodents). We also use SNO-PLOW WITH LIQUI-FIRE instead of salt. It is reported as non toxic to humans, pets, or vegetation if used in proper quantities. Most of the snow is simply blown into the yards rather than trucked away.

Organic landscape wastes are composted or chipped as appropriate. Both materials are reused in landscaping. No dyed mulch is used. Fertilizer from our-on campus anaerobic digester is used in parts of our landscaping - the material is derived from on-campus food waste.

*Build close to existing infrastructure to minimize the need for tertiary development. For example, minimize utility runs. Minimize energy use by using solar gain or shading to the maximum extent possible. • Utilize natural ventilation techniques. • Maximize views and spaces for peaceful contemplation by capitalizing on the surrounding natural beauty. (http://www.clarkson.edu/facilities/Engineering/environmentalstandards.pdf) *Sustainable SITES is referenced in our design standards. The standards state, "The Design Team shall utilize passive design strategies to create resource efficient buildings and to address important issues such as site impact, connectivity, water quality, and habitat protection."

*From our construction design standards: Clarkson University is committed to employ strategies to efficiently use its land resources for development; promote a pedestrian and bicycle friendly campus; and strategically preserve its woodlands, wetlands, and waterways to maintain the campus image and provide for ecological diversity. Clarkson encourages a park concept and retention of natural species and habitat. The Design Teams shall emphasize the natural beauty of its woodlands, wetlands, and waterways while following Clarkson’s landscaping requirements, see Chapter 4, DIV32 Site Improvements.

The attached files is the same material in the web site. These materials are accessible to anyone in the Clarkson community, but not through our external web site