| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 63.29 |
| Liaison | Samuel Crowl |
| Submission Date | Feb. 20, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Ohio University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
Yes
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The Ridges Land Laboratory is dedicated land, managed by the Ridges Land Laboratory Advisory Committee. 200 acres have been dedicated as a Land Laboratory for a quarter century, creating an environment to conduct research on wildlife habitat, grassland, biomass production and more. 180 additional acres at the Ridges have recently been designated as Conservation Land and will have specific protections.
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes
If yes to either of the above, provide the following:
Field surveys and tree health assessments were utilized to identify vulnerable Ash trees across campus. This information informed the treatment program to prevent death from the invasive Emerald Ash Borer. GPS monitoring and GIS mapping are being utilized to located Hemlock trees for future management of the encroaching Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
A 10-acre wetland replacement project was assessed and constructed at OU Hebbardsville property. A new wetland was established with streambed altering, invasive species removal, woody shrub plantings and riparian corridor establishment.
The Ridges Land lab has been used by Biological Sciences classes and local birding groups for field trips to observe birds, behavior and to conduct bird census for many years. Field Ecology classes run two projects: 1) measuring bird predation on salamanders and 2) effects of climate change on amphibians. Invasive Plant Control strategies are implemented to protect native species.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Ridges Land Lab is a designated area that is identified by signage. and protected by locked gates at road entry points.
Naturalized plantings and pollinator plots on campus are identified by signage and maintained by trained Grounds employees, with specialized plantings to support monarch butterflies. A Blue Bird Habitat Trail has been established and maintained on campus for over a decade.
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Land lab as home to research: https://www.ohio.edu/compass/stories/14-15/7/Ridges_Land_Lab_2014.cfm
Data Provided by Susan Calhoun.
Data about Ridges Conservation Land provided by Shawna Bolin, Associate Vice President of University Planning, University Planning. https://www.ohio.edu/compass/stories/17-18/12/Ridges-Advisory-Recap-Dec-15.cfm
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.