| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.85 |
| Liaison | Kelly Wellman |
| Submission Date | Dec. 11, 2020 |
Texas A&M University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.01 / 2.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Total campus area:
5,576.48
Acres
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed organically, without the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides | 17 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 2,793 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 2,810 Acres |
If the total area of managed grounds is less than the total campus area, provide:
Besides building foot print and infrastructure, a significant portion of the campus acreage is still dedicated to agriculture and engineering extension and research. SSC is contracted to manage 2810 acres of campus. 1800 acres are formally managed, 400 acres are irrigated, 50,000 sf of annual color beds and 11,000 trees.
Organic program
0.60
If reporting an organic program, provide:
At Presidential Library, Rose Garden, Campus flower beds and Leach Teaching Gardens we follow the standard organic management practices that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
99.40
If reporting an IPM program, provide:
A brief description of the IPM program:
SSC Grounds Management uses a 4 tier approach in the Integrated Pest Management Procedures used across the entire campus.
These procedures include setting action thresholds, monitoring and identifying pests, prevention, and control.
These procedures include setting action thresholds, monitoring and identifying pests, prevention, and control.
Optional Fields
Our approach to new and replacement plantings is multi-faceted.
Before any planting decisions are made we consider the other elements that contribute to both a sustainable and durable solution. Areas of consideration include: sun exposure (duration & time of day), proximity to heat and light reflective surfaces, soil conditions including: taxonomy, physiological, chemical; grade, precipitation and/ or supplemental irrigation issues, desired use, financial considerations, etc.
Those decisions affect the form and function of plant selection. Where prudent and warranted, the use of native / native adapted plants are promoted.
Invasive Species-
The SSC Grounds Management staff is comprised of formally educated and highly credentialed personnel who are able to identify invasive species of all forms- insects, weeds, misc. fungal, bacterial, and virus vectors. We continually stay abreast of current of new threats, causal agents, and possible mitigation activities.
Before any planting decisions are made we consider the other elements that contribute to both a sustainable and durable solution. Areas of consideration include: sun exposure (duration & time of day), proximity to heat and light reflective surfaces, soil conditions including: taxonomy, physiological, chemical; grade, precipitation and/ or supplemental irrigation issues, desired use, financial considerations, etc.
Those decisions affect the form and function of plant selection. Where prudent and warranted, the use of native / native adapted plants are promoted.
Invasive Species-
The SSC Grounds Management staff is comprised of formally educated and highly credentialed personnel who are able to identify invasive species of all forms- insects, weeds, misc. fungal, bacterial, and virus vectors. We continually stay abreast of current of new threats, causal agents, and possible mitigation activities.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
The Texas A&M University Campus has a rich history of cutting edge landscape irrigation technology and management. In 1972, Texas A&M installed a campus-wide state of the art irrigation system. It was arguably the most technologically advanced system of any comparably sized campus in the country.
After 40 plus years of utilizing controllers with mechanical technology, SSC Grounds Management, Texas A&M University, Weathermatic, and a private philanthropic organization have cooperatively invested roughly 1 million dollars to upgrade the irrigation system and restore to its former "State of the Art" condition. The project includes installation of state of the art cloud based irrigation controller assemblies complete with weather stations, flow control, and master valves. Our goal is to reduce irrigation water consumption by 100 million gallons annually.
After 40 plus years of utilizing controllers with mechanical technology, SSC Grounds Management, Texas A&M University, Weathermatic, and a private philanthropic organization have cooperatively invested roughly 1 million dollars to upgrade the irrigation system and restore to its former "State of the Art" condition. The project includes installation of state of the art cloud based irrigation controller assemblies complete with weather stations, flow control, and master valves. Our goal is to reduce irrigation water consumption by 100 million gallons annually.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
SSC Grounds Department generates approximately 5,000 cubic yards of miscellaneous green waste annually. SSC Grounds Department diverts 100% of green waste to our campus composting operation for use on campus. These composted material include: composts, composted wood mulches, wood chips, compost sand blends for turf top dressing, etc.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
TAMU is utilizing native adapted & water resourceful plant material, employing drip irrigation technology in planting beds in lieu of conventional spray irrigation, phasing in water efficient “Smart” irrigation controllers, and utilizing organic fertilizers when possible. Additionally, the university utilizes proper drainage design to mitigate nonpoint source pollution.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
Our climate is not conducive to significant ice and snow events. In the case of a minor event, SSC Grounds utilizes Magnesium Chloride Ice melt as a spot treatment on affected pedestrian areas. This blend is significantly less corrosive and does not adversely affect the turf and or landscape plantings.
For key campus intersections and other vehicular thoroughfares, Sand is utilized for traction. At the conclusion of the event, SSC Grounds Utilizes a sweeper truck to remove the sand.
For key campus intersections and other vehicular thoroughfares, Sand is utilized for traction. At the conclusion of the event, SSC Grounds Utilizes a sweeper truck to remove the sand.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Information for this section was supplied by SSC Service Solutions, a third-party contractor for Texas A&M Grounds Maintenance.
SSC currently has extra credit for the PGMS Certification and the Tree Campus USA. Both are current.
Also for extra credit, under associates with certifications, we have 100% of our managers(7) with one or more certifications to include Turf, Pest Control, a licensed landscape architect. Phillip actually has his Leed Green Associate Certification.
SSC awarded a $1950. scholarship to 7 SSC families having students that attend Texas A&M University. This totals $13,650.
SSC Grounds purchased 12 hand held solar powered lawn equipment pieces in 2020. This includes back packs, blowers, weed eaters, trimmers.
We also purchased 30 100% Recycled Eko Mats for use on campus in 2019. It is my understanding there is a credit available through STARS for the use of these.
SSC currently has extra credit for the PGMS Certification and the Tree Campus USA. Both are current.
Also for extra credit, under associates with certifications, we have 100% of our managers(7) with one or more certifications to include Turf, Pest Control, a licensed landscape architect. Phillip actually has his Leed Green Associate Certification.
SSC awarded a $1950. scholarship to 7 SSC families having students that attend Texas A&M University. This totals $13,650.
SSC Grounds purchased 12 hand held solar powered lawn equipment pieces in 2020. This includes back packs, blowers, weed eaters, trimmers.
We also purchased 30 100% Recycled Eko Mats for use on campus in 2019. It is my understanding there is a credit available through STARS for the use of these.
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.