| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.39 |
| Liaison | Tina Woolston |
| Submission Date | Nov. 12, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Tufts University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.08 / 2.00 |
John
Vik Grounds Supervisor Facilities |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 786 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 90 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 13 Acres |
None
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 60 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 450 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected |
0
Acres
Date Revised: Dec. 18, 2015
|
None
A copy of the IPM plan:
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None
The IPM plan :
Tufts' Facilities Department monitors, identifies, and uses spot treatment along with sound horticultural practices. There is regular seeding and fertilization using slow release fertilizers, monitoring of pest thresholds, and only using chemicals when pests reach established thresholds. This is conducted by licensed contractors.
On the Grafton campus, live traps are used for mice, and honeybees found in buildings are captured and returned to hives on the property.
None
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Using different seed mixes for campus grounds, sports fields, and drought conditions; attaining good soil profiles by using loam, compost, and biochar to promote long-term soil fertility; proper mowing and mulching; and use of slow release fertilizers.
None
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
Almost all of the new planting specifications include a measure of native and drought tolerant plants. Invasive species are pulled by hand, and, if that is not feasible, sprayed with Roundup(R) or simply contained by boundaries and cut down in the winter.
On the Grafton campus, most weeds are hand-pulled, with Roundup only being used in one rocky area and on 18 acres of corn fields. Livestock are rotated among the pastureland, and if there is insufficient grass to support the livestock, they are supplemented with grain to protect the grass root stock.
None
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
On the Medford/Somerville campus, all yard waste is picked up by a local contractor and composted.
On the Grafton campus, all bedding and waste from the farm barns, research animal facilities, and large animal hospital is composted on site in windrows.
None
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
-blank-
Date Revised: Dec. 17, 2015
None
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
On the Medford/Somerville campus, materials include non-dyed mulch; slow-release fertilizers; tough, drought-resistant plants; and three different seed mixes for grounds, sports turf and drought-prone areas are used.
The Grafton campus uses limited amounts of mulch, leaving much of the campus naturally landscaped.
None
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Swales, dry wells, proper aeration, rain gardens, some permeable asphalt, and detention ponds are used.
The Grafton campus does not irrigate landscaped areas except to establish newly planted plants.
None
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
On the Medford/Somerville campus, Magnesium Chloride, considered more environmentally beneficial than sodium chloride, is used to melt ice on sidewalks. The salt spreaders are calibrated annually, and the staff are trained on how much to apply so it will not be over-applied. Snow, when it needs to be hauled, is either piled away from the watershed or hauled off to an EPA-approved site.
In Grafton, very little sand is used, and magnesium sulfate is used around the small animal hospital. Overall, about 25% of sidewalks are treated with magnesium sulfate.
None
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
The Grafton campus' master plan depicts watershed areas for the Grafton Water Department as well as wetlands for various wildlife and vegetation.
None
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
No
None
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:
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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.