Measures of Success

  • DFSS and HDAE continue to convert landscaping to recycled water, and to switch out inefficient sprinkler heads.
  • CCBER implemented restoration of 100 acre North Campus Open Space project which converts a 60 acre golf course and 40 acres of invasive plants to self-sustaining native plants (no irrigation required long term).
  • HDAE is using electric battery powered blowers which decrease noise and air pollution. All of campus is now using electric powered ‘gators’ for landscape management.
  • Through ongoing restoration of 240 acres of campus land CCBER promotes and enhances local biodiversity and supports multiple bioswales and treatment wetlands. Bioswale and treatment wetlands were mapped on campus in 2017.
  • Our campus has an effective composting program for all campus clippings, shredded trees, etc., returning nutrients to the soil.
  • Commenced a renewal of campus stormwater infrastructure (stage one) that passes central campus drainage through a centrifugal drain system before discharging the low flow filtered water into wetlands adjacent to the lagoon.
  • Developed bioswales in several areas of campus soil (Manzanita, San Clemente Housing Project, Library corridor, San Nicolas wetland) to percolate water directly back into the soil.
  • Established the first permeable pavement on walkways in the main axis of the campus (Library corridor).
  • Developed xeriscaping or ambient water-use non-native plantings in central areas of campus.
  • Reduced the use of annuals for color on campus, selecting instead water-efficient perennials.
  • Reduced the presence of maintenance-intensive hedges, and as a result, made groundskeeping more ergonomically friendly.

Commitments

  • The University of California, Santa Barbara established the Sustainability Change Agent Landscape/Biotic Environment Team in 2004. Their mission is to make sustainability one of the key decision making components for grounds design and management, including considering all inputs to grounds relative to their costs and benefits to the earth and the local ecosystem.
  • The goal of the Change Agent Team is to increase biodiversity and self-sustaining systems while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and other extracted minerals.
  • The group also seeks to facilitate student education and work and play, while supporting the staff through living wages and local business opportunities.

Ongoing Practices and Programs

  • UCSB continues to develop and install interpretive signage for bioswale, wetland restoration and the use of reclaimed water on campus.
  • UCSB’s Integrated Pest Mangament Advisory Committee proactively minimizes the use of pesticides and promotes the application of IPM methods.

Initiatives

  • UCSB is also home to The Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration (CCBER). CCBER manages over 230 acres of open space on the UCSB campus in order to fulfill several goals: to preserve and enhance native plant resources and biodiversity of the region; to provide educational opportunities through sign, internships, seminars, and workshops; and to advance the understanding of restoration strategies and preservation of ecological function in urbanized areas to retain water quality, and biodiversity through research.

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