Campus Landscaping
Statement of Philosophy:
Environmental responsibility is one of the core values affirmed by Stetson University as demonstrated by the signing of the Talloires Declaration.A proclamation of environmental responsibility implies an obligation to pursue the preservation of our environment for future generations.Utilizing plants that are native to Florida fosters landscape values based on the prudent application of sound ecological principles, helping to ensure that future generations have access to a healthy and sustainable environment.
Rationale:
Florida has more endangered ecosystems than any other state.The subtropical Floridian climate is ideally suited to a variety of plant species, making our state particularly susceptible to exotic plant invasion.Although not all exotic plant species aggressively invade natural communities, the grounds of Stetson University harbor several that do.To enhance environmentally responsible campus operation, the University should move toward the elimination of those invasive exotic plants as listed by Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Florida.
Exotic plants, both invasive and non-invasive, have negatively impacted more than 1.7 million acres of Florida.A campus landscape of native plant species reinforces our commitment to environmental responsibility by departing from the often-detrimental landscape practices occurring throughout our state.This departure implies that we, as a university, attribute an inherent worth to natural ecosystems and the biodiversity they contain.A landscape that reintroduces native species promotes biological diversity while raising the ecological awareness of the campus community.The reintroduction of native species sets an ecological example for both on and off-campus communities, presents pedagogical potential and provides noteworthy distinction.
Ecological Concepts:
All species of organisms become adapted to their environment through their interaction with its physical and biological components. Interactions between organisms and their physical environment impact global cycling of elements like water, carbon and nutrients that are essential to all life. For example, plants capture inorganic elements (e.g., water and carbon dioxide), becoming the base of the food chain that supplies energy to all animals. Interactions among species can define communities. For example, bacteria and fungi help plants take up nutrients through symbiotic interactions. Predator/prey interactions are essential for moving energy produced by plants into higher trophic levels in a food web. Competitive interactions between species contribute to limiting the size and distribution of populations. Mutualistic interactions between plants and their pollinators are essential for the continued existence of both. Developing a landscape that encourages, rather than restricts, the interactions that have resulted in organisms uniquely adapted to their environment is one that will increase the sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of our campus.
Guiding Principles:
Minimize the use of artificial irrigation.
Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.
Minimize the use of artificial fertilizers.
Minimize the need for maintenance.
Minimize the presence of exotic species.
Minimize the presence of invasive species.*
Maximize the representation of native plant species in our landscape.
Minimize monoculture covers wherever possible.
The campus Master Plan shall be consistent with native plant landscaping.
Landscaping Practices:
No invasive species (native or exotic) will be planted.*
No trees or shrubs will be planted that require artificial irrigation after they are established.
No exotic trees or shrubs will be planted.
Increase the number of native tree species and individuals on campus.
Provide interpretive information regarding native plants where appropriate.
Utilize native ground cover wherever possible.
Foster the use of plant industry partners to affiliate with Stetson during landscape projects.
*Florida invasive plants defined by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).