Yes, Penn State does include local biodiversity into any planning and development process. For example:

  • During the construction of new buildings, the LEED V4 policy is the guiding document for planning and development related to protecting and restoring natural habitat, as well as conducting environmental assessments. It requires preservation and protection from all development and construction activity in any Greenfield areas on the site and that native and adapted species only will be used. 
  • The Sustainable Landscape Implementation Plan goals include:
    • Optimize landscape management through ecological intensification of the campus landscape, and
    • Increase landscape performance and ecological health in order to increase food and habitat access for wildlife and to protect, expand, and diversify existing habitat areas.
  • The Campus Master Plan designates Environmental Resource areas/Environmentally Sensitive Areas/Protected Areas to recognize the importance of maintaining the quality of both potable and surface waters and the need to protect local ecological communities. The planning and development of Penn State’s campuses strives to exemplify the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship and balances the needs of present and future generations. Approximately 860 acres of land are in this land use category.  
  • Several campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also have Master Plans that prioritize conserving biodiversity. For example:
    • The Altoona campus master plan includes a focus on stream restoration: erosion control, maintenance, and environmental improvements.
    • A main goal of the Behrend campus master plan is to “sustain and promote the unique environmental character of campus as an academic, recreational, and community resource” and to “Integrate environmental sustainability and stewardship principles in the planning, design, construction, and operation of campus buildings and grounds to improve the health and well-being of our community.”

Examples of how Penn State acts to include local biodiversity into planning and development include:

  • The Campus Master Plan map designates Environmental Resource areas/ Environmentally Sensitive Areas/ Protected Areas. This land use category was created in recognition of the importance of maintaining the quality of both potable and surface waters and the need to protect local ecological communities. Approximately 860 acres of land are in this land use category. These areas include the Natural Heritage Inventory sites (sites that have been identified as areas that support rare plants or animals, exemplary ecological communities, and Pennsylvania’s native species biodiversity), as well as wellhead protection areas, major stormwater infiltration areas, waterways, floodplains, and other natural habitat areas.
  • The Penn State STARS biodiversity report describes efforts in promoting and conserving biodiversity on university property. These include Millbrook Marsh, a 62-acre protected area owned by Penn State and operated by the Centre Region Recreation Authority which the World Database on Protected Areas includes in IUCN management category III, Natural Monument or Feature and is in IUCN management category V, Protected Landscape/ Seascape for the marsh and the fen areas. 
  • Millbrook Marsh is a 62-acre protected area owned by Penn State and operated by the Centre Region Recreation Authority. The World Database on Protected Areas includes Millbrook Marsh in IUCN management category III, Natural Monument or Feature. It is in IUCN management category V, Protected Landscape/ Seascape for the marsh and the fen areas. 
  • In addition, Penn State owns two nearby properties that are notable in that they are managed for conservation purposes. Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and adjacent Stone Valley Recreation Area – about 15 miles from campus – provide environmental education and recreational opportunities for students and community members and preserve natural forested habitat.
  • Musser Gap to Valleylands is a 355-acre parcel only about 5 miles from central campus. This project developed and designed a management plan that provides source water protection, ecosystem restoration, agricultural integrity, and recreational use for an area that was historically farmed.

 

Learn more about Penn State’s progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals HERE and on SDG15 HERE.