Integrating Naturalized Areas onto the University at Albany Campus

Cassidy Drasser, University at Albany, State University of New York
Bryan King, University at Albany, State University of New York
Aiden McGovern, University at Albany, State University of New York
Ahren Von Schell, University at Albany, State University of New York

Abstract

The purpose of this management plan is to provide recommendations to create naturalized areas and increase biodiversity on the University at Albany campus. The University currently follows a number of environmental policies in an effort to promote uniformity. There are many benefits to increasing biodiversity on campus such as providing ecosystem services, increasing education and awareness, aiding in stormwater management, and support institutional advancement. There are already several areas on the campus that would serve as prime locations for projects of this nature including the front lawn and the Dutch and State parking lots. Future directions that the campus can take includes a biodiversity sanctuary and a habitat corridor along a proposed rapid transit bus route. If we implement these policies, the University at Albany can become more appealing and a model for enhancing biodiversity on other urban campuses