Goals
- We will develop and maintain our campus using the least hazardous and most environmentally appropriate materials and practices that are available and affordable.
- We will prefer native to exotic plants on campus.
- We will meet or exceed State of Maine pesticide program guidelines and also seek other environmentally sound practices for pest control.
- We will use integrated pest management techniques that emphasize the use of biological pest control strategies.
Practices and Accomplishments
- Colby has implemented an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, a plan that aims to minimize the use of chemicals in treating pest problems.
- Organic fertilizers are used whenever possible. Soil samples are taken to ensure that phosphates in fertilizers are used only when necessary. No phosphates are used on lawns adjacent to the Johnson Pond.
- Road and parking lot drainage along Washington Street is diverted, collected and naturally treated, drastically reducing the amount of water and potential contaminants introduced by storm water to Johnson Pond and the local watershed.
- The Colby Green project features three sedimentation ponds as well as an estimated 1.5 acres of created wetland. These features will slow the flow of campus run-off, decreasing erosion, while at the same time acting as "natural" filtration systems, removing sediments before they can reach regional waterways.
- Campus irrigation systems have been equipped with rain sensors to eliminate unnecessary sprinkler use.
- Leaves and grass clippings are centrally collected and composted, saving on materials hauled to landfills and providing organic fertilizer for campus use. For more details click here.
- Brush, limbs and other collected wood materials are chipped and reused on campus, saving on materials hauled to the landfill and decreasing the need to purchase additional materials for use on campus. For more details click here.
