Land and Resource Management
In 2005 the university achieved designation as an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary. Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs promote ecologically sound land management and the conservation of natural resources through education and certification programs that are tailored to a diversity of land uses.
UF contains 31 conservation areas on campus, including The University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Laboratory (NATL) which is dedicated to teaching students and the public about ecology and biotic diversity. NATL consists of 60 acres in two contiguous tracts in the southwest corner of campus.
The university has set a number of goals for the management of biodiversity on it ’s lands, which include:
- Managing lands so that there is no net loss of biodiversity.
- Promoting indigenous species and appropriately limit the use of inorganic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
- Developing educational interpretations to promote biodiversity.
- Setting up a land management committee to review and guide sustainable management of UF lands.
- Conserving areas by designing the University’s built environment into a denser urbanized center.
The Campus Master Plan for 2005-2015 is the foundation for University of Florida facilities and land resources for the next ten years. The Campus Master Plan outlines policies for responsible stewardship of land resources and sustainable development that supports the university ’s mission.
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Lakes, Vegetation & Landscaping Committee is responsible for advising the University on biodiversity issues.
