Implement an Integrated Landscape Management Policy

This initiative proposes to adopt integrated landscape management (ILM) practices and create pollinator-friendly landscapes to encourage biodiversity at the University of Arizona. By reducing reliance on toxic herbicides and pesticides, and fostering native plant and pollinator habitats, the university aims to preserve biodiversity and ecological balance in the Sonoran Desert. Actionable items include:

• Assemble a diverse task force with interdisciplinary experts in entomology, agriculture, ecology, and sustainability to develop an ILM policy framework.
• Ensure the comprehensive ILM policy emphasizes sustainable methods such as integrated pest and weed management, native plant landscaping, and organic inputs.
• Pilot strategies in select campus areas to test and fine-tune proposed strategies, and monitor outcomes to inform policy revisions.
• Collaborate with educational programs and community initiatives to engage students, faculty, and the broader community in sustainable pest and weed management practices and the importance of pollinators.