Skidmore College Sustainability Landscape Plan
- Client
- Skidmore College
- Location
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- Service
- Community and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning and Permitting, GIS Mapping Services, Landscape Architecture
- Market
- Education and Institution
Project Overview
The LA Group is proud to announce the completion of the Sustainable Landscape Plan (SLP) for Skidmore College, a forward-thinking initiative designed to reduce the environmental footprint of the campus while enhancing its natural beauty. Over the course of a year, we worked in close partnership with Skidmore to develop a comprehensive roadmap, integrating cutting-edge sustainability practices with the college’s vision for a greener future.
The interdisciplinary project was a collaboration of diverse expertise and innovative thinking. Together, our team crafted solutions to boost biodiversity, foster community engagement, and create resilient landscapes that align with Skidmore’s mission of ecological stewardship.
A significant feature of this initiative was the involvement of Skidmore’s Sustainability Office, Facilities Services, and the Stakeholder Input Group (SIG). The SIG, comprised of students, faculty, and staff from various departments, played a vital role in shaping the final outcome, providing key insights to ensure the project reflects the needs and values of the entire community.
Project Highlights
- In-depth environmental analysis and GIS-based site assessments, leveraging decades of campus data and remote sensing technology such as LiDAR.
- Development of sustainable landscape design and management guidelines focused on enhancing biodiversity, promoting native plant communities, and reducing resource-intensive maintenance practices.
- Promotion of pollinator-friendly habitats and the implementation of green infrastructure for optimized stormwater management.
- Master planning-level design for three key project areas: South Park/Haupt Pond, Keyes Quad, and the CIS Parking Area, each tailored to address specific ecological challenges and opportunities for campus life improvements.
Challenges/Benefits
To gain consensus on the SLP, The LA Group integrated diverse community perspectives from the SIG while balancing sustainability goals with Skidmore’s operational needs. This ensured the plan was both functional and practical.
Challenges/Benefits
We thoroughly addressed existing campus conditions through remote-sensing techniques and intensive fieldwork while overcoming identified constraints such as shallow bedrock and steep slopes.
Challenges/Benefits
We addressed stormwater management and erosion issues in key project areas, particularly around South Park/Haupt Pond and the CIS Parking Area.
Results & Impact
The Skidmore College Sustainable Landscape Plan not only strengthens the ecological resilience of the Skidmore Campus but also serves as a model for other institutions aiming to achieve carbon neutrality and promote sustainable living. By advancing key projects and promoting collaborative efforts, this plan is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for both the Skidmore community and beyond.
