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Sustainability Strategic Plan for the City of University City, Missouri <br />September 12, 2011/ REVISED JANUARY 8, 2012 <br />Page 9 <br /> <br />Sustainability Plan Matrix <br /> <br />Ecosystems/ Habitat <br />Committee Member: Linda Fried <br />The City of University City has always been proud of its “tree city” status. It maintains a large number of green spaces, including 17 parks totaling <br />approximately 255 acres, 126 boulevard medians and a variety of river channels, lots, islands and road sides which come to at least an additional 34 <br />acres. Maintaining and enhancing the quality of these spaces requires a “green” outlook, knowledgeable personnel, manpower and considerable <br />expense. It also requires providing information to citizens to encourage the good use and protection of these areas. <br />A strategic plan to address the needs of University City’s green spaces should contain the steps listed below: <br />1. Municipal <br /> Goals Actions <br />1 Develop city-wide green <br />space standards <br />a Clarify the uses of each of the green spaces: i.e.: recreational (children’s playground, <br />tennis courts, ball fields, walking/ bicycling, etc), beautification, community <br />vegetable gardens, etc. <br />b Determine optimal conditions needed for each use. <br />2 Evaluate each U. City green <br />space based on the new <br />standards <br /> <br />a Consult with local expertise – The Green Practices Commission, The Forestry <br />Commission, The Parks Commission, The Green Center, River des Peres Watershed <br />Coalition, MO Botanical Gardens, St. Louis Audubon Society, MO Dept. of <br />Conservation, etc. and train U. City Parks Department personnel in the needs of <br />each of the green spaces <br />b Use checklists to note tasks required, manpower (paid and volunteer), tools, <br />equipment, plants, etc. <br />3 Provide environmental <br />education for children and <br />adults <br />a Make environmental education available to University City government employees, <br />school groups, Boy and Girl Scout groups, OASIS members, etc., through the Green <br />Center, library workshops, neighborhood associations and school programs. <br />b Set up demonstration gardens for residents; include alternative for turf lawn and <br />invasive species plants, as well as alternatives to chemical herbicides and pesticides. <br />4 Develop short and long term <br />action plans to restore and <br />a Raise needed funds <br />b Acquire tools