chapter 5: vegetation and wildlife a. introduction...

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Chapter 5: Vegetation and Wildlife

A. INTRODUCTION

This Chapter describes the vegetation and terrestrial wildlife on the Project Site, including federally and state-listed threatened or endangered species. Conditions for these natural resources in the Future With and Without the Proposed Project are assessed.

B. METHODOLOGY

Existing conditions for vegetation and wildlife were evaluated on the basis of:

A tree survey of the Project Site identifying all trees (including City of White Plains trees) within or adjacent to proposed limits of disturbance. The tree survey identified species, size, and condition. (See Appendix F and the full size drawings in Appendix N).

Existing information identified in literature and obtained from governmental and nongovernmental sources, including the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) Environmental Resource Mapper; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list of threatened, endangered, candidate, and proposed species for Westchester County; the Westchester County Endangered Species List (last updated 3/23/2005)1; City of White Plains Environmental Officer; 2000-2005 New York State Breeding Bird Atlas; National Audubon Society 2010 Christmas Bird Count; NYSDEC Herp Atlas Project. (See Appendix G).

Bird surveys conducted at the Project Site during the breeding and migration periods of 2011. Spring migrating birds were surveyed on May 2 and 23, 2011, respectively. Breeding birds were surveyed on June 15, and fall migrating birds were surveyed on September 27. All surveys began at sunrise, and were performed using point-counts (Ralph et al. 1995) at 12 pre-selected locations distributed throughout the Project Site. Point-counts lasted 10 minutes, during which all birds seen or heard from the point were recorded. Incidental observations made while walking between points were also recorded.

A survey for reptiles and amphibians was conducted within the forested wetland and adjacent areas on May 19, 2011, consisting of a team of three ecologists inspecting cover objects, listening for auditory signs, and walking transects in appropriate habitat areas.

Ecological communities were characterized and dominant plant species occurring on-Site were inventoried during fieldwork concurrent with the Site wetland delineation on the following dates: 12/22/10, 3/11/11, 5/11/11, 7/29/11, 8/2/11, 8/10/11, and 8/15/11.

1 The City of White Plains has adopted the Westchester County list of threatened, endangered,

and special concern species.

French-American School of New York

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Incidental wildlife observations during visits to the Project Site for other purposes (e.g. wetland delineation).

Impacts from construction and operation of the Proposed Project to vegetation and wildlife were assessed by considering land clearing, visual and noise disturbances, and habitat restoration.

C. EXISTING CONDITIONS

Due to its long history as a golf course, the Project Site represents a heavily human-modified system that has been shaped by selected plantings, irrigation, pesticide and fertilizer use, and intensive mowing and other manicuring practices. As such, native plant and wildlife diversity is generally low, and species supported by the developed portions of the Project Site are largely limited to generalists that are tolerant of simplified and degraded habitat conditions.

VEGETATION

The Project Site comprises approximately 130 acres currently occupied by golf course fairways, former clubhouse buildings, and undeveloped wooded lands on the periphery of the golf course.

The overall Project Site is predominantly maintained lawn. Scattered ornamental trees occur throughout the course. A narrow band of wooded habitat typically occurs along the periphery of the course as a buffer between the fairways and adjacent residential properties. The Tree Survey completed for the Project Site (see Appendix F and Drawing SP-2 in Appendix N) identifies individual trees within the areas of proposed disturbance as well as clusters of trees or forested areas in areas not proposed for disturbance. These clusters are generally small groupings of trees with an intermingled canopy that line the former fairways of the golf course. The least disturbed and most botanically diverse habitat is located in the southeast corner of the Project Site. This region contains a forested wetland surrounded by upland woods. Table 5-1 provides a comprehensive list of plant species identified on-Site during Site inspection. Of the 732 trees surveyed within the proposed limits of disturbance, 382 are greater than 12 inches in diameter (“specimen” trees).

Each of the principal ecological communities or “cover types” and their characteristic vegetation is described below. The community types are grouped by their general category, e.g. “Upland Woods.” The spatial arrangement of these areas on-Site is shown in Figure 5-1. In addition, where community subcategories are present, these are listed according to the New York State-designated ecological community type which each most closely represents, e.g. “Successional Southern Hardwoods.” 1

GOLF COURSE FAIRWAYS

Mowed Lawn with Trees

The predominant community on the Project Site, which includes the footprint of disturbance for proposed new FASNY buildings and playing fields, can be characterized as “Mowed Lawn with Trees” as described in the Ecological Communities of New York State (Edinger et al, 2002). Observable vegetation is limited to maintained grass and ornamental shade trees planted to divide the golf course fairways. Grasses within the fairways include Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), red top (Agrostis alba), foxtail (Setaria viridis), and likely other grass species

1 Edinger et al. 2002. Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. NYNHP.

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Existing HabitatsFigure 5-1French-American School of New York

SCALE

0 400 800 FEET

Project Site

Golf Course Fairways

Forested Wetland

Wooded Periphery

Forested Uplands

Surface Water Features


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Table 5-1Vegetation Identified on the Project Site

Common Name Scientific Name Stratum Trees

Norway maple Acer platanoides Overstory red maple Acer rubrum Overstory

silver maple Acer saccharinum Overstory sugar maple Acer saccharum Overstory black birch Betula lenta Overstory

bitternut hickory Carya cordiformis Overstory shagbark hickory Carya ovata Overstory American beech Fagus grandifolia Overstory/Understory

green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Overstory/Understory sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua Overstory/Ornamental tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera Overstory

black gum Nyssa sylvatica Overstory/Understory white pine Pinus strobus Overstory/Ornamental sycamore Platanus occidentalis Overstory/Ornamental

eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides Overstory black cherry Prunus serotina Overstory/Understory

cherry Prunus serrulata Overstory/Ornamental white oak Quercus alba Overstory

swamp oak Quercus bicolor Overstory pin oak Quercus palustris Overstory red oak Quercus rubra Overstory

black oak Quercus velutina Overstory weeping willow Salix babylonica Overstory

black willow Salix nigra Overstory dawn redwood Taxodium distichum Overstory/Ornamental

slippery elm Ulmus rubra Understory/Understory Woody Shrubs/Vines

box elder Acer negundo Understory Shrub/Tree smooth shadbush Amelanchier laevis Understory shrub

porcelain berry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Understory Vine red chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia Understory Shrub

ironwood Carpinus caroliniana Understory Tree oriental bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Understory Vine

katsura Cercidiphyllum japonicum Understory Shrub/Tree silky dogwood Cornus amomum Understory Shrub

red osier dogwood Cornus stolonifera Understory Shrub English ivy Hedera helix Groundcover

American holly Ilex opaca1 Understory Tree/Ornamental winterberry Ilex verticillata1 Understory Shrub

privet Ligustrum vulgare Understory Shrub spicebush Lindera benzoin Understory Shrub

Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Understory Vine tartarian honeysuckle Lonicera tatarica Understory Shrub

crabapple Malus coronaria Understory Tree pachysandra Pachysandra terminalis Groundcover

Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Understory Vine glossy buckthorn Rhamnus frangula Understory Shrub

jetbead Rhodotypos scandens Understory Shrub poison ivy Rhus radicans Understory Shrub/Vine

multiflora rose Rosa multiflora Understory Shrub


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Table 5-1 (cont’d)Vegetation Identified on the Project Site

Common Name Scientific Name Stratum Woody Shrubs/Vines (continued)

blackberry Rubus allegheniensis Understory Shrub prickly dewberry Rubus flagellaris Understory/Groundcover black raspberry Rubus occidentalis Understory Shrub

pussy willow Salix discolor Understory Shrub/Tree highbush blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum Understory Shrub

hobblebush viburnum Viburnum alnifolium Understory Shrub arrowwood Viburnum dentatum Understory Shrub

Siebold's viburnum Viburnum sieboldii Understory Shrub summer grape Vitis aestivalis Understory Vine

wisteria Wisteria sinensis Understory Vine Herbaceous Plants (Forbs, Graminoids, Ferns)

red top Agrostis alba Groundcover garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata Groundcover

Jack in the Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum Groundcover mugwort Artemisia vulgaris Groundcover

Pennsylvania bitter cress Cardamine pensylvanica Groundcover awlfruit sedge Carex stipata Groundcover tussock sedge Carex stricta Groundcover umbrella sedge Cyperus strigosus Groundcover Umbrella sedge Cyperus strigosus Groundcover

crabgrass Digitaria sanguinalis Groundcover daisy fleabane Erigeron annuus Groundcover

horseweed Erigeron canadensis Groundcover trout lily Erythronium americanum Groundcover

common boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum Groundcover white wood aster Eurybia divaricata Groundcover

wild geranium Geranium maculatum Groundcover common St. Johnswort Hyericum perforatum Groundcover

jewelweed Impatiens capensis Groundcover path rush Juncus tenuis Groundcover

white grass Leersia virginica Groundcover northern bugleweed Lycopus uniflorus Groundcover

purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Groundcover ostrich fern Matteuccia struthiopteris1 Groundcover

monkey flower Mimulus ringens Groundcover Chinese silvergrass Miscanthus sinensis Groundcover/Ornamental

sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis Groundcover cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea1 Groundcover common reed Phragmites australis Groundcover

bamboo Phyllostachys sp. Groundcover/Understory pokeweed Phytolacca americana Groundcover

Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis Groundcover hairy Solomon’s seal Polygonatum pubescens Groundcover Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum Groundcover/Understory

woolgrass Scirpus cyperinus Groundcover skunk cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus Groundcover

Note: 1. NYS-listed “exploitably vulnerable” plant.


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common to golf courses which would be evident if mowing were discontinued on-Site. Shade trees, which divide the fairways are mature, exceeding 20 inches in diameter, and include most commonly white pine (Pinus strobus), pin oak (Quercus palustris), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). In some areas, younger, recently planted ornamentals occur, such as bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), or remnant native trees such as bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) exist. A shrub stratum is absent within the majority of the golf course, except on the outer wooded periphery as discussed below. Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) and pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) were noted in most of the unmaintained sand traps. In addition, less frequent mowing in places has allowed some additional forbs to establish on the periphery of fairways, including such species as horseweed (Erigeron canadensis), common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum), daisy fleabane (Erigeron annuus), mugwort (Artemeisa vulgaris), and path rush (Juncus tenuis).

WOODED PERIPHERY

Successional Southern Hardwoods

On-Site land adjacent to the fairways consists typically of a fringe of upland habitat separating the golf course from residential properties. Plant species common in these adjacent upland areas include black cherry (Prunus serotina), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), crab apple (Malus angustifolia), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), pin oak (Quercus palustris), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), red oak (Quercus rubra), and others.

Most of these wooded areas occur as narrow strips of land that have been subject to disturbance. As a result, understory species of shrubs and vines are predominantly non-native, including Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus), oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), and pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis).

FORESTED UPLANDS

Together with the forested wetland described below, these upland forest community types represent the least disturbed habitats on-Site. They consequently contain a higher incidence of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

Appalachian Oak-Hickory Forest

This community type occupies the rocky high ground southeast of the two on-Site ponds. Red oak (Quercus rubra), black oak (Quercus velutina), black birch (Betula lenta), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), greenbriar (Smilax rotundifolia), and trout lily (Erythronium americanum) are common within the least-disturbed portions of the forest where bedrock outcropping and shallow soils predominate.

Oak-Tulip Tree Forest

On lower slopes, closest to NYSDEC Wetland G-7, the upland forest transitions to a more mesic (moist) community that can be characterized as an “Oak-Tulip Tree Forest.” Such species as tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), American beech (Fagus grandiflia), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) become more prevalent in the overstory with such species as smooth shadbush (Amelanchier


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laevis), ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), white wood aster (Eurybia divaricate), and wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) in the understory.

Some overstory trees found in both of these forested upland communities reach 36 inches in diameter (dbh) or greater in size, but most are predominantly 12 to 24 inches in diameter.

FORESTED WETLANDS

Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp (Wetland G-7)

A large forested wetland occupies the southeastern corner of the Project Site. This community type consists of a “Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp.” It is mapped at the State level as NYSDEC Wetland G-7. Vegetation in the center of this red maple swamp is predominantly native and diverse. In addition to the overstory species of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and red maple (Acer rubrum), understory plants include spicebush (Lindera benzoin), arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). Within the lowest portion of the wetland, a uniform cover of skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) occurs with additional herbaceous species including jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), monkey flower (Mimulus ringens), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), awlfruit sedge (Carex stipata), and fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea).

The western boundary of this wetland consists of several drainage channels, which convey piped flows from the golf course to the lower, eastern elevations of the Site where this forested wetland is located. In level areas receiving surface water runoff, additional wetland habitat occurs upslope from the primary red maple-hardwood swamp. Pussy willow (Salix discolor), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus) are dominant species in these portions of the wetland.

Past disturbance to the edges of the G-7 Wetland has diminished its size, as did the 1960s to 1970s era excavation of the two open water ponds discussed below. Within portions of the adjacent forested upland habitat, pit/mound topography provides further evidence that this wetland has been encroached upon historically. Inspection reveals that an adjacent landscaping business is actively encroaching on (filling/clearing) this wetland habitat.

Shrub Swamp

To the west of the open water ponds on-Site, a small vegetated depression occurs dominated by shrubs and small trees. This wetland area is identified as the Willow Pocket Wetland in Chapter 4, “Wetlands, Hydrology and Stormwater,” and most closely resembles the “Shrub Swamp” community described in The Ecological Communities of New York State. This habitat is a less maintained, remnant portion of the former forested wetland that historically occupied the bulk of the southeast region of the Site (now Wetland G-7) prior to excavation of the ponds. It differs from the upland golf course that surrounds it in that it is located in a slightly lower topographic position and contains a predominance of woody, hydrophytic (i.e. wetland) vegetation. Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is the dominant woody species in this wetland with other woody species including silver maple (Acer saccharinum), red maple (Acer rubrum), and silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) co-occuring. At the upland/wetland margin ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides) are noted. The western portion of this wetland depression was observed to be infrequently mowed and dominated by herbaceous species including umbrella sedge (Cyperus strigosus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).


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SURFACE WATER FEATURES

Cultural Eutrophic Lake1

Two open water ponds exist immediately north of the red maple/green ash swamp. Historic aerial photographs dated 1960 show these ponds as forested areas contiguous with NYSDEC Wetland G-7. They were excavated at some time prior to 1974.

Maintained lawn area extends to the permanent pool elevation of both ponds. Such tree species as black willow (Salix nigra), cottonwood (Populus deltoides), and weeping willow (Salix babylonica) are noted along the berm that forms the ponds’ southern boundary. Ornamental bamboo (Phyllostachys sp.) occurs at the northwest corner of the pond, planted to screen an infrastructure building. Both ponds were observed to contain turbid water during the growing season with a high incidence of floating aquatic plants typical of waters receiving excessive nutrients – such as duck weed (Lemna sp.) or pond weed (Potamogeton crispus). Large carp (Cyprinus sp.) a non-native fish capable of surviving in oxygen poor, eutrophic waters were seen in the pond on all occasions.

Ditch/Artificial Intermittent Stream2

An additional surface water feature occurs at the northwestern corner of the Site. The feature is a straight, rock-lined stream that receives flows from the sub-surface piped drainage network in this region of the golf course. Lady’s thumb (Polygonum cespitosum) and redtop (Agrostis alba) were noted within and adjacent the channel but the embankments are stone-lined containing no persistent vegetation. Maintained lawn extends up to the edge of the stream/channel.

WILDLIFE

BIRDS

To document use of the Project Site by birds, published records of occurrence were examined from New York State’s Breeding Bird Atlas and the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. In addition, trained ornithologists conducted on-Site bird surveys in the Spring and Fall of 2011.

The Breeding Bird Atlas is a survey to document the distribution of breeding birds across New York State. The most recent State survey was conducted from 2000-2005. It documented 58 species as confirmed or probable/possible breeders in the survey block in which the Project Site is located (Block 6054C; Table 5-2). The atlas block spans three square miles and encompasses some larger and more diverse tracts of habitat than what is present at the Project Site. As such, some species that appear in the atlas for this block are unlikely to breed in the Project Site. Thirty six of the 58 species in the atlas are considered to have the potential to breed within the Project Site on the basis of their habitat requirements and observations made during the June 15 breeding bird survey (Table 5-3). The majority are disturbance-tolerant, generalist species that are ubiquitous to suburban landscapes and thrive in open parkland with manicured lawn and fragmented forest. Examples include American robin (Turdus migratorius), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), European

1 The “Cultural Eutrophic Lake” is referred to in Chapter 4 as the “Open Water Ponds.” 2 The “Ditch/Artificial Intermittent Stream is referred to in Chapter 4 as the “Rock-lined

Stream.”


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Table 5-22000-2005 New York State Breeding Bird Atlas Results for Block 6054C

Common name Scientific nameCanada Goose Branta canadensis American Black Duck Anas rubripes Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Green Heron Butorides virescens Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Virginia Rail Rallus limicola Killdeer Charadrius vociferus American Woodcock Scolopax minor Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus House Wren Troglodytes aedon Veery Catharus fuscescens Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina American Robin Turdus migratorius Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus American Goldfinch Spinus tristis House Sparrow Passer domesticus Notes: Boldface indicates the subset of species with potential to breed within the Project Site on the basis of their habitat associations. Source: 2000-2005 NYS Breeding Bird Atlas results for Block 6054C


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starling (Sturnus vulgaris), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), and tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor). The Project Site’s fairways may provide surrogate habitat for some wildlife species that are associated with grasslands and agricultural fields, such as the eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis), which was observed at the Site during the May 23 and June 15, 2011 bird surveys. Disturbance-tolerant species that prefer riparian habitats, such as common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus), yellow warbler (Dendroica petechial), and red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) likely nest along the edges of the ponds and remnant red maple swamp on the Project Site’s eastern side. Additional species observed during the June 15, 2011 bird survey and assumed to nest within the Project Site are presented in Table 5-3.

Many of the bird species known to or expected to occur in the Project Site during the breeding season are species that are also present in the region during winter. The National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is an annual, volunteer-based survey of winter birds throughout North America. The 2010 CBC documented 111 species wintering in the “Bronx-Westchester” count circle in which the Project Site is located. Considering the habitat requirements of these species, however, many would not occur in the Project Site. Birds that are expected to occur in the Site during winter include disturbance-tolerant generalists that are associated with urban parks and backyards, such as American goldfinch (Spinus tristis), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), blue jay, dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), downy woodpecker, European starling, house sparrow, mourning dove, northern cardinal, red-bellied woodpecker, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), and white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).

Although the habitats within the Project Site provide breeding and wintering habitat for only a limited number of bird species, they may represent suitable stopover habitats for several additional species that migrate through the area during the spring and fall. Most species are more generalistic in their habitat preferences during migration than during the non-migratory periods, and thus, far more species are likely to occur in the study area during spring and fall than at other times of year. Migratory birds that are common to the region and that may briefly stop over in the Project Site include common yellowthroat, red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), yellow warbler, American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), black-throated blue warbler (Setophaga caerulescens), black-throated green warbler (Setophaga virens), magnolia warbler (Setophaga magnolia), Nashville warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla), Canada warbler (Wilsonia canadensis), northern parula (Parula americana), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), Swainson’s thrush (Catharus ustulatus), hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), veery (Catharus fuscescens), white-throated sparrow, and yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata), among others.

Species observed at the Project Site during the spring and fall migration are shown in Table 5-3.

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Reptile and amphibian species richness and diversity are particularly high in the lower Hudson Valley, where the range limits of many northern and southern species converge upon each other (Gibbs et al. 2007). However, the human-modified habitats present in the Project Site are unsuitable for many reptiles and amphibians other than those species that are disturbance-tolerant and able to persist in degraded environments.


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The NYSDEC Herp Atlas Project was a 10-year survey (1990-1999) of the geographic distribution of reptiles and amphibians in New York State. Of the 73 species of reptiles and amphibians that occur in the state, 14 were documented in the Atlas block that covers the Project Site (i.e. within the entirety of the White Plains USGS quadrangle). These are listed in Table 5-4. This Atlas block spans areas of the County with larger and different types of habitat than that which is within the Project Site. Thus, many species identified by the NYSDEC Herp Atlas Project within the White Plains USGS quadrangle are unlikely to occur at the Site. Table 5-4 indicates which species have the potential to occur on the Project Site and which species were positively identified on-Site during Site inspection.

Manicured lawn and fragmented forest, which are the dominant habitat types in the Project Site, support low levels of reptile and amphibian species richness. Aquatic habitat, which is required by many of the region’s reptile and amphibian species for at least part of the year, is limited to the human-made ponds, ephemeral drainageways, and red-maple swamp habitat located on the Site’s eastern side. The majority of the ponds’ margins have a hard shoreline that is cobbled and adjoins manicured lawn without any emergent or riparian vegetation to soften the transition between aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Due to runoff of pesticides and fertilizers from the surrounding fairways, water quality is too poor to support aquatic or semiaquatic reptile/amphibian species that are sensitive to contaminants.

However, the central portion of the red-maple swamp is sufficiently isolated from activity and dominated by native plants that it serves as a potential breeding location for a number of species. On the basis of their habitat requirements (Klemens 1993, Mitchell et al. 2006, Gibbs et al. 2007) and the habitat available in the Project Site, the following reptiles and amphibians are considered to have the potential to occur: red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus), American toad (Bufo americanus), spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), green frog (Rana clamitans), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), brown snake (Storeria dekayi), ring-neck snake (Diadophis punctatus), and northern watersnake (Nerodia sipedon). Several of these species were identified on-Site.

During the May 19, 2011 herpetile survey and/or visits to the Site for other purposes (e.g., bird surveys, wetland delineation), a number of reptile and amphibian species were observed including painted turtle (numerous in the open water ponds), green frog (in the drainage channels located on the periphery of the red-maple swamp and at the northwest corner of the Site), red-backed salamander (within the upland forest bordering the red-maple swamp), and spring peeper (heard calling in the red-maple swamp).


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Table 5-3Birds Observed At The Project Site During Breeding Season And Spring

And Fall Migration Surveys

Common Name Survey Date

2-May-2011 23-May-2011 15-Jun-2011 27-Sep-2011Canada goose x x x x

Double-crested cormorant x x Red-tailed hawk x x

Spotted sandpiper x x Ring-billed gull x x Mourning dove x x x x Chimney swift x x x

Downy woodpecker x x x x Red-bellied woodpecker x x x x

Northern flicker x x x x Eastern wood peewee x x

Eastern phoebe x x x Eastern kingbird x

Great-crested flycatcher x Warbling vireo x x x Red-eyed vireo x x x

Blue jay x x x x American crow x x x

Fish crow x x x Tree swallow x x x Barn swallow x x x

Black-capped chickadee x x x x Tufted titmouse x x

White-breasted nuthatch x x x Carolina wren x x House wren x x x

Blue-gray gnatcatcher x Eastern bluebird x x

Wood thrush x American robin x x x x

Gray catbird x x x x Northern mockingbird x x x x

Brown thrasher x European starling x x x x Cedar waxwing x x Northern parula x x x Yellow warbler x x x x

Yellow-rumped warbler x x Pine warbler x x x x

Black-throated green warbler x Blackpoll warbler x

Black and white warbler x American redstart x

Ovenbird x x Common yellowthroat x x x

Canada warbler x Chipping sparrow x x x x

Song sparrow x x x White-throated sparrow x

Northern cardinal x x x Red-winged blackbird x x x

Common grackle x x x Brown-headed cowbird x x x

Baltimore oriole x x x House finch x x x

American goldfinch x x x x House sparrow x


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Table 5-4 Reptile and Amphibian Species Recorded by the

NYSDEC Herp Atlas Project near the Project Site Common name Scientific name

Spotted salamander Ambystoma maculatum Redback salamander* Plethodon cinereus Northern two-lined salamander Eurycea bislineata American toad Bufo americanus Fowler's toad Bufo fowleri Spring peeper* Pseudacris crucifer Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Green frog* Rana clamitans Wood frog Rana sylvatica Northern watersnake Nerodia sipedon Brown snake Storeria dekayi Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina Eastern box turtle1 Terrapene carolina Painted turtle* Chrysemys picta Notes: 1 NYS Special Concern *Identified on-Site in May 2011 Boldface indicates the subset of species with the potential to occur in the Project Site on the basis of their habitat associations.

MAMMALS

Similar to the bird community, the intensive modification of the Project Site for use as a golf course has limited its suitability as habitat for many mammals other than disturbance-tolerant generalists. Mammals that are found in landscaped and degraded habitats of Westchester County (Wear and Schreiner 1987) and expected to occur in the Project Site include striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), groundhog (Marmota monax), raccoon (Procyon lotor), meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), house mouse (Mus musculus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Bats that may occur at the Site, particularly during the spring and autumn migration periods, include little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), hoary bat (Lasiurus cenerius), silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), and eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis).

Gray squirrel and eastern chipmunk were the only mammals observed during visits to the Project Site.

THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND SPECIAL CONCERN SPECIES

No federally or state-listed wildlife species were observed during field surveys at the Project Site.

In correspondence from the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) dated January 9, 2012, the State indicated that it has no records of rare or state-listed plant or animal species, significant natural communities or other significant habitats, on or in the immediate vicinity of the Project Site. This correspondence is contained in Appendix G. The City of White Plains does not maintain a formal record of any occurrences of threatened or endangered species within the City.

The NYSDEC’s online Environmental Resource Mapper contains historic records of two State-listed plant species recorded from the 1930’s in the vicinity of the Project Site. These are


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northern clustered sedge (Carex arcta, NYS-endangered) and big shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa, NYS-threatened). These species were last seen in the region in the 1930s. Neither species was identified on-Site during ecological field inspections conducted for the Proposed Project. Their potential presence on-Site is extremely low due to past disturbance and clearing.

The USFWS list of federally threatened, endangered, candidate, and proposed species for Westchester County includes the bog turtle (Clemmys [Glyptemys] muhlenbergii; threatened), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis; endangered), and New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis; candidate). The Project Site lacks suitable habitat for each of these species, and their occurrence within or near the Site is highly improbable.

Westchester County-listed mammals include the bobcat (Lynx rufus) and river otter (Lutra canadensis), neither of which has the potential to occur at the Project Site. Suitable habitat for these species is lacking within the Project Site and throughout White Plains.

The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina; special concern) is the only NY State- or Westchester County-listed reptile or amphibian documented by the NYSDEC Herp Atlas Project in the overall survey block within which the Site is located. However, eastern box turtles were not identified on the Project Site during site inspection and are unlikely to occur within Project Site due to lack of appropriate habitat. This species prefers old field, meadow, and shrubland habitats (Klemens 1993, Gibbs et al. 2007). Although eastern box turtles can be found in wetland areas (Klemens 1993), the Red Maple Swamp on the Project Site’s eastern side is considered too small and isolated by inhospitable land uses to support a viable population of eastern box turtles.

No state- or federally-listed bird species were documented during the 2000-2005 Breeding Bird Atlas. Westchester County-listed species documented during the atlas include American black duck (Anas rubripes; special concern), American woodcock (Scolopax minor; threatened), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina, special concern), and worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum; special concern). American black duck and American woodcock would not occur at the Project Site, as suitable habitat is not available for either species. The wood thrush and worm-eating warbler may briefly occur at the Project Site during spring and fall migration, but appropriate breeding habitat is not present. Threatened, endangered, and special concern bird species documented during the National Audubon Society’s 2010 Christmas Bird Count in the larger region covering the Project Site (Bronx-Westchester count circle) include American black duck, bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus; NYS threatened, WC endangered), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus; NYS special concern), Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii; NYS special concern, WC endangered), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus; NYS special concern, WC endangered), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus; NYS threatened), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus; NYS endangered, WC endangered), common loon (Gavia immer; NYS special concern), and American woodcock. On the basis of their habitat associations, however, sharp-shinned hawk is the only one of these species that is considered to have the potential (albeit low) to occur within the Project Site during winter. The Christmas Bird Count circle in which the Project Site is located encompasses much of Bronx and Westchester Counties, including the Atlantic coastline and the Hudson River. Therefore, many species that are associated with habitats other than those present within the Project Site are detected in this census area. The only Westchester County-listed bird species observed at the Project Site were the wood thrush and Canada warbler (special concern), which were both observed during the spring migration bird surveys.

Fourteen species of butterflies and nine species of dragonflies are listed by Westchester County as endangered, threatened, or special concern. Each of these species is associated with habitat


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types that are not present within or near the Project Site, such as bogs, fens, trout streams and coldwater seeps, prairies, meadows, dry fields, and undisturbed marshes. Additionally, the larval host plants of the listed butterfly species, such as buckwheats, violets, and sedges, do not occur within the mowed/maintained portions of the Project Site.

Plants listed by Westchester County as endangered, threatened, or special concern have been reviewed. Of the plant species identified on the Project Site, only one – American holly (Ilex opaca) – is listed by the County as “special concern”. This species was noted as an ornamental plant adjacent to the existing clubhouse. American holly is exploitably vulnerable at the State level due to over-harvesting for ornamental uses. In New York State it occurs in sandy soils of the coastal plain and is at the northern limits of its native range. Since White Plains is not part of the coastal plain and sandy soils are not predominant in this area, it is clear that the single individual holly observed on the Project Site was planted as an ornamental. No other County-listed plants were identified on-Site or are expected to occur within any of the areas proposed to be disturbed by the Project.

D. FUTURE WITHOUT THE PROPOSED PROJECT

VEGETATION

The City of White Plains and the region surrounding the Project Site are largely developed. In the future without the Proposed Project, no significant changes in land use in the vicinity of the Project Site are anticipated that have the potential to substantially alter the pattern of habitat and plant species that currently occur. Comparatively large tracts of undeveloped, forested land do occur in proximity to the Project Site – specifically within the New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Burke Rehabilitation Center properties. Loss or modification of these offsite habitats could have an effect on local wildlife populations and on the abundance of forest and forest-abundant plant species which could indirectly affect plant/animal use of the Project Site. However, no land development applications for these properties are currently before the City.

WILDLIFE

In the Future without the Proposed Project, land use in the area surrounding the Project Site would be the same as at present, and no specific actions are anticipated that would significantly alter wildlife communities from their present state. Wildlife species assemblages within and around the Project Site are expected to remain largely unchanged in the future without the Proposed Project.


There would be no change in the status of state or federally listed species in the Future without the Proposed Project.

E. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

For the purposes of this assessment, the Proposed Project was treated as having two primary components: construction of the school and associated facilities (e.g., sports fields), and restoration of the remainder of the Site to create the Conservancy.

VEGETATION

The Proposed Project has been designed to utilize only areas currently developed and used by the former golf course that are of low habitat value. Specifically, the rehabilitation and


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expansion of the existing buildings for use by FASNY would take place on Parcel A and the southern portion of Parcel D, which currently consists of pavement, buildings, and maintained lawn area. The central, eastern, and northern portions of the overall property would be preserved and restored as open space within the Conservancy. The substantial habitat benefits of this Conservancy, as understood by the Applicant, are discussed in Chapter 1, “Project Description,” and its value to wildlife is discussed below.

The Campus would result in disturbance of approximately 45 acres of existing fairways, greens, lawn, and parking lot. Of the 45 acres, approximately 15.6 acres would comprise buildings, paved areas (parking lots and walkways), tennis courts, the running track, and the artificial turf athletic fields. The balance of the 45 acres, approximately 29.4 acres, would be natural grass athletic fields, lawn areas, and stormwater basins. The landscape plan prepared for the Proposed Project (see Figure 1-10 and Sheets SP-20 to SP-23 in Appendix N) would include significant new plantings along the perimeter of the Project Site and within the Project Site. Approximately 730 new deciduous, evergreen, and flowering trees would be planted. At the time of planting, the majority of these trees would be eight to ten feet high and have 3” to 3.5” caliper. Based on the tree survey conducted for the Project Site, a total of 292 trees meeting the definition of a tree (4” or greater dbh) in the City of White Plains Code1 would require removal to construct the Campus. The City of White Plains requires a permit for the removal of any tree greater than 8” dbh and identifies any tree greater than 12” dbh as a “specimen” tree. Of the 292 trees to be removed, 58 have a diameter of less than 8”; 56 have a diameter of 8” or more but less than 12”; and 178 trees have a diameter of 12” or more. One (1) of the 292 trees to be removed (a 6” dbh birch) is considered a “protected” species by the City of White Plains. No forested land, nor wetland, and no wetland/watercourse buffer areas would be disturbed for creation of the Campus. Additionally, clusters of trees along the wooded periphery of the Property, and within the forested uplands and forested wetlands in the southeastern corner of the Property, will not be disturbed.

Disturbance within the Conservancy would be limited to creation of three small gravel parking areas, a propagation greenhouse and several small storage sheds, and new pathways (including ADA-compliant asphalt paths, stone dust or wood chip eco-sensitive paths, and cut meadow paths). The small gravel parking areas would disturb approximately 0.25 acre of existing lawn. No trees would be removed to create the parking areas. New impervious ADA-compliant paths would disturb approximately 0.5 acre of existing lawn, fairway, or green. New eco-sensitive paths would occupy approximately 0.5 acre – but this is not considered a disturbance since these paths would be created on the existing surface of the land. (Existing golf cart paths occupy approximately 0.5 acre of land). The propagation greenhouse and other minor storage sheds would occupy approximately 0.07 acre of existing lawn, fairway, or green. No trees would be removed for any of these minor structures.

The Conservancy Master Plan developed by FASNY (see Chapter 1, “Project Description,” and Appendix B, “Conservancy Master Plan”) describes the intended restoration of several vegetative habitat types on the Property. The intent of the Conservancy Master Plan is to direct the ecological process of vegetation succession in order to provide varied opportunities for direct observation of the natural environment. This would be accomplished largely through prescribed land management techniques and focused habitat restoration projects. The grassland and shrubland communities proposed for the Conservancy would be managed by the Conservancy

1 City of White Plains Code, Chapter 7-5: Tree Protection


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Steward. Figure 1-28 depicts how these communities might look on the Property. Grasslands would be subject to a regular mowing schedule, generally once per year, to maintain the habitat health. Around the periphery of the Property, grasslands would be mowed at a more frequent basis in harmony with the adjacent residential properties. Implicit within the Conservancy Master Plan is the preservation of clusters of trees along the periphery of the Property and in the areas between the former fairways. Implementation of any of the Conservancy elements (e.g., trails, outdoor classrooms, seating areas, shade structures) would preserve existing trees and measures would be taken during construction to avoid or minimize disturbance to trees through creation of tree protection zones.

Conservancy Master Plan implementation would rely on modifying land management practices rather than traditional construction activity. This being the case, initial implementation would include changes to current maintenance activities and would begin immediately. FASNY has already ceased applying pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides to the Property. FASNY has also ceased irrigation of the golf course to reduce water consumption and to return to the natural hydrology of the Site. A schedule of mowing would be prescribed according to the desired habitat type and functional space type. The periphery of the Property would be mowed at a more frequent basis in harmony with the adjacent residential properties. FASNY would coordinate with the City of White Plains to determine the most appropriate mowing schedule.1 At all times the Conservancy would be maintained in an orderly and neat manner. Targeted removal of invasive and undesirable plant species, as well as introduction of native vegetation types appropriate for the Site and the defined habitat types, would also occur during initial implementation. The general layout of the circulation system would be defined. Creation of the circulation routes at this time may include activities such as maintaining a mowed path in the meadows and clearing of herbaceous materials in the woodlands.

WILDLIFE

CAMPUS

Construction of the school and its associated facilities would be primarily concentrated in the southwestern portion of the Site, and thus potential impacts to wildlife would be limited to the species inhabiting this area. The area currently consists of buildings, a parking lot and access roads, tennis courts, a driving range, and golf fairways bordered and divided by rows of mature shade trees. As such, suitable habitat is available for only a limited number of wildlife species, such as American robin, blue jay, chipping sparrow, house sparrow, and gray squirrel. These and the other wildlife species known to, or with the potential to, occur in this part of the Site are urban-adapted and highly tolerant of human disturbance, and thus it is the Applicant’s belief that it is unlikely that any wildlife species would be adversely affected by the construction and operation of the Proposed Project. Some individuals may temporarily avoid the area during construction, and, as habitat generalists, would be expected to easily locate and occupy alternative habitat nearby. Following construction, land cover in this part of the Site will remain dominated by manicured lawn with shade trees, and the same wildlife species are expected to inhabit the area. These species are extremely abundant and widespread, and redevelopment of this area would not eliminate any habitat needed to support their local populations.

1 It is the Applicant’s belief that the City of White Plains Property Maintenance Code (Part 1A)

is intended only to apply to dwellings, and would not be applicable to the Property. Further, it does not include express provisions on grassland and other Conservancy habitat.


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Wildlife species at the Project Site that may be more sensitive to human activity and noise disturbances are restricted to the Red Maple Swamp and ponds on Parcel D. Such species observed in this area include spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia), common yellowthroat, yellow warbler, and warbling vireo. Wildlife inhabiting this area is not expected to be displaced or otherwise adversely affected by any construction activity occurring on Parcel A. No habitat used by these species would be eliminated or degraded by the construction. During Project operation, human activity would also be concentrated well west and distant from any wildlife inhabiting this area. Additionally, restoration of the adjacent fairways as shrubland (see below) would further buffer noise and visual disturbances generated during operation of the school’s main facilities on the western half of the Project Site.

Overall, it is the Applicant’s belief that construction and operation of the school’s facilities would have no significant impact on wildlife at the individual, population, or community level.

CONSERVANCY

The discontinued use of the Ridgeway Country Club property as a golf course presents a unique opportunity to restore the land in several ecologically valuable community types, including native wildflower meadows, grasslands, and shrub habitats that are capable of supporting numerous additional native, and locally significant, wildlife species. Such habitats are becoming rare in Westchester County and regionally. As an example, grasslands and the species of wildlife that are dependent upon them have been in steep decline in the Northeast due to changing land use patterns.

The Conservancy would replace existing expanses of manicured lawn that are of extremely limited value to native wildlife with a heterogeneous matrix of multiple habitat types. In addition to the existing red maple swamp on Parcel D, the Conservancy would contain a mix of shrubland and meadow/old field habitats that would, in the Applicant’s opinion, greatly enhance habitat diversity, and in turn, increase wildlife species richness. The margins of the existing ponds would be softened by grading the shoreline and establishing emergent and riparian vegetation, thereby greatly enhancing the suitability of the ponds as habitat for reptiles, amphibians, fish, marsh birds, and wading birds.

Birds

The existing breeding bird community at the Project Site is dominated by synanthropic species - ones that thrive in human-modified landscapes such as golf courses, cemeteries, and city parks. The small fragment of Red Maple Swamp Parcel D provides marginal breeding habitat for some woodland and riparian birds that have minimal area requirements and that will utilize degraded habitats within urban landscapes. In the future with the Proposed Project, the Project Site would contain breeding habitat for numerous additional bird species, including species that are more sensitive to disturbance and habitat degradation, and species that are associated with grasslands and early successional habitats.

Restoring existing fairways to native shrubland and meadow would create potential nesting habitat in these areas for birds such as American kestrel (Falco sparverius), American woodcock, blue-winged warbler (Vermivora pinus), brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea), orchard oriole (Icterus spurius), prairie warbler (Setophaga discolor), rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), white-eyed vireo (Vireo griseus), and yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens). Habitat quality would likely be improved for some open field birds that currently nest at the Project Site such as eastern bluebirds (Jackson et al. 2011). Establishing


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emergent vegetation in the existing ponds and bordering the ponds with more substantial riparian vegetation would enhance nesting habitat for red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), common yellowthroats, song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), eastern kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus), willow flycatchers (Empidonax traillii), yellow warblers, and possibly green herons (Butorides virescens).

Many of the birds that would have the potential to nest at the Project Site following creation of Conservancy are migratory and overwinter well south of White Plains. In the Future with the Proposed Project, the winter bird community would be composed of many of the same species as at present, such as American goldfinch, blue jay, chipping sparrow, house sparrow, house finch, mourning dove, and northern cardinal. However, restoring existing fairways to native shrubland and meadow would create potential wintering habitat for some additional bird species, such as horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), and sharp-shinned hawk. When surrounded by shrubland and old field instead of manicured lawn, the free-standing pine trees currently at the Project Site may become attractive winter roost sites for saw-whet owls (Aegolius acadicus).

Although the size of the Conservancy and/or the degree of development in the surrounding landscape would likely prohibit the Site from being suitable nesting habitat for many grassland birds, such as bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), eastern meadowlarks (Sturnella magna), savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), and upland sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) (Jones and Vickery 1997, Shustack et al. 2010), the restored areas of shrubland and meadow would provide suitable stopover habitat for such species during their spring and fall migrations through the region. Stopover habitat for grassland bird species is currently scant throughout much of Westchester County. Examples of other species for which the shrubland and meadows of the Conservancy would provide stopover habitat in the Future with the Proposed Project include blue-winged warbler, indigo bunting, brown thrasher, gray catbird, prairie warbler, song sparrow, rose-breasted grosbeak, and white-throated sparrow. The red maple swamp and vegetated margins of the ponds would provide improved stopover habitat for birds such as common yellowthroat, northern waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis), red-winged blackbird, marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris), swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), and spotted sandpiper. Foraging habitat for transient wading birds such as egrets and herons would also be improved (White and Main 2005).

Overall, conditions for breeding, wintering, and migrating birds in the area of the proposed Conservancy would be significantly improved in the Future with the Proposed Project.

Reptiles and Amphibians

The manicured lawn that currently covers the majority of the Project Site is of little to no value to reptiles and amphibians. Suitable reptile and amphibian habitat is currently limited to the small red maple swamp and human-made ponds on the Site’s eastern side. In contrast, the majority of the Site in the Future with the Proposed Project would be hospitable, and the mix of shrubland, meadow, wetland, and freshwater habitats would elevate reptile and amphibian species richness. Restoration of existing fairways as shrubland and meadow would add habitat types that are used by eastern box turtles, ribbon snakes (Thamnophis sauritus), smooth green snakes (Liochlorophis vernalis), and eastern milk snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) (Klemens 1993, Gibbs et al. 2007), none of which are expected to currently occur at the Project Site. Natural colonization of the Site by these species would be improbable, however, due to its isolation within an urbanized landscape and lack of neighboring source populations. Release of translocated or captive-bred individuals would likely be required to establish these species at the Site.


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Softening the hard edges of the human–made ponds with emergent and riparian vegetation would improve habitat quality for the semi-aquatic reptiles and amphibians that are likely to occur at the Site at present, including green frog, bullfrog, red-eared slider, common snapping turtle, northern watersnake, and garter snake. This would also create potential habitat for additional species such as the gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor) and spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), which could be strong candidates for reintroduction (e.g., Cook 1989, Pehek 2009). Discontinued usage of fertilizers and pesticides in the Future with the Proposed Project would reduce contaminant exposure and likely improve the overall condition of reptiles and amphibians inhabiting the Site (Howard et al. 2003).

Mammals

Beyond the species listed above that have the potential to currently occur at the Site, restoration of the Site would provide habitat capable of supporting numerous additional mammal species. On the basis of their habitat associations and occurrence in Westchester County (Wear and Schreiner 1987, Ekernas and Mertes 2007), the following additional mammals are among those that could occur at the Site in the Future with the Proposed Project: white-footed mouse (Peromyscus luecopus), eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata), short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), masked shrew (Sorex cinereus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), mink (Mustela vison) and others. In turn, the increased richness and abundance of small mammals at the Site would provide a healthy prey base for raptors such as American kestrels and saw-whet owls.

Invertebrates

Restoration of the Project Site with planted wildflower meadows, grasslands, emergent marsh habitat, and successional shrublands will drastically increase the abundance and diversity of beneficial insect fauna on the Project Site, which will in turn benefit and diversify the many insect-dependent bird, mammal, and herpetile species. Once in bloom, these restoration areas will provide an excellent nectar source for butterfly species in the area and will likely attract monarchs, swallowtails, spring azures, various species of skippers, fritillaries and a number of other species. Other species of pollinating insects, such as honey bees, moths, and beetles, will also benefit from this form of meadow restoration. In addition, warm season grasses serve as host plants for many species of butterfly.


CAMPUS

No threatened, endangered, or special concern species are known to or expected to occur at the Project Site, and therefore, construction and operation of the school facilities would have no impact on such species or their habitat.

CONSERVANCY

No threatened, endangered, or special concern species are known to, or are expected to, occur at the Project Site, and the Project Site lacks habitat that would support any such species in the region. The proposed restoration of much of the Site would, however, create potential habitat for some NY State- and/or Westchester County-listed species that currently occur elsewhere in the county and other nearby areas. Such species include yellow-breasted chat (during breeding and migration), sharp-shinned hawk (during winter and migration), horned lark (during winter and migration), prairie warbler (during breeding and migration), bobolink (during migration), eastern meadowlark (during migration), eastern box turtle (year-round), and ribbon snake (year-round).


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The Proposed Project would not adversely affect any Westchester County-listed invertebrates, as the Campus would generally be constructed on areas that have already been disturbed for use by the former golf course and currently lack appropriate habitat. The proposed Conservancy, however, would restore habitat that may have the potential to support some of these Westchester County listed invertebrate species at the Project Site in the future. As such, insect and invertebrate diversity, and the beneficial ecological niche they provide for animals at higher trophic levels, could potentially increase with implementation of the Conservancy.

REFERENCES

Cook, R.P. 1989. And the voice of the gray tree frog was heard again in the land. Park Science 9:6-7.

Eckernas, L.S. and K.J. Mertes. 2007. The influence of urbanization, patch size, and habitat type on small mammal communities in the New York metropolitan region: a preliminary report. Transactions of the Linnaean Society of New York 10:239-264.

Gibbs, J.P., A.R. Breisch, P.K. Ducey, G. Johnson, J.L. Behler, and R.C. Bothner. 2007. The amphibians and reptiles of New York State. Oxford University Press, New York.

Howard, J.H., S.E. Julian, and J. Ferrigan. 2003. Golf course maintenance: impact of pesticides on amphibians. USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online 1:1-21.

Jackson, A.K., J.P. Froneberger, and D.A. Cristol. 2011. Postfledging survival of eastern bluebirds in an urbanized landscape. Journal of Wildlife Management 75:1082-1093.

Jones, A. and P.Vickery. 1997. Managing small grasslands including conservation lands, corporate headquarters, recreation fields, and small landfills for grassland birds. Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln, MA. 16 pp.

Klemens, M.W. 1993. Amphibians and reptiles of Connecticut and adjacent regions. State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut Bulletin 112. 318 pp.

Mitchell, J.C., A.R. Breisch, K.A. Buhlmann. 2006. Habitat management guidelines for amphibians and reptiles of the northeastern United States. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Technical Publication HMG-3. Montogomery, AL. 108 pp.

Pehek, E. 2009. The gray(t) pretender. Nature Notes 3:1-2.

Ralph, C.J., S. Droege, and J.R. Sauer. 1995. Managing and monitoring birds using point counts: standards and applications. Pp 161-181 in: Monitoring bird populations by point counts (C.J. Ralph, J.R. Sauer, and S. Droege, eds.). USDA Forest Service General Technical Report PSW-GTR-149, Albany, CA.

Shustack, D.P., A.M. Strong, and T.M. Donovan. 2010. Habitat use patterns of bobolinks and savannah sparrows in the Northeastern United States. Avian Ecology and Conservation 5(2):11 [online].

Wear, S. and R.A. Schreiner. 1987. The wildlife resources of Westchester County. Westchester County Department of Planning, 112 pp.

White, L.C. and M.B. Main. 2005. Waterbird use of created wetlands in golf-course landscapes. Wildlife Society Bulletin 33:411-421.

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