George Mason University Campus Master Plan

Project Description

George Mason University, a public institution that was established in 1957, comprises ten schools and colleges, has an enrollment of over 37,000 students, and houses more than 6,000 students on an 817-acre campus. The most recent comprehensive master plan for George Mason University’s main campus in Fairfax was completed in 2002. Since then, the University has experienced significant growth in enrollment, which prompted a new master plan for three of the campuses.

Working on a team with Dumont Janks, Biohabitats supported the master planning efforts for the Fairfax, Arlington, and Sci-Tech campuses as the ecological consultant. The campuses have distinct characteristics, ranging from a highly urban setting in downtown Arlington, to a larger more traditional main campus in Fairfax County, to a more rural campus science and technology campus in Prince William County. Biohabitats’ role included conducting a desktop data assessment and rapid field visits to establish a broad understanding of the University’s existing ecological conditions, as well as future opportunities and constraints. The team considered native wildlife and habitat conditions, the existence of non-native invasive plant species, the presence of sensitive resources like wetlands, streams, and interior forest core habitat, as well as regional landscape ecological connections. As the project progresses, Biohabitats is continuing to contribute feedback on ecological design considerations, green infrastructure, and environmental management.