In the vicinity of Akron, Ohio, an erstwhile golf course has undergone a rewilding transformation, evolving into a magnificent enclave of natural Rustbelt beauty. Notably, this rejuvenation effort encompasses the restoration of a segment of the Cuyahoga River, now recognized as a nationally protected area.
Across the nation, the closure of golf courses surpasses the establishment of new ones, leading to a surplus of abandoned fairways. Nature often reclaims these expanses, but the outcome varies when it comes to the resurgence of native vegetation.
Many of these abandoned courses host vast expanses of non-native grass, requiring intensive irrigation, mowing, and pesticide application. This monoculture, covering diverse topographical features that may not be ideal for native flora, creates a vulnerable environment susceptible to colonization by invasive species.
Recognizing the ecological implications, Summit Metro Parks took proactive measures upon acquiring the Valley View Golf Course. Their commitment lies in actively restoring the landscape to its pre-settlement appearance, ensuring the revival of native ecosystems within the fairway.
“We had to undo the golf course before we could restore the landscape,” said Mike Johnson. He is the chief of conservation at the Summit Metro Parks. “Golf courses are harsh environments, and to create them the vegetation used is usually non-native… It doesn’t have value for our local fish and wildlife.”
Regardless of the magnitude of the undertaking, the project presented an exceptional opportunity for the non-profit organization. It aimed to unite two of its existing properties, forming a sprawling 1,900-acre sanctuary for fish, birds, and native plants.
The river section, once channelized, underwent a significant transformation necessitating the use of earth-moving equipment. The objective was to restore the river to its original, meandering course before industrialization altered its natural flow.
The particular river in question is the Cuyahoga River, notorious for experiencing multiple instances of catching fire in the 20th century due to pollution. However, the current status of the river is a remarkable turnaround—it now flows naturally, contributing to the flooding of surrounding wetlands during intense rain periods. This transformation has created near-ideal conditions for biodiversity. For native Ohioans, witnessing the Cuyahoga River’s transition from a polluted waterway to a thriving ecosystem is truly inspiring.
“The response from wildlife has been huge,” Johnson said when he spoke to CNN. “Prior to our work, we documented about 200 species of plant and wildlife that were living on the golf course at the time we acquired it. Today we have documented over 900 species of fish and wildlife that have returned to this area.”
The golf course has recently been interconnected with hiking and biking trails that extend to Cascades Valley Park, a property under the ownership and management of Summit Metro. Situated within the pre-glacial bedrock canyon of the valley, Cascades Valley boasts a diverse canopy featuring oak, American beech, sassafras, black cherry, and the endangered butternut tree. This integration enhances the overall recreational experience by providing access to both the golf course and the natural beauty of Cascades Valley, creating a seamless connection between these two outdoor spaces.
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