Abandoned California golf courses are being reclaimed by nature

California’s San Geronimo golf course was acquired by the Trust for Public Land (TPL) in 2018. Golf courses, although they occupy expansive green spaces, are not environmentally friendly. Land is often cleared for fairways, and the maintenance of pristine turf requires excessive water usage, regular mowing, and the application of harmful chemicals. As the number of golf course closures has exceeded new openings since 2006, people are questioning the best use for these large areas. Conservation organizations and local authorities are purchasing abandoned golf courses and transforming them into landscapes that promote biodiversity and combat climate change.

The TPL, a conservation organization in California, is rewilding three former golf courses in the state. By converting these courses into public properties, increasing public access, and restoring water to rivers and streams, these spaces offer significant conservation opportunities. One example is the San Geronimo golf course in Marin County, California. The course, constructed in 1965, diverted water from San Geronimo and Larsen Creek for irrigation purposes, impacting fish populations in the area. However, after TPL acquired the site in 2018, they turned off irrigation, removed culverts and dams, and began restoring the natural habitat by planting native species. Though the rewilding process may take up to 10 years, there are already signs of wildlife returning, including sightings of bobcats. Despite initial opposition, involving the local community in the project and creating hiking and biking trails have changed perceptions. Today, the site, known as San Geronimo Commons, thrives as a center for the community.

Another TPL acquisition, the Ocean Meadows golf course in Santa Barbara, California, was transformed back into a wetland. Originally filled with soil during its construction in the 1960s, TPL removed the soil and restored the wetlands by planting native vegetation. Migratory birds now inhabit the area, and threatened western snowy plovers successfully breed in the mudflats. With the growing frequency of extreme weather patterns, particularly in California, the advantages of having a wetland as a flood defense are evident. Wetlands can capture water, protect infrastructure, and provide solutions rooted in nature.

TPL’s most recent acquisition, Rancho Cañada, is a 190-acre golf course in Monterey, California. The organization aims to widen and restore the riverbed and banks of the Carmel River, which runs through the course, to protect downstream neighborhoods from flooding. Additionally, the site will become part of a larger network of protected land, creating a wildlife corridor from Ventana to Fort Ord. By removing fencing and enhancing the connectivity between the former golf course and surrounding public lands, TPL aims to promote a cohesive ecosystem.

TPL is not the only organization rewilding golf courses. Summit Metro Parks in Akron, Ohio, acquired the Valley View Golf Course in 2016 and restored it to its natural state, connecting three local parks and creating 1,900 acres of contiguous green space. The transformation has been remarkable, with 90% of the vegetation now being native compared to the pre-restoration period when it was primarily non-native or invasive. The removal of levees allowed rivers and streams to flow freely, and non-native trees and turf were replaced with native vegetation. As a result, wildlife has flourished, with over 900 species documented since the restoration process began.

In conclusion, the rewilding of golf courses by conservation organizations presents promising opportunities to enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and create valuable public spaces. By repurposing these areas and restoring them to their natural states, organizations like TPL and Summit Metro Parks are not only benefiting the environment but also providing communities with vibrant outdoor spaces that foster a deeper connection with nature.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.