There are approximately 15,500 golf courses located in the United States, and they tend to have negative effects on the environment. Between land being cleared for the fairway and the excessive amount of water and pesticides needed to keep the grass looking green and lush, it is no surprise that golf courses have come under increasing scrutiny from environmental agencies and activists in recent years. However, in certain locations, there may be a silver lining, as abandoned golf courses are being reclaimed by nature.
The number of golf course closures have outweighed openings every year since 2006. Conservation agencies have a vested interest in acquiring these abandoned golf courses and restoring them to their original landscapes to combat the effects of climate change. From locations on the west coast in California to places in the Midwest such as Ohio, these efforts are nationwide. Some former golf courses in the United Kingdom and Australia have also been part of the revitalization process as well.
Some of the strategies that conservationists have employed involve reintroducing native plants and animals to the golf courses, combining golf courses with already existing parks, and restoring wetlands and swamps. All of this is part of an effort to restore biodiversity and, hopefully, restore these swaths of land to what they looked like before they were cleared.
Abandoned golf courses in the United States are being reclaimed by nature, thanks to the efforts of conservationists.
h/t: [Reddit]
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