Ohio State has increased the ecosystem services values of its managed landscapes over the past decade in a variety of ways, including adding new natural habitats and gardens, increasing tree canopy and decreasing stormwater runoff.
Greenspace Engagement
The university’s Sustainable Design and Construction policy includes an Ecosystem Services Assessment for building projects to improve their impact on natural resources.
The realignment of Cannon Drive is creating new greenspace and Olentangy Trail connectivity along the Olentangy River’s east bank. The realignment project established new wetland and river corridor habitat, now named Cannon Drive Park. Over 1,000 native trees have been planted at the park, and the Drake Performance Center and other parking lots have been removed from the site, allowing better capture and slowing of stormwater into the Olentangy River.
Planning, Architecture and Real Estate (PARE) manages the university's Columbus campus landscape planning and design, including determining how and where new greenspaces and gardens can be installed. The Sustainability Institute, FOD Landscape Services and Student Life's Green Buckeyes program, among others, often collaborate with PARE to create new student-led natural habitats projects or enable landscape research living labs.
To find out more about other existing projects or explore an idea you might have, contact our office.