The infrastructure of Ohio State’s campus is slated to change over the next few decades. A central element of this change is the Olentangy River and how it will be restored. This presents an innovative opportunity, one in which the Ohio State community can create a healthy, sustainable riparian forest.
The river is identified as the literal and figurative center of Ohio State’s future campus. Beyond that, however, detailed plans are lacking. Ohio State decision-makers have expressed the desire for natural, green space on campus. We see this as a springboard to propose a riparian forest along the Olengtangy River through campus.
The benefits to the campus community will be many, including health benefits (both physical and mental), social and community benefits, and any number of educational opportunities. These benefits will be evident throughout the implementation and management of the forest.
Plans must be a cooperative, inter-disciplinary effort. Professors can oversee restoration efforts as well as research projects, while both graduate and undergraduate students can conduct these projects. Student organizations and possibly other local schools can be involved in ongoing volunteer opportunities as well.
The chance to make the best of this situation is one not to be passed up. Education, sustainability and environmental stewardship will be championed by this project, making Ohio State a flagship university for ground-breaking initiatives.
Image from the Ohio State Framework plan, http://fod.osu.edu/afp/framework.pdf