Washington State University has recently proposed a major expansion of its existing 9-hole campus golf course. Given the regional concern over declining groundwater resources, WSU has committed to exploring all options for designing a modern, low-water golf course that would use appropriate native plant and xeric landscaping as well as recycled waste water. The redesigned golf course has the potential to:
Create a state-of-the-art, modern golf course that can serve as a model for golf courses in arid landscapes.
Establish a permanent campus greenbelt that links hiking and jogging areas, parks, botanical gardens, the campus forest, the WSU Arboretum, natural areas, and research and teaching demonstration areas.
Engage the broader university community, alumni, and the public in expanded use and appreciation of the east-campus landscape through development of a conservatory, a Japanese-style garden, and an outdoor amphitheater for public performances.
Restore a beautiful blue camas meadow, develop a campus wetland for ecological research, and conserve a historical remnant of native Palouse Prairie as part of the golf course design.
Faculty with the Native Plant & Landscape Restoration Nursery will work with the architects and developers of the golf course to design a comprehensive site plan that allows these possibilities for the WSU Campus and conserves our valuable landscape for future generations.
