The City of Troy’s Sylvan Glen Golf Course Streambank Restoration Project has been named Project of the Year in the category of “Environmental Projects Under $2 Million” by the Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).
“We are honored that the APWA has recognized us with this great award,” said Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Services. Murphy added, “The City of Troy is truly committed to protecting and preserving the environment. This project will ensure that the streambank remains an uncontaminated and stable habitat for years to come.”
The stream that runs through Sylvan Glen is part of the Clinton River Watershed, and is a tributary of the Clinton River. By making improvements to the streambank in Troy, the City has taken part in a much larger effort to protect the overall quality of the entire Clinton River Watershed.
The Sylvan Glen Golf Course Streambank Restoration project began several years ago after the City of Troy recognized that the banks of the stream had become severely eroded. In some areas the streambanks had over a 16-foot drop to the stream, causing a hazard for golfers and course caretakers. The City of Troy worked with its engineer consultants Hubbell, Roth and Clark Inc., the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, golf course designers, landscape architects and local interest groups to develop a plan to stabilize the streambanks, prevent erosion, improve the ecology of the region, provide a natural habitat and improve the golf course.
“The partnership with the City of Troy was a crucial aspect in the design process,” said Walter Alix, Vice President of Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. He added, “By combining standard engineering design principles with innovative ecological approaches, we were able to create a functioning ecosystem and still achieve the infrastructure needs of our client. “
In December of 2005 that plan was put into action, when the $1.3 million restoration project broke ground. The project included excavating 30, cubic yards of soil to create over 5 acres of new wetland features that act as overflow water detention. The wetland areas were seeded with 18 different seed mixes and plant plugs to create a diverse plant palette. The excavated soil was used to create new berms and change the landscape. Over 250 native plants and shrubs were used to create a diverse habitat for the wildlife. More than 50 dead trees were removed and replaced as well. Since completion in May 2006 numerous hawks, egrets, owls, Great Blue Herons, songbirds, minnows and tadpoles have moved into their newly improved habitat.
The City of Troy Sylvan Glen Golf Course Streambank Restoration will be entered into the APWA National Awards competition with a recommendation from the Michigan Chapter.
Sylvan Glen Golf Course, located at 5725 Rochester Road, is an 18-hole, par 70 course that covers over 150 acres and offers a challenging blend of water, trees and sand. The course is home to a full-service pro shop and Camp Ticonderoga restaurant.
