Transforming the Landscape: The University of Toledo Center for Alumni and Donor Engagement Restoration Project in Ohio

The University of Toledo Center for Alumni and Donor Engagement (CADE) Restoration Project stands as a beacon of ecological innovation at the heart of a collaborative effort between RES, The University of Toledo Foundation, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Situated on the Foundation’s 49-acre property, this fully funded initiative, supported by ODNR’s H2Ohio program, aims to reduce nutrient runoff into the Western Lake Erie Basin while providing long-term environmental benefits.

Restoring What Was Lost

The stream channels within the CADE site, tributaries of the Ottawa River, had long suffered from severe degradation, including deep incisions and widespread bank erosion that compromised nearby wetlands, riparian zones, and upland buffers. To address these challenges, RES and its partners implemented a comprehensive restoration strategy focused on stabilizing and revitalizing the ecosystem.

Through careful planning, RES and its partners restored stable, meandering stream channels that reconnect hydraulically to adjacent floodplains and wetland complexes. The project has transformed the site into a thriving ecological habitat by employing floodplain excavation methods.

Innovative Techniques for a Lasting Impact

The restoration process featured a blend of advanced techniques:

• Stream Enhancement Structures: Log sill grade controls, and rock riffles were installed to stabilize the stream and improve floodplain connectivity.
• Wetland Rehabilitation: Adjacent wetland areas were re-established using shallow soil scrapes, native seeding, and diverse planting palettes to create a wetland mosaic of emergent, scrub-shrub, and forested types.
• Riparian and Upland Restoration: Invasive species were removed, native vegetation was planted, and upland areas were seeded with pollinator-friendly flora to create buffers resembling undisturbed regional habitats.

A Ripple Effect of Benefits

The UT CADE Restoration Project’s impact goes far beyond the visible transformation of the landscape. Key benefits include:

• Pollutant Reduction: Sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels have been significantly curtailed.
• Flood Mitigation and Stream Stability: Stabilized streams reduce erosion and enhance resilience against flooding.
• Habitat Enhancement: Aquatic and terrestrial habitats have been revitalized, supporting diverse plant and animal species.
• Community and Education: The restored site serves as an outdoor classroom for University of Toledo students, providing opportunities for ecological studies, graduate research, and hands-on learning.

Building for the Future

RES continues to oversee long-term maintenance of the site, ensuring the project’s sustainability and alignment with H2Ohio’s overarching goals. By addressing historical and ongoing impacts, the UT CADE Restoration Project exemplifies how partnerships and innovative restoration practices can create a legacy for both nature and the community.

This remarkable collaboration not only restores a vital ecological area but also sets the stage for ongoing education, research, and environmental stewardship in the Western Lake Erie Basin.