The restoration of the Cobbs Creek Golf Course, bordering Philadelphia and Upper Darby, will come at a price—the loss of hundreds of mature trees.

It’s part of a $65 million restoration from the Cobbs Creek Foundation that will improve erosion and flood control, but some local residents and birders wonder why so many trees are coming down, writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Renovations include $15 million to restore three miles of Cobbs and Indian Creeks, creating up to 27 acres of wetlands for flood control.  New trees and woody plants will also be added to the landscape.

But about one-quarter of the trees on the Philadelphia-owned property has to come down.

According to a statement from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, much of the site is in poor condition from years of neglect.

“The rampant spread of invasive species and overgrowth along with creek deterioration and heavy flooding create an unstable environment for any natural landscape to thrive.”

The original golf course closed in 2020 from repeated flooding and a clubhouse fire.

A community nature group, Cobbs Creek Ambassadors is discussing the tree removal plan with the Foundation and Philadelphia Parks and Rec Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about tree clearing for the restored Cobbs Creek Golf Course.

Here’s a video detailing the effort to restore the Cobbs Creek Golf Club.