Today is Earth Day and remember there are many places to recycle on the property. At each tee we have recycle bins for aluminum cans and plastic bottles. We recycle thousands of cans and bottles each year and prevent them from taking up space in landfills.
Of course our compost center is getting active as we begin using three year old decomposed material such as grass clippings and leaves to return to the property. All flower beds and new plantings are treated with our home grown compost. It provides wonderful nutrients to plant life and reduces or eliminates the need for additional fertilizers.
No one manages water better than golf course superintendents. The club has invested millions of dollars over the years to be the best water managers. Often times golf courses get a bad reputation for poor water users, but this is simply not true. You may notice water running during the day, most times this is done to audit the system. We manage over 2,000 sprinkler heads and keeping track of them is crucial. They average 30 gallons per minute, so making sure they are working accurately will save water in the end. Most irrigation occurs at night when evaporation rates are lowest.
We have state of the art features starting with the pumps, pipe and sprinkler design that can put water exactly where it needs to be placed. Onsite weather stations are monitored everyday to track humidity, temperature, evaporation loss, wind speed and more. This data is used everyday when deciding how to irrigate.
We also use soil moisture sensors to determine what the plants truly need for water. We don't just water by looks. Many times during the season you will notice many employees watering with hoses. This spoon feeds water to exact locations when sprinkler heads can be overkill. Wetting agents are used to maximize the performance of water in the soil. Water management has and always will be the most important factor to managing a golf course.
Pesticide use on golf courses can be a touchy subject too. We are licensed and trained with the state department of agriculture to apply pesticides on the property. We must pass a rigorous test through the state and attend many hours of classroom training each year to keep up with the latest technology, laws and regulations.
Much like water use, pesticides are used when needed. Fortunately, being in an arid climate, we don't have much disease pressure, nor the insect populations. Fungicide and insectide use is minimal here at the club. Herbicides are used for dandelions, clover, crabgrass and even noxious weeds such as thistle. It is important that we keep these invasive weeds at bay.
Technology in pesticides have come a long, long way too. Safer products which break down in the soil quicker are being brought to market each year. No longer can you use products that persist in the soil and contaminate watersheds. New products that boost the plants' natural immune system are being developed and enhanced each year. These have been proven to be highly successful. They can reduce or even eliminate pestice use all together. We have implemented these products into our management of the course over the past three seasons and have been able to reduce the amounts of pesticide use annually.
Other great ways golf courses benefit the environment:
1. Bird, fish and wildlife habitat. Golf courses are safe havens for all walks of life to coexist.
2. Turfgrass reduces and filets dust in the atmosphere.
3. Grass and trees are an abundant source of oxygen for the planet.
4. Golf courses act as filters from storm water runoff and prevent sediment and nutrient loading in waterways.
5. Beekeeping is a major sign of a healthy environment. We have 7 active hives on the property.
6. With over 40 varieties of trees on the golf courses we provide a diverse population. Trees and turfgrass can keep the earth cooler.
7. Excellent sources of outdoor recreation.
8. Restore environmentally damaged locations such as landfills
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