Flora and Fauna in Focus: Bald Eagle

In an effort to educate members in the golfing community of some of the natural environmental features golf courses aim to protect, I've decided to try out a new poster series. These posters will focus on the many wildlife and plant species we commonly find on golf courses and what some courses are doing to preserve the natural features they rely on. These posters can easily be shared on blogs by embedding the gadget below (click "< > share"), or can be printed off and posted on information boards at your club. These posters can contribute to your Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program's Certification in Outreach and Education and Golf Environment Certification. Let me know your thoughts at info@turfhugger.com or the comments section below.

Flora and Fauna in Focus_ Bald Eagle

Vermigrand Worm Compost Tea Products

Vermi, or worm casting products, have promise in our industry. Here's a short video showing production, product use and shows Tom Gilchrist, Head Greenkeeper at Golf Club Vienna, using the Vermigrand program in his top-dressing and over-seeding programs.




From the Turf Section of the Vermigrand website

Use the benefits of VERMIGRAND BIOHUMUS! Usage on Greens: For faster and better rate of germination Mixed with Quartz- or Lava-sand as a topdressing Mixed with Quartz- or Lava-sand after aerification Before laying a sod For prolonging the season (also for melting snow) Duration of effect: Healthy soil life: Long-term Nutrient availability: Medium-term Plant growth substances: Medium-term Humus compound: Long-term Stabile soil crumble: Long-term Sustainability: Long-term Reduce your costs: Long-term

Artificial, But Natural?

I'm not a fan of artificial turf, but I think this product is a huge improvement on traditional rubber crumb versions. The 10 Environmental Benefits listed after the video are definitely compelling. From GeoTurfUSA:


New York City's Riverdale Country School - The nation's First "Organic" Artificial Turf Field by Geo Turf USA. Geo Turf's organic infill is made with coconut fibers and cork and is a perfect alternative to crumb rubber turf infill systems. It's 100% recyclable, lead-free and creates cooler surface temperatures. Geo Turf is endorsed by the U.S. Green Energy Council and is one of only five FIFA Preferred Producers Worldwide!

Environmental Stewardship at Orchard Golf and Country Club

This video briefly describes some of the environmental efforts of the Orchard Golf and Country Club, host of the 95 Johnnie Walker Classic, in Dasmariñas City, Philippines. Basic stuff, but great to see golf shows covering these issues.

Electric Eye Candy: Eclipse 322 Demo @GIS11

Lot's of info still coming from this years show down in Orlando. Jacobsen offered GIS attendees the chance to demo the quiet and sleek Eclipse 322 Riding Greens Mower.

Surfactants Explained

In an effort to communicate how and why superintendents do what they do, educational videos of turfgrass and environmental management techniques are becoming popular on superintendent blogs. Although PaceTurf seems to be the most popular, I suspect we'll see more manufacturers adopt this method to demonstrate product usability, results and gained efficiency. Here are two examples looking at the differences between soil hydration and water infiltration with the use of surfactants.

Both are from PrecisionLabs, the first is a little dry (ha!), the second has a slightly better entertainment value, as far as surfactant videos go.

Sustainable Golf 2.0

I just sat down to read the new digital edition of Golf Course Industry magazine and came across this article called Sustainable Golf 2.0, written by Jim Black. I'm usually not the type to editorialize but I felt the need to say something here. There is a quote from Tom Mead, a golf course consultant, that stood out to be very profound.
It read as follows:
" I think there's a better chance for long-term financial success if we get off the treadmill of trying to meet golfers' expectations by continually increasing maintenance intensity and budgets, and figure out how to make money respecting the real intent and spirit of the game while protecting the planet's vital resources. Plenty of superintendents can see the need for some sort of transition, and they have the ability to develop a sustainable maintenance program. The problem is that they do not have the time of ability by themselves to educate their boards and members, or owners and paying golfers, about what they are doing and why."


So, do we not have the time or the ability to educate our board members and golfers? I think superintendents do. A number of superintendents, many are contributors here on Turfhugger, are doing this exact thing.  If we can find the time to communicate our message, others can do so as well. We all want to see our industry succeed but it is difficult for some to put themselves "out there". Being "out there" is not necessarily a bad thing. It is not a matter of shameless self promotion but a matter of educating others of your successes and putting your industry in a good light. Tom Mead makes a perfect point in this story so lets get behind it and continue to promote our good work and help our golf courses achieve a more sustainable operation.

The Golf Industries Role in Water Conservation

When considering the worlds water shortages, we often conjure up images of Arizona, Nevada, Alberta, Australia, or even Dubai. But water issues have surfaced in regions such as Florida, Georgia, Ontario or even Spain, that have never before had water availability concerns.

When we talk about “more or less” water we’re not talking about the total amount available. We’re talking about the amount of usable water we have access to when we need it. Water can neither be created nor destroyed. Each time we use or treat water it is being changed, sometimes for the better, and sometimes for the worse. We can always clean water but we can’t return it to its previous state.

Nozzle Tips

Following my last post on Turfhugger.com on irrigation system and maintenance, I was asked to discuss sprinkler nozzles in more detail. Being a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor for 3 years and conducting over 50 individual irrigation audits, I have been able to work with a number of nozzle/spacing combinations. This articles purpose is to address how a nozzle profile in combination with proper spacing is required in order to achieve optimal sprinkler uniformity.

GIS Recap

I was quite fortunate to attend the Golf Industry Show (GIS) this year as a "corresponding" for turfhugger. I think the biggest thing I learned in this role is how terrible I would be as a journalist. 


My feeling on this year's show was that it has really become a microcosm of what I believe the golf industry is on its way to becoming. This year's GIS was lean and mean and provided tremendous bang for the buck of those who attended. Longtime industry vet Pat Jones points this out very well in his recent blog post. Pat mentions the idea of a "new normal" within the industry; something all of us must come to accept. This "new normal" was evident as soon as we entered the trade show. For the first time in my relatively small window of time attending the GIS, I could stand on the far end of the show and see the wall on the other end. The show presented quality over quantity and gave everyone present a very focused experience with very little energy directed towards things frivolous in nature.

I have always attended the GIS looking for vendors and products that fit with my interest in sustainability. In past years attending the GIS I felt like I really had to dig to find vendors and/or superintendents interested in sustainable turfgrass management. Even last year's show in San Diego it seemed the subject was still very much on the fringes. This year things changed and digging was no longer required. The large majority of the vendors I visited with seemed to have sustainability and managing for the stronger turf on their mind-one way or another. Many of the superintendents I met wanted to talk about what we are doing at Northland. Twitter, facebook and my own blog have opened up what we are doing at Northland to a good portion of the golf industry and there is a healthy appetite for the information. While I believe our management of turf at Northland is more reality than trend, it does seem that it is making its way through our industry much the same as trends do. About 10 years ago there were a relatively small number of superintendents who were rolling putting surfaces on a regular basis. Today you can hardly find a facility who doesn't roll their greens multiple times per week. It was a trend that started on the fringes and has now become mainstream. I suspect sustainability and managing for the stronger grasses will happen in a similar fashion. Some trends stay and some trends go but like rolling, I suspect once this management philosophy goes mainstream it will be here to stay.

My four days in Orlando featured a wonderful dinner with a number of individuals who believe managing for the stronger grasses is the right way to manage turf. The dinner was fun and eye opening. I spent a couple full days at the convention center, the first gleaning information from educational sessions including the always informative "Innovative Superintendents" session. My second full day involved a full eight hours walking the trade show floor. We walked onto the trade show floor 10 minutes after opening and left as they turned out the lights. Add to this a couple of nights networking at national and state hospitality events and the end result is a wonderful, fun and educational four days in Orlando.

I have a few more posts planned on what I saw and learned in Orlando, so stay tuned.

Attracting Native Pollinators

For anyone interested this is a  wonderful source of information to anyone interested in the conservation of native pollinators. Whether it is a tool to help develop a conservation program at your golf course or a book to educate "small ones" on the value of native pollinators, this is the book to have. My friend Matthew Shepherd and a Xerces Society staff member was integral in the development of this book. He has worked tirelessly over the past few years to complete this project. Big congratulations to Mathew and the Xerces Society for a job well done.  The book also features one of my photographs on page 193 and one from Dan Dinelli, CGCS and 2009 Presidents Award winner from North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Ill on page 196. The book is available from the Xerces website or on Amazon. It is a must for your collection.

Announcing the Publication of Attracting Native Pollinators

We are excited to announce that our new book, Attracting Native Pollinators: Protecting North America’s Bees and Butterflies, is available. The book is published by Storey Publishing, North Adams, Massachusetts. Attracting Native Pollinators is coauthored by four Xerces Society staff members Eric Mader, Matthew Shepherd, Mace Vaughan, and Scott Black in collaboration with Gretchen LeBuhn, a San Francisco State University botanist and director of the Great Sunflower Project.

Since Xerces published the groundbreaking Pollinator Conservation Handbook in 2003 conservation practices have evolved, and that book has begun to show its age. At 380 pages, Attracting Native Pollinators provides dramatically expanded breadth and detail, reflecting the latest understanding about creating and managing pollinator habitat. Illustrated with hundreds of color photographs and dozens of specially created illustrations, Attracting Native Pollinators is divided into four sections:

• Pollinators and Pollination explains the value of pollinators, and includes informative chapters on the natural history and habitat needs of bees, butterflies, flies, beetles, and wasps.
• Taking Action provides comprehensive information on ways to help pollinators and on creating nest sites and safe foraging areas. It includes guidance on conserving pollinators in all kinds of landscapes: gardens, natural areas, farms, recreation land, even ecoroofs.
• Bees of North America provides help with identifying the more abundant and important bee species, and supplies detailed profiles of more than thirty commonly encountered genera.
• Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Landscape shows how various kinds of land, including urban gardens, suburban parks, and farms, can be enhanced to support diverse pollinator populations. Sample planting designs and fifty pages of illustrated plant lists facilitate selection of the best plants for any region.

“Attracting Native Pollinators belongs on the bookshelf of everyone who values the future of the natural world.”
- Douglas W. Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home.
“Precise, elegant, and thoughtful, the recommendations offered by the Xerces Society will become essential to advancing a healthy and diverse food-production system.”
- Gary Paul Nabhan, author of The Forgotten Pollinators and Renewing America’s Food Tradition.

How Golf Courses & Trees Can Work Together Successfully

Trees are an important feature on golf courses. Their architectural uses include but are not limited to: providing a form of safety from errant tee shots, adding challenge to golf holes, when areas are out of sight, and provide reference points to help find golf balls. Aesthetically they provide definition and contrast, screening of disruptive sights, and seasonal interest. More importantly, they are essential for maintaining environmental diversity and wild life habitats.

GCSAA, Golf Digest: 2010 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards

Here's the full News Release from the GCSAA, but for those interested in just the winners and their efforts I've posted a trimmed version below without all the sponsor, history and Association fluff.


The ELGA winners went above and beyond in their environmental stewardship. They feature management programs using efficient and accurate irrigation systems; extensive recycling programs; composting of grass clippings, leaves and other herbaceous debris; bird houses; energy-saving light; and stringent integrated pest management programs.

Prevention Through Preparedness at TPC Sawgrass

Preventing unnecessary wear on turf is like stretching before you go for a run, if you skip this step you'll be dealing with the painful reality that your body, much like turf, is not indestructible. Skipping the stretch might result in a cramp, something you've learned to endure. The very best runners in the world make stretching a ritual because they know how much time and energy is put in to recovery, and building back up to where they previously preformed takes time away from building upon their base level.

Golf course superintendents know the principle of preparedness well, especially those at clubs with the highest of expectations. As host of The Players Championship, birthplace of the TPC network and the backdrop to the PGA headquaters, TPC Sawgrass is expected to look and preform at it's highest potential. Recently I was on the blog of Sawgrass's Superintendent Tom Vlach and saw this principle demonstrated in his post "Utilization of Turning Boards".

A Take On The Orlando Golf Industry Show 2011

A general synopsis for me would be "Quality not Quantity" at this years GIShow. I had not been to this show for a few years since it was last in Orlando and I must say I only took in one educational seminar, but it was very good, and the general consensus from all on the educational opportunities available was as impressive as it has ever been.

But for me the chance to network with old and possibly new clients is the "bang for the buck" I took away from the show. These opportunities are everywhere on the trade show floor, and the lunch options on the trade show floor were better than ever, as I recalled hotdogs/burgers being the only options a few years back. Hence, there is no reason to leave the trade show until you have exhausted all networking or information gathering you need to do. Of course, networking in the evenings at all the superintendent chapter hospitality suites are just as important or even more so for our firm.

A highlight for a turfnerd like me was attending my first Tweetup on the trade show floor. This meeting of twitheads was sponsored and organized by Aquatrols and tweeter extraordinaire John Kaminski. It was an opportunity to meet fellow tweeters/followers face to face instead of on the computer/smartphone screen. My guess would be that about 25 people attended the tweetup, but if it becomes an annual event I can see it really taking off. I began tweeting about a year ago, and as a general contractor I found it much tougher to position XGD Systems in the twitter world, as opposed to a golf course superintendent who tweets to his membership audience on a regular basis. But, I am now much more comfortable doing so after learning how to take advantage of this exciting social media opportunity.

Lastly, a common comment on the GIS was that, "you could stand in the middle of the trade show floor and see all four walls"? This is the new normal in our business, and I want to leave you with the fact that although the trade show was smaller, everything else I mentioned above was more first class than ever. That should keep all coming back year after year.

Poor Old Dirt & Grass Farmer

iStimp Review by PaceTurf

From PaceTurf:
Although not the goofiest iPhone application on the web, the new iPhone application known as the iStimp poses some interesting problems. In this video, PACE Turf's Dr. Larry Stowell discusses the issue of accuracy (can an iPhone really accurately measure greens speeds?) as well as the potential for slower play if golfers insist on taking the 6 to 8 minutes needed to get their own personal iStimp measurement.



For the results of a field test comparing the iStimp to the Pelz meter and the Bayco Speedmeter, follow the link below: http://www.paceturf.org/index.php/jou...

Learn more about PACE Turf at: http://www.paceturf.org/index.php/tour/
or sign up today at: http://www.paceturf.org/membership/si...

Precision Labroratories Video

Precision Laboratories' booth at the 2011 Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Florida demonstrated the all-new Water Logic app and view hands-on demonstrations of soil hydration and water infiltration with Precision Zone Surfactants. 

Precise Path RG3

We've covered robotic mowers in the past, here's an updated video for the 2011 Golf Industry Show demonstrating the Precise Path RG3 capabilities.

Improving Water Quality for Habitat

While submersed in the walls of a golf course, you couldn't feel further away from the concrete jungle when you witness a wildlife going along their daily chores.

Supporting habitat needs has become a secondary function of established golf courses, and maintaining these functions has become a primary focus.

Whether a golf course is located on a stream, large lake or dotted with small ponds, aquatic life is essential to the local food chain. I've compiled a few resources explaining what golf courses are doing to increase the effectiveness of our water features for aquatic life and some basic "how to" links that can provide guidance.

The Changing Faces of Bunkers

Turfhugger is making an effort to bring you innovative solutions from the professionals using them. In his first contribution to Turfhugger Joe Jemsek discusses Bunker faces and some design options that can ease required maintenance inputs.

I often hear superintendents complain about the difficultly and expense of maintaining their bunker faces. Superintendents who maintain flat sand and grass faced bunkers need additional irrigation, especially on south facing slopes, while superintendents who have flashed sand and grass fingers require additional hours of hand work. What can golf course designers and superintendents to do?

Turfhuggers Efforts Covered on TurfNet

John Reitman of TurfNet recently covered our efforts to create map markers for use in Scribblemaps free online mapping program. I've posted some article snippets below with a few extra notes. Thanks John.

"It’s not that David Phipps dislikes his arborculturist, but so much the better if the two do not have to meet prior to initiating any tree-management projects. In fact, it only makes sense not to waste time with face-to-face meetings if Phipps is able to communicate, down to the smallest detail, everything the arborculturist needs to know about upcoming tree work at Stone Creek Golf Club in Oregon City, Ore."

“I am able to mark particular trees, attach photos of the trees and the work that needs to be done,” Phipps said. “Then I can send the map to my arborculturist, who can go in and give me an estimate without ever coming here.” 

Greensmaster Lithium-Ion eFlex Revealed @GIS11

The "Greensmaster World Premier" took place this evening in Orlando #GIS11 (as it's known on Twitter), so we've decided to post details of Toro's latest "green" creation the Lithium-Ion Powered Greensmaster eFlex walk behind mower. First is an introduction to Toro's "EnergySmart" concept, and secondly we've listed some product details. Enjoy!

Pitchcare Magazine: Developments in Sustainable Developments

From Pitchcare Magazine:
"The Golf Environment Organization & British Association of Golf Course Constructors have established a partnership that will see the bodies collaborate closely around the sustainability issues of golf construction.


The move follows the recent publication of the GEO Legacy™ Guidance for Sustainable Golf Development, which feature a common sense checklist for protecting and enhancing air, water, soil and ecology during the construction phase of golf developments. 

A Review of Forsta Filters

When Turfhugger talks about "sustainability" we are careful to not "greenwash". We feel that manufacturing footprint, efficiency during use, product life cycle (what happens once the product has been retired) and good corporate citizenship should be carefully considered when choosing a product for your golf course.

Using this methodology lets review Forsta Filters Inc's automatic self-cleaning screen filters for golf course irrigation systems.

Portugal's Oitavos Dunes

This caught my eye the other day, from the website for Oitavos Dunes:

Much of the planning of the golf course involved protection of endangered plant species, maintenance of wildlife habitat (and their migration routes), nesting sites and food sources. Therefore, nearly half of the property remains in undeveloped natural areas, with golf holes connected by green corridors for movement of wildlife through the three dominant plant communities: wooded, open, and sand dune areas. 

Succulent Container Gardens

When it comes to turf management, golf courses use high-tech and creative ways to conserve every drop of irrigation water. To conserve water further, courses look outside of the main areas and begin to limit water in non-essential zones. Commonly used methods include naturalization of mown and irrigated turf, drip irrigation in garden beds and the use of native, drought tolerant and perennial plants.

Gardens beds require mulching, weeding, edging, cleaning, etc, and as our industry continues to move further away from water dependent landscaping, we must find alternatives that still provide an aesthetic value our customers are use to. One option, although limited in some ways, is the use of Succulents in containers.

Is Capitol a hazard for golf? - Chip shots - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

Is Capitol a hazard for golf? - Chip shots - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

Some great work going on in Olympia by Heather Hansen on behalf of the Washington State golf industry. Last week, the state Senate’s environment, water and energy committee had a first hearing on Senate Bill 5194, which would protect the water quality of lakes by restricting the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus.

As superintendents we can demonstrate how we are reducing our phosphorous output through proper soil management techniques. As we continue to use newer technologies which allow us to use fewer inputs, we can promote our success and let our lawmakers know how we are protecting the environment while also providing a valuable economic resource.

Past Ten, Next Ten: Interview with Jonathan Smith

As we roll past the first year of this decade I've asked two standard questions to a few key players in our industry. I wanted to know their thoughts, from their unique role and perspective, on what we saw over this last ten years and what to expect in the ten to come.

Jonathan Smith taking photos of a golf course meadow

I first met Jonathan Smith this past October in Washington DC as Congressional hosted the first North American Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) workshop training session for GEOSA's (GEO Sustainability Advisors). 

Turfhuggers covered GEO many times already, but Jonathan isn't just about "his" program. I truly feel his push towards sustainable golf reaches beyond the confines of a certification program. I see Jonathan speaking out about negative developments, expanding our idea of the footprint and waste stream of the industry and uses the most watched golf event in the world to bring the discussion and an example to the public. I applaud the efforts of Jonathan, the GEO staff and look forward to their continued success.

What does the term "Wetting Agent" really mean?

I came across an interesting video on GCSAA TV. It talks about the term "Wetting Agent" and the confusion that comes with it.

After watching this video, be sure to look further into the "Wetting Agents" you're currently using, and to ask a few more questions to those sales representatives .

And remember, the effectiveness of your "Wetting Agent" is directly related to the uniformity of your irrigation system, so do an irrigation audit!

Cutting Costs and Consumption with Andy Staples

Although I will not be attending the GCSAA Show and Educational Sessions myself, quite a few Turfhuggers will be there including Chris Tritabaugh of NCC who'll be providing regular updates from the floor. 

I skimmed through the program and noticed Andy Staples was speaking a few times at this years conference. Staples is the President of Golf Resource Group and has over 16 years of experience designing, building and managing golf courses, covering over 125 projects throughout the world. Trained as a Landscape Architect, Mr. Staples is an industry leader in sustainable practices for golf course development including energy and water efficiency programs.

I decided to contact Staples, to get a teaser of his three presentations at this years show.