David Phipps is superintendent at Stone Creek Golf Club in Oregon and long-time contributor at Turfhugger. In this Case Study, David discusses some of the ways he aims at conserving water resources at his "crispy" course just outside of Portland Oregon. Also, check out the video after the Case Study, David talks about all environmental aspects of the property.
Royal Oaks Bird Cam
Alan recently updated the camera which provides live pictures that are much clearer.
Here is the link to the Bird camera along with a link to the original case study that Alan wrote in 2007.
Royal Oaks Bird Cam Live Feed, Royal Oaks Bird Cam Case Study
Part 2: The Quest for a "Zero Waste" Golf Course
This is a follow up to The Quest for a "Zero Waste" Golf Course interview I did with Josh Heptig about a month ago. This time around we start to get in to some of the financials and the nitty gritty.
Turfhugger: What is your return on investment?
Turfhugger: What is your return on investment?
Josh Heptig: Luckily in our situation we do not have any out of pocket expenses other than some of our staff's time. Our compost vessels were granted to us via Integrated Waste Management Authority (our local waste management organization), much of the lumber for the infrastructure was donated by Hayward Lumber (local lumber yard), the worm bins and volunteer labor have been donated by Environmental Protection Associates Inc. (EPA Inc., the non-profit we are collaborating with) and Eco-Rotary International (a non-profit charitable organization in the US), and the current tea brewer is owned by Nyha Roots (one of our partners).
The rest of the costs ~ $5,000 will be captured by a grant from the Morro Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP). We are not actually sure how much cost will be saved at this point because there really is not any data relating to actual composting or tea brewing available with quantifiable results. Our hope is to provide those figures by working in conjunction with California Polytechnic University's Horticulture Department. We anticipate the total costs to getting our facility operational to be around $27,000 with labor, grants, and hard costs.
Currently we are spending $0 for water as we have an agreement with a local prison to use their tertiarily treated waste water and we pay the pumping costs to the tune of $70,000 annually. If we can save 10% of the energy costs for pumping the water alone the ROI would be 3.8 years. That's not including potential fertility and pesticide reductions. So a course paying for water and pumping would have an even quicker pay back.
Business Ethics at Bandon Dunes
The Oregon Ethics in Business Awards honor those organizations and individuals who have demonstrated ethical business practice in its broadest interpretation: in the workplace, the marketplace, the environment, and the community. The recipients of these awards will have, by act and example, gone beyond the expected to achieve excellence in ethical business practices.
Back in 2009 the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, located on the southern Oregon coast, received Oregon Ethics in Business Award. The resort provides golfers with three championship style 18-hole layouts ranked among the nation’s elite public courses, along with several exceptional restaurants and lodging accommodations. Bandon Dunes understands the importance of keeping guests satisfied and aims to provide services that are “genuine, sincere, helpful and friendly.” However, Bandon Dunes does not only consider paying customers to be their guests, but instead, extends the same respect to stakeholders including employees, purveyors, the local community, and the environment. This golf resort, which has been barely carved from the landscape leaving nature largely unaffected, supported by the gracious hospitality of employees who are truly proud to be a part of the organization, has continued to become an exceptionally profitable, overwhelmingly generous, highly ethical enterprise.
Back in 2009 the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, located on the southern Oregon coast, received Oregon Ethics in Business Award. The resort provides golfers with three championship style 18-hole layouts ranked among the nation’s elite public courses, along with several exceptional restaurants and lodging accommodations. Bandon Dunes understands the importance of keeping guests satisfied and aims to provide services that are “genuine, sincere, helpful and friendly.” However, Bandon Dunes does not only consider paying customers to be their guests, but instead, extends the same respect to stakeholders including employees, purveyors, the local community, and the environment. This golf resort, which has been barely carved from the landscape leaving nature largely unaffected, supported by the gracious hospitality of employees who are truly proud to be a part of the organization, has continued to become an exceptionally profitable, overwhelmingly generous, highly ethical enterprise.
Golf Cart Battery Check Up
I'm currently working on some golf cart related projects for clients (energy audits and performance reviews) and a print magazine and found this video about some regular battery maintenance we should all be practicing.
In The Field Review of Toro Turfguard
Here at Turfhugger we like to learn of products from an independent perspective, from those who use new technologies out in the field because sometimes it's nice to hear from those in your shoes vs those selling the product or a competitor. That's why we asked Chris Greene, the IPM Manager at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College, PA for his opinion of the Toro Turfguard System.
Last year was a tough year all around for golf courses and everyone was looking for a way to manage their turf better and more efficient. We have a green that was rebuilt and our water supply was primarily effluent water. We had shallow root issues all summer due to heat, like many others, and poor, algae-laden and high salt content water. We had crusty greens due to salts and plugged the green seemingly all summer to keep it playable. Soil samples revealed a high pH and salt content that we had to control better. We ended up installing a separate well water line for irrigation and decided to change the watering strategy to more of the deep and infrequent route to force the roots deeper.
After consulting with the Toro rep, we decided to upgrade our irrigation central from one of two remaining “TouchNet” units in PA and add a “Turfguard” sensor to monitor the salts and moisture.
After consulting with the Toro rep, we decided to upgrade our irrigation central from one of two remaining “TouchNet” units in PA and add a “Turfguard” sensor to monitor the salts and moisture.
XGD Fairway Drainage at CDGA
I wanted to expound on this really cool picture that XGD supervisor took at the Sunshine Course in Lemont, IL at the Chicago District Golf Association, in it shows the systematic approach we take at XGD Systems to cutoff/eliminate high groundwater table issues at any turf facility...
Mark must have been right down at turf level to show the fine fairway sod we were able to pull up and restore at the CDGA. One portion of the CDGA has the 3 hole Sunshine Course we were helping with some greens/fairway drainage restorations and this aids in research conducted by CDGA Turf Researcher Dr. Derek Settle and Tim Siblicky, Nick Devries, among others here based at the Golf House in Lemont,IL.
And as I point you to the picture above to show how the XGD fairway drainage laterals curved and followed the fairway contours in a design to eliminate the wet areas in the bottoms of the swale. It was obvious even good positive surface drainage was not the answer on its own in this situation, the area needed a supplemental subsurface internal drainage system designed/spaced to specifically move groundwater through the wet soils and high groundwater in this specific area. As I have always said, drainage in not a top down traditional philosophy that you learn at turf school, rather it is a lifelong learning curve trying to gain a better understanding of soil groundwater movement. At XGD it is more about controlling the gravitational groundwater table, than getting surface water in to a catch basin and out of site immediately, because at XGD we use the soil and its pore space as water holding space to fill up the bathtub before reaching field capacity and entering our laterals.
We have the soil there as storage capacity. WHY NOT USE IT.
Just a different way to skin a cat, so to speak..
Cheers, Poor Old Dirt & Grass Farmer
Mark must have been right down at turf level to show the fine fairway sod we were able to pull up and restore at the CDGA. One portion of the CDGA has the 3 hole Sunshine Course we were helping with some greens/fairway drainage restorations and this aids in research conducted by CDGA Turf Researcher Dr. Derek Settle and Tim Siblicky, Nick Devries, among others here based at the Golf House in Lemont,IL.
And as I point you to the picture above to show how the XGD fairway drainage laterals curved and followed the fairway contours in a design to eliminate the wet areas in the bottoms of the swale. It was obvious even good positive surface drainage was not the answer on its own in this situation, the area needed a supplemental subsurface internal drainage system designed/spaced to specifically move groundwater through the wet soils and high groundwater in this specific area. As I have always said, drainage in not a top down traditional philosophy that you learn at turf school, rather it is a lifelong learning curve trying to gain a better understanding of soil groundwater movement. At XGD it is more about controlling the gravitational groundwater table, than getting surface water in to a catch basin and out of site immediately, because at XGD we use the soil and its pore space as water holding space to fill up the bathtub before reaching field capacity and entering our laterals.
We have the soil there as storage capacity. WHY NOT USE IT.
Just a different way to skin a cat, so to speak..
Cheers, Poor Old Dirt & Grass Farmer
Identifying Common Reed (Phragmite australis)
I'm seeing this weed everywhere in the East, New York, Ontario and Quebec especially. Golf courses are faced with these 15 foot vegetative fences, preventing wildlife from transferring from water to shore (important for water fowl and shore birds), reduce natural biodiversity, create a fire hazard, choke wetlands and aggressively encroach on playing surfaces and golf course infrastructure.
Some handy identification tips can be found here and here, and a great video from Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Some handy identification tips can be found here and here, and a great video from Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
GCSAA.tv - Managing For Golf, Not Color
Nestled in Martis Valley of the Sierra Mountains in Truckee, Calif., Lahontan Golf Club is a top-notch private club with a philosophy based on preserving the environment. Hear how Kevin Breen, CGCS, approaches the management of the golf course.
If video doesn't play, go here.
If video doesn't play, go here.
Musket Ridge Goes For Zero Food Waste
I'm a big fan of Bokashi. I have friends who used it for kitchen scraps in their houses and apartments and I've even seen it at one golf course (Blackburn Meadows on Saltspring Island in BC) to generate their compost tea. Basically, Effective Micro-Organisms (EM) are inoculated on wheat bran, saw dust or rice husks as a carrier, and are then added to food wastes to help break it down. Yadda Yadda Yadda, your left with a rich liquid concentrate that can be applied to turfgrass (well, soil). More about EM another time, but to the point of this post...
Musket Ridge Golf Club is a Public course in Frederick Maryland. Like many courses, they see the marketing, cost and environmental benefits of employing "green" measures. As part of their Sustainability Plan they are implementing a zero food waste initiative.
The Bokashi method of intense composting will be used at the club's restaurant and banquet facility to turn tons of food waste into organic fertilizer for a vegetable and herb garden and possible use on the golf course itself. Musket Ridge already has large areas designated as environmentally sensitive to protect native plants and wildlife.
From the Press Release:
Musket Ridge became the first golf club on the East Coast to launch a zero waste food initiative for its award-winning golf course, restaurant and Catoctin Hall wedding and banquet facility at a kick-off press event and reception on March 24, 2011.
From the Press Release:
Musket Ridge became the first golf club on the East Coast to launch a zero waste food initiative for its award-winning golf course, restaurant and Catoctin Hall wedding and banquet facility at a kick-off press event and reception on March 24, 2011.
Hawaii Prince Golf Course Solar Golf Cart Top ROI
I was searching for some info on the Return on Investment for a Golf Cart Solar Panel Roof Top for a Florida client of mine and came upon this article from Green My Fleet - Hawaii Prince Golf Course Solar Golf Cart Top ROI.
The Hawaii Prince GC review of their ROI is a fantastic case study for the rest of us. If you have any interest in these products definitely go to the above link, use their formula by replacing their numbers with yours and follow along. In the end they've concluded the purchase would save them a lot of money, could it do the same for you?
The Hawaii Prince GC review of their ROI is a fantastic case study for the rest of us. If you have any interest in these products definitely go to the above link, use their formula by replacing their numbers with yours and follow along. In the end they've concluded the purchase would save them a lot of money, could it do the same for you?
Got Bee's?
We've covered the possible impact of our operations on Bee's and we've also explored the possibility of integrating Agriculture into a golf course operations, but never together.
In the Orange County Register article 10,000 honeybees sweeten pot at golf course we learn of Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course who expects their 10,000 Honeybee's to produce 40-50 pounds of the sweet stuff in the first season.
Want to explore hobby beekeeping? Check out this video for a brief description of what to expect.
UPS & GEO Awards Spotlight Leadership in Sustainable Golf
The sustainability efforts and achievements of three pioneering organizations and individuals were recognized at the presentation of Environmental Innovation Awards from the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) and its partner, global logistics company UPS, on May 28, 2011.
The Dutch Golf Federation (NGF), the Scandinavian Turf and Research Foundation (STERF) and Stig Persson, the General Manager of Ljunghusens Golf Club in Sweden have all demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership, in very different ways, in the promotion and delivery of environmental and social responsibility across the golf industry.
Follow this link to read the whole article: UPS & GEO Awards Spotlight Leadership in Sustainable Golf
2011 NW Golf and the Environment Meeting
Announcing the
2011 NW Golf and the Environment Meeting
Tuesday, November 8th at The Oregon Golf Club
Featuring Pat Jones of Golf Course Industry Magazine!
Pat Jones is the editorial director of Golf Course Industry magazine, where he runs and contributes articles, blogs, videos and his award-winning “Parting Shots” column each month.
Pat's unique perspective offers up hope and a dose of reality. You will enjoy Pats presentation on “A Not-So-Brief and Occasionally Painful History of Golf & Environmental Politics”.
Joining Pat will be an esteemed list of speakers including Greg Lyman, Scott J Morrison, Michael Vogt and Walt Osborne. To wrap up the meeting Pat will lead the speakers in a panel discussion on environmental issues facing golf today.
Pat's unique perspective offers up hope and a dose of reality. You will enjoy Pats presentation on “A Not-So-Brief and Occasionally Painful History of Golf & Environmental Politics”.
Joining Pat will be an esteemed list of speakers including Greg Lyman, Scott J Morrison, Michael Vogt and Walt Osborne. To wrap up the meeting Pat will lead the speakers in a panel discussion on environmental issues facing golf today.
Don’t miss this full day of education and opportunities to improve your facility. GCSAA education credits will be awarded. For those traveling, a room block has been reserved at the Oxford Suites hotel located in Gladstone. Make your reservation at: 877 558-7710 and mention the Oregon Golf Course Superintendents Association to receive your discounted rate.
Watch for registration coming soon!
At: www.ogcsa.org
NAFTA gives the SHAFTA, but to whom?
Canadian Municipal and Provincial governments can continue to restrict cosmetic uses of pesticides on lawns as Quebec and Dow AgroSciences settle a $2-million US lawsuit stemming from Quebec’s 2006 ban of the pesticide 2,4-D.
Although both claim victory, pesticide bans can still take place, the only change is that you can't say why. Basically governments have to say "2, 4-D is safe when used according to the product label directions" but government concern over public's ability to apply such products can influence a cosmetic ban for use on lawns.
This doesn't really effect golf courses because of the exemption (here) unless you consider that the public perception is now "can't use on my lawn" + "used on golf courses" = "golf courses are toxic".
Although both claim victory, pesticide bans can still take place, the only change is that you can't say why. Basically governments have to say "2, 4-D is safe when used according to the product label directions" but government concern over public's ability to apply such products can influence a cosmetic ban for use on lawns.
This doesn't really effect golf courses because of the exemption (here) unless you consider that the public perception is now "can't use on my lawn" + "used on golf courses" = "golf courses are toxic".
Official industry response by GolfCanada? Go here to learn how they educate golfers. It seems it falls in the hands of superintendents and their associations, sorry guys. To learn more about the exemption tool go here. To learn about the CGSA's Environmental Policies and Positions, go here.
The Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have banned 2, 4-D's use on lawns and Alberta has banned it in pesticide-herbicide mixes. British Columbia and Manitoba are considering provincial bans, although municipalities are already creating bans on their own.
As far as coverage of the settlement and all the details, I've collected a variety of sources... pick your poison... haha, just kidding Dow.
- Environmentalists, chemical company claim victory in NAFTA fight over Quebec ban The Canadian Press
- Editorial Comment: The Problem With the Anti-Pesticide Movement
- Canada Welcomes Agreement with Dow AgroSciences ISRIA (registration)
- Environmentalists, chemical company claim victory in NAFTA fight over Quebec ban CKFR
- Globe and Mail - Deal confirms government's right to ban 'cosmetic' pesticides, minister says
- NAFTA dispute over Quebec 2,4-D ban settled Manitoba Co-operator
- Canada Welcomes Agreement with Dow AgroSciences MMD Newswire (press release)
- Dow AgroSciences, Canada settle NAFTA 2,4-D challenge AgraNet (subscription)
- BUSINESS IN BRIEF
- Quebec backs down on 2,4-D, says it is not harmful to humans
- Terence Corcoran: The dandelion is the official flower of statism
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