From GCSAATV: Golfpreserves founders discuss their work in developing a monetary value for carbon sequestration on golf courses that can be used to help fund environmental research and stewardship efforts.
Over the past 2 1/2 years (and 500 posts!) of Turfhugger I've been lucky enough to have the support of David Phipps. David is always there to lend an ear, to share his experiences and to help you find the info you need. So I was honored when David asked me to speak at the North West GCSAA Environmental Meeting back in November, was excited to see Stone Creek and proud to learn of his earning of two major industry awards this year.
Got some time to burn? Sure we all do right now. When you do find time for some Golf and Environment related background noise check out the "10 Questions" video series produced by BunkerShot.com and GolfTV. Here's a few that Turfhugger readers will likely enjoy.
It is designed as a step-by-step workbook leading to the development of an environmental plan for the course and the certification of the course at one of the three levels of achievement. It is not intended to serve as a “Best Management Practices” manual, but rather as a way of organizing a variety of management ideas and practices into a logical, across-the-board approach to overall environmental improvement.
As a supplement to the guidebook, the following video shows some excellent examples of the BMP's and strategies used by Military courses.
I was originally intending on writing a huge post for Earth Day, but luckily I'm so busy with business that I just haven't found the time. So instead, I've copied a Press Release from the GCSAA which sums up some of what I was likely going to say anyways. I will say that I'm extremely proud and grateful to be in this line of work, I see true value in it and I'm loving what the future has in store for golf!
Happy Earth Day,Scott J Morrison.
Everyday is Earth Day for golf course superintendents
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) celebrates Earth Day April 22 by highlighting the various golf course management activities its members are doing to foster environmental stewardship and sustainability.
According to the GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile, the average 18-hole golf course covers 150 acres, approximately 100 (67 percent) of which is maintained turfgrass. Approximately 11 acres of water are common, and there are an additional 24 acres of non-turfgrass landscapes such as forests, grasslands, buffer strips and riparian areas. Non-turfgrass landscapes have increased in approximately 44 percent of 18-hole golf facilities since 1996, by an average of 9.8 acres.
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.
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.
