While
golf courses have long been a source of ecologically-minded
advocates’ consternation, there are some clubs who have been making
progress toward cultivating a more environmentally friendly
organization.
This article from a few years ago outlines just some of the initiatives undertaken
by Oregon City’s Stone Creek Golf Club
(http://www.stonecreekgolfclub.net/)
in order to both alleviate its negative environmental impact, as well
as to demonstrate some of its more creative and cost-effective
solutions. Over-watering keeps grass roots shallow, meaning they are
less resistant to drought. By gradually reducing the amount of water
the grass receives, the grass can be ‘trained’ to adapt and grow
deeper roots, lessening the requirement of artificial watering.
Sophisticated, computer-controlled sprinkler systems detect the need
for watering rather than relying on a conservative, static timer
which tends to over-water the grass.
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| Pictured: Stone Creek Golf Club |
A
few other steps the club has taken include the use of bubbling
aerators to reduce algae buildup by physically disrupting
accumulation, negating the need for a potentially harmful herbicide.
Additionally, wildlife such as hawks are “employed” to control
rodents that can damage the greens and fairways, creating an easily
sustainable pest-control solution. Stone Creek has since earned
multiple accolades for its environmental innovations, serving as an
example to others with regard to taking a more mindful approach to
sustainability.
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