Golf By David McPherson landfills − which is wasted acreage − giving a new lease on life to these forgotten and neglected once-green spaces and bringing back many species in the process, through reforestation and other plantings. Let’s talk about pesticides. The days of greenkeepers spraying various chemicals all over their courses with no concern to the consequences on the environment − and the golfers − are long gone. The reality is that many clubs today treat their turf, wherever possible, with organic fertilizers. When chemical inputs are required (usually as the last resort to manage turf), courses across North America follow strict guidelines, known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) − only spraying when absolutely necessary and keeping strict records of the chemicals used and their amounts. On an annual basis, golf courses are required to submit records to the IPMCouncil of Canada, documenting all of their chemical applications. IPM is a process that uses all necessary techniques to suppress pests effectively, economically and in an environmentally sound manner. IPM involves planning and managing ecosystems to prevent organisms from becoming pests. This requires identifying potential pest problems throughmonitoring and recording weather and pest population levels, and establishing thresholds to make treatment decisions to reduce pest populations to acceptable levels. Management strategies may include a combination of biological, physical, cultural, mechanical, behavioural and chemical controls. Equally important is evaluating the effectiveness of the treatments. Timber If a tree falls in the forest, does anybody hear? People get so passionate when golf courses cut down trees. The reality: it’s always done for a good reason − either the tree is diseased or it’s affecting the rest of the ecosystem around it − affecting the healthy growth of the turf and blocking sun from other flora. And, for every tree that is removed, 10 or more saplings are planted. Finally, what can you as a golfer do during your round to help protect this environment? Fix your divots. This is the best way to make sure that the turf remains healthy and grows back fast. Don’t litter − pick up those cigarette/cigar butts and candy bar wrappers, etc. Even those broken tees, if not picked up, might cause harm to one of the animals calling your course home. Be an environmental steward and encourage the rest of your group to do the same. From honey-making bee colonies, to nesting boxes for birds or bats scattered throughout golf courses to encourage a variety of species to settle, the ways in which golf courses are taking care of their properties are endless. During your next game at your local course, take time to smell the flowers and notice all of the wonders − from the red-winged blackbird’s song fluttering in the trees to the doe and her fawn bounding through the woods − of this natural environment there for you to enjoy throughout your round. CSANews | SUMMER 2019 | 43
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