Environmental

TRF 4100 - Environmental Blog

Introduction

The following page and linked posts are a part of a TRF 4100 assignement. This project entails developing a blog focused on environmental efforts to be undertaken at a propsed site. This assignment will demonstrate the knowledge gained from TRF 4100 regarding envrionmental management, Audubon Certification, and successful means of communication to members, guests, staff, and other interested parties. The proposed site for this project is the three hole development on Olds College Campus in partnership with the Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre.

Along with this assignment, we wrote an essay on the topic "what is sustainable golf?"

Click here to read that essay

Golf Course Environmental Policy

The environment is what makes golf so enjoyable. The golf course is a balance of natural and maintained landscapes that golfers can enjoy. The goal of this environmental policy is to maintain the balance between nature and the game through accountable and environmentally sound management practices.

Our management team is always looking to improve and reduce our environmental impact. Information on our practices and programs will be available to both members and the public. Through outreach and education, the golf course can be appreciated as a wildlife sanctuary and natural resource to be enjoyed and respected.

Click here to learn more about the 3-hole golf proposal at Olds College

Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP)

What is the ACSP? It is an education and certification program offered by Audubon International. They state the purpose as the following:
"The ACSP for Golf Courses is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. By helping people enhance the valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf course operations, the program serves as vital resource for golf courses".
The ACSP requires golf courses to create an environmental plan that covers the following areas:
  1. Environmental Planning
  2. Wildlife and Habitat Management
  3. Chemical Use and Reduction
  4. Water Conservation
  5. Water Quality Management
  6. Outreach and Education
This plan is site specific and guides turf managers in their choices. One a course has addressed these areas, and they are approved by Aububon International, they can become a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

But what are the benefits? There are many! Audubon International lists the following benefits to golf courses and their members:
  1. Improved Image and Reputation
  2. Customer/Employee Satisfaction
  3. Financial Performance
  4. Worker Safety and Reduced Liability
  5. Improved Efficiency
  6. Environmental Quality
Since the 3-hole golf course is still in the design phase, it has the ability to be certified though Audubon Signature Program. This program aids businesses as they build their sites by helping them meet their objectives.

Water

Water is our most important resource, and should be treated as such. All water use on the course is recorded and measures are taken to reduce water consumption; these include irrigation upgrades and minimal watering. Our water is tested at its source and its exit point twice yearly. This is ensuring that no harmful substances are entering our waterways and watersheds.

Pesticide and fertilizer applications are carefully monitored to avoid leaching into ground water and runoff into water systems. Buffer zones around ponds (areas of naturalization and natural foliage where mowing does not occur) keep these applications away from our water.
Integrated Pest Managemet

What is Intergrated Pest Management (IPM)? The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association defines IPM in the following terms:
"IPM is a process that uses all necessary techniques to suppress pests effectively, economically and in an environmentally sound manner. IPM employs a two-pronged approach: managing the plant environment to prevent problems and using thresholds to decide how and when to treat pests"
All pest management strategies on the golf course are a part of our IPM program. This program is ongoing and updated regularly. The goal is to control pests through cultural and mechanical means and to reduce overall pesticide usage and reliance. Our IPM program is based on consistent monitoring of our pests and the effectiveness of our practices.

In a last resort situation, when injury thresholds are exceeded and the pest is out of cultural control, pesticides will be considered for use. Any pesticide usage is carefully recorded. All containers are triple rinsed and disposed of at official disposal sites. All rinsing areas have self-contained water storage tanks and will be taken off site to be processed properly; these practices keep rinsate, water with potential chemical contamination, out of our water systems.

Many public and government agencies have shown concern about the use of these chemicals. We recognize this, and provide accountability by offering education to the public and reporting our usage to municipalities for review. Any applications require public signage in a conspicuous location with information about the chemical, possible harmful effects, and reasons for application.
Wildlife

Wildlife health and safety is always a concern. Naturalized areas and wildlife corridors are left on the course to provide habitats for these animals. We aim to maintain playability of the course and golfer safety. Areas of naturalization and wildlife corridors may have signage to keep human activity away. Wildlife on the course is recorded and observed on a regular basis to safeguard our ecosystem.

Click here to see how we will be using naturalization to encourage wildlife

Education and Outreach

Public education and outreach is an essential part our policy. All employees must go through training and education regarding our environmental practices. Any pesticide applications will be performed by provincially licensed staff.

Our goal is to reach out to our community and be a positive influence. Bird walks take place monthly. School classes will be brought out to tour the course, observe nature, and contribute to the course through research projects. Presentations will be delivered to our members on a regular basis. The public and membership are involved with our programs, and their input is important to us.

Click here to see how we plan to reach out and educate the community of Olds
Other Practices

We always strive to minimize our resource usage. A recycling program on the course reduces our waste. Oil, hydraulic oil and filters are kept out of water and garbage and are taken to designated disposal sites.

Carts on the course are electric to reduce carbon emissions. Our goal is to utilize solar, wind and any available renewable resources wherever we can.

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