As a part of our class on environmental management for golf courses, we each wrote an essay on the topic of what is sustainable golf. The essay I wrote focuses on what the definition of sustainability is and how we apply that definition to a golf course setting.
Click here to be taken to my essay "What is Sustainable Golf?"
Showing posts with label Olds College. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Olds College. Show all posts
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
AGSA Property Manager's Conference
From Monday, Nov 28 to Tuesday, Nov 29 I had the pleasure of attending the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association (AGSA) Property Manager's Conference. This conference provides educational seminars to industry professionals in the areas of turfgrass management, horticultural management, mechanics, and irrigation. My fellow classmates and I got to sit in on some quality education and I hope to apply what I've learnt. It's also a great chance to meet others in the industry, and I got to meet some superintendents from all over Alberta.
I was honored to receive the AGSA Student Scholarship during the conference. This award consists of a monetary gift and certificate of recognition. I am humbled and thankful for being honored with this award. The money will go directly to furthering my education by allowing me to attend the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association Conference and Trade show in Calgary this year. Thanks again to the AGSA for your support.
I was honored to receive the AGSA Student Scholarship during the conference. This award consists of a monetary gift and certificate of recognition. I am humbled and thankful for being honored with this award. The money will go directly to furthering my education by allowing me to attend the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association Conference and Trade show in Calgary this year. Thanks again to the AGSA for your support.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Enviro Blog: Innovation Goals
This post is a part of the TRF 4100 environmental blog assignment
Olds College is a leader in innovation and the 3-hole golf course should reflect this. There are many opportunities to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our practices in the turf industry. We hope to explore these areas of innovation and show others our results.
Power Usage
The amount of money spent on electricity is substantial at golf courses. The majority of expenses come from running the pumphouse on the course. Is there any way we can decrease the amount of money spent on electricity? We believe there is.
First, let's look inside the maintenance shop. A light switch can easily be left on when nobody is in the shop. This is a waste of electricity. Normal light switches could be swapped for motion sensor lights. Updating heating systems to more efficient appliances can greatly reduce the power used. Something as simple as ensuring windows and doors are closed can also reduce the power used for heating. Still using incandescent light bulbs? Try switching to the new eco-friendly bulbs that are available that need far less electricity to run. What about old air compressors? Hearing the constant hum of air compressors running in the shop is not uncommon. Either updating to new compressors or only plugging them in when necessary might stop the constant hum.
Now for out on the course. Probably the main drain on power is the pumphouse. Research should be done into how you pay for your power. Some provinces provide discounts for irrigation pumps. By putting a separate meter on your pumphouse, you could pay less for the power that is used. There is also the potential for experimenting with solar and wind power. Solar panels can be added to the pumphouse to help power the pumps and reduce electricity consumption from the grid.
Composting
Neighbouring the location of the 3-hole course is the Olds College Composting Program. This site uses compost from all over campus and the town of Olds to create high quality compost. The use of compost on golf courses is increasing, and people are beginning to wonder where it can be applied.
The 3-hole course can contribute to the composting program. Clippings from mowers and branches can be sent to the compost facility to be used. This eliminates the need for a "bone yard" or organic waste dump on the course.
The course can also benefit from the composting program. Experiments can be performed to find out if compost is an effective amendment to golf course soils. Topdressing the rough and fairways on the course could provide valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Because compost can be extremely variable, green applications of compost will be avoided.
Equipment
With the advent of electric and hybrid cars, maintenance equipment is beginning to utilize this same technology. Companies such as Toro, John Deere, and Jacobsen are now offering electric and hybrid versions of their equipment. The course would be a perfect place to demo this equipment and run experiments to compare the efficiency between them. Which is best for the environment? Which uses the least fuel?
There is also a biodiesel plant on campus that creates biodiesel out of seed and oil. Diesel equipment could be powered using biodiesel as a fuel source. Research could be performed on the efficacy of this fuel source and whether it is reliable.
Pesticides
The use of pesticides remains a hotly debated topic. Many are calling for their ban as professionals who use the products point out their safety when used properly. Right now, many courses do not have adequate means of storing pesticides and rinsing equipment. This provides and opportunity for the 3-hole course to be a leader in innovation.
There are many self-contained wash bays coming onto the market. By purchasing one of these, the Olds course can monitor its use and provide data on just how useful it is. One such product available is the ESD waste 2 water wash pads. They also provide small storage sheds that meet all requirements of the Alberta government for pesticide storage. The course can provide an example to visiting superintendents and demonstrate the usefulness of these items.
Olds College is a leader in innovation and the 3-hole golf course should reflect this. There are many opportunities to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our practices in the turf industry. We hope to explore these areas of innovation and show others our results.
Power Usage
The amount of money spent on electricity is substantial at golf courses. The majority of expenses come from running the pumphouse on the course. Is there any way we can decrease the amount of money spent on electricity? We believe there is.
First, let's look inside the maintenance shop. A light switch can easily be left on when nobody is in the shop. This is a waste of electricity. Normal light switches could be swapped for motion sensor lights. Updating heating systems to more efficient appliances can greatly reduce the power used. Something as simple as ensuring windows and doors are closed can also reduce the power used for heating. Still using incandescent light bulbs? Try switching to the new eco-friendly bulbs that are available that need far less electricity to run. What about old air compressors? Hearing the constant hum of air compressors running in the shop is not uncommon. Either updating to new compressors or only plugging them in when necessary might stop the constant hum.
Now for out on the course. Probably the main drain on power is the pumphouse. Research should be done into how you pay for your power. Some provinces provide discounts for irrigation pumps. By putting a separate meter on your pumphouse, you could pay less for the power that is used. There is also the potential for experimenting with solar and wind power. Solar panels can be added to the pumphouse to help power the pumps and reduce electricity consumption from the grid.
Composting
Neighbouring the location of the 3-hole course is the Olds College Composting Program. This site uses compost from all over campus and the town of Olds to create high quality compost. The use of compost on golf courses is increasing, and people are beginning to wonder where it can be applied.
The 3-hole course can contribute to the composting program. Clippings from mowers and branches can be sent to the compost facility to be used. This eliminates the need for a "bone yard" or organic waste dump on the course.
The course can also benefit from the composting program. Experiments can be performed to find out if compost is an effective amendment to golf course soils. Topdressing the rough and fairways on the course could provide valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Because compost can be extremely variable, green applications of compost will be avoided.
Equipment
With the advent of electric and hybrid cars, maintenance equipment is beginning to utilize this same technology. Companies such as Toro, John Deere, and Jacobsen are now offering electric and hybrid versions of their equipment. The course would be a perfect place to demo this equipment and run experiments to compare the efficiency between them. Which is best for the environment? Which uses the least fuel?
There is also a biodiesel plant on campus that creates biodiesel out of seed and oil. Diesel equipment could be powered using biodiesel as a fuel source. Research could be performed on the efficacy of this fuel source and whether it is reliable.
Pesticides
The use of pesticides remains a hotly debated topic. Many are calling for their ban as professionals who use the products point out their safety when used properly. Right now, many courses do not have adequate means of storing pesticides and rinsing equipment. This provides and opportunity for the 3-hole course to be a leader in innovation.
There are many self-contained wash bays coming onto the market. By purchasing one of these, the Olds course can monitor its use and provide data on just how useful it is. One such product available is the ESD waste 2 water wash pads. They also provide small storage sheds that meet all requirements of the Alberta government for pesticide storage. The course can provide an example to visiting superintendents and demonstrate the usefulness of these items.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Enviro Blog: 3-Hole Location
This post is a part of the TRF 4100 environmental blog assignment
The 3-hole golf proposal is an exciting opportunity for Olds College. Up until recently, Olds College had a three-hole golf course on campus giving turf students a location to practice what they had been learning. However, a new high school has been built on that land. Also, the current location of the Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre (PTRC) is being replaced to build a hotel for students to take hospitality education. These are exciting opportunities for Olds College, but turf students have lost some of the hands on learning it used to have.
Well, that will change. There is a new proposal to build new plots for the PTRC and a new three-hole golf facility. The location is east of the Land Science Centre past the newly constructed wetlands. This is an exciting opportunity for students to not only learn maintenance practices, but also learn practical golf construction skills. The students will aid in construction of bunkers, greens, tees, and more on the golf course.
The 3-hole golf proposal is an exciting opportunity for Olds College. Up until recently, Olds College had a three-hole golf course on campus giving turf students a location to practice what they had been learning. However, a new high school has been built on that land. Also, the current location of the Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre (PTRC) is being replaced to build a hotel for students to take hospitality education. These are exciting opportunities for Olds College, but turf students have lost some of the hands on learning it used to have.
Well, that will change. There is a new proposal to build new plots for the PTRC and a new three-hole golf facility. The location is east of the Land Science Centre past the newly constructed wetlands. This is an exciting opportunity for students to not only learn maintenance practices, but also learn practical golf construction skills. The students will aid in construction of bunkers, greens, tees, and more on the golf course.
 |
| Future location of the 3-hole facility and the new PTRC plots, they will be built where the field is now |
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
It's Been Awhile
Well, it's time to get this blog going again.
I have finished my season at Capilano Golf and Country Club and am back in school at Olds College. My time at Capilano was amazing. I am extremely thankful for the chance I had to be a part of the team there and the chance to lead from some astounding individuals in the industry. I will be putting up soon an article I wrote for the Capilano newsletter summing up my time spent there this summer.
I am now taking the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Golf Course Management. The first semester is quickly coming to a close as projects are due and exams are written. Here is a quick summary of the classes we have taken.
TRF 4100 - Environmental Management for Golf Courses
Our only turf specific course this semester. We explore golf and its relation to the environment and where there has been success and failure in the past. We talk about Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary Program and its potential benefits and we use those principles to create environmental management plans for our golf courses.
BHO 3300 - Project Management Principles
What is a project? What steps are involved? How do you successfully complete one on time and what tools are available? This class teaches how to plan and perform large scale projects using the current industry tools available to us.
BHO 4710 - Ethics and Pest Management
Sure, you control your pest, but are you doing it ethically? Are your practices harming others or even yourself? In this class we are challenged in the way we view management decisions and how our choices can have a lasting effect.
BHO 3100 - Research Methods
Research, not my favorite thing, but it is important. We are taught how to understand scientific research and how to undertake our own successfully.
BAS 3999 - Self-Directed Learning
This class is all about lifelong learning, developing our competencies, and presenting our abilities in the job market. This class goes for both semesters and leads into our directed field study in the fourth year.
Well, that’s all for now. I hope to start updating this a little more regularly from now on.
Cheers.
I have finished my season at Capilano Golf and Country Club and am back in school at Olds College. My time at Capilano was amazing. I am extremely thankful for the chance I had to be a part of the team there and the chance to lead from some astounding individuals in the industry. I will be putting up soon an article I wrote for the Capilano newsletter summing up my time spent there this summer.
I am now taking the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Golf Course Management. The first semester is quickly coming to a close as projects are due and exams are written. Here is a quick summary of the classes we have taken.
TRF 4100 - Environmental Management for Golf Courses
Our only turf specific course this semester. We explore golf and its relation to the environment and where there has been success and failure in the past. We talk about Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary Program and its potential benefits and we use those principles to create environmental management plans for our golf courses.
BHO 3300 - Project Management Principles
What is a project? What steps are involved? How do you successfully complete one on time and what tools are available? This class teaches how to plan and perform large scale projects using the current industry tools available to us.
BHO 4710 - Ethics and Pest Management
Sure, you control your pest, but are you doing it ethically? Are your practices harming others or even yourself? In this class we are challenged in the way we view management decisions and how our choices can have a lasting effect.
BHO 3100 - Research Methods
Research, not my favorite thing, but it is important. We are taught how to understand scientific research and how to undertake our own successfully.
BAS 3999 - Self-Directed Learning
This class is all about lifelong learning, developing our competencies, and presenting our abilities in the job market. This class goes for both semesters and leads into our directed field study in the fourth year.
Well, that’s all for now. I hope to start updating this a little more regularly from now on.
Cheers.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Insect Collection
A part of the second year curriculum at Olds College is to create an insect collection. This is an extensive project that involved collecting insects throughout the summer. Once collected, the insects must be stored carefully until pinned. During the first semester of the year we were able to take those insects and identify them. This project complemented our entomology lectures. Our instructor, Ken Fry, taught our class the key pests that we will encounter in Canada. Along with this we focused on integrated pest management and effective strategies for managing pest problems on the golf course.
The majority of my insects were collected in Saskatoon, SK. They were caught either at home, at Greenbryre Golf & Country Club where I was employed, or at the University of Saskatchewan. One insect, the hornworm, was caught in Calgary by Daniel Davis. This project gave us a better understanding of those insects in our environment. Not all insects are pests, in fact very few are. It is important to remember that the whole ecosystem is connected. This collection demonstrates the diversity found in our very own back yards. The following picture is the completed collection and after there is a list of each bug with common and family names.
Phylum Odonata
1. Common Skimmer - Libellulidae
2. Darner - Aeshnidae
3. Darner - Aeshnidae
4. Narrow-Winged Damsalfly - Coenagrionidae
Phylum Orthoptera
1. Shorthorned Grasshopper - Acrididae
2. Shorthorned Grasshopper - Acrididae
Phylum Hemiptera
1. Assassin Bug - Reduviidae
2. Leafhopper - Cicadellidae
3. Leafhopper - Cicadellidae
4. Lacebug - Tingidae
5. Spittlebug - Cercopidae
6. Stinkbug - Pentatomidae
Phylum Neuroptera
1. Green Lacewing - Chrysopidae
Phylum Coleoptera
1. Leaf Beetle - Chrysomelidae
2. Leaf Beetle - Chrysomelidae
3. Predaceous Diving Beetle - Dytiscidae
4. Sap-Feeding Beetle - Nitidulidae
Phylum Diptera
1. Blow Fly - Calliphoridae
2. Blow Fly - Calliphoridae
3. Flower Fly - Syrphidae
4. Marsh Fly - Sciomyzidae
Phylum Lepidoptera
1. Brush Footed Butterfly - Nymphalidae
2. Hornworm - Sphingidae
Phylum Hymenoptera
1. Honey Bee - Apidae
2. Ant - Formicidae
3. Ant - Formicidae
4. Braconid Wasp - Braconidae
5. Honey Bee - Apidae
6. Leafcutting Bee - Megachilidae
7. True Wasp - Vespidae
The majority of my insects were collected in Saskatoon, SK. They were caught either at home, at Greenbryre Golf & Country Club where I was employed, or at the University of Saskatchewan. One insect, the hornworm, was caught in Calgary by Daniel Davis. This project gave us a better understanding of those insects in our environment. Not all insects are pests, in fact very few are. It is important to remember that the whole ecosystem is connected. This collection demonstrates the diversity found in our very own back yards. The following picture is the completed collection and after there is a list of each bug with common and family names.
Phylum Odonata
1. Common Skimmer - Libellulidae
2. Darner - Aeshnidae
3. Darner - Aeshnidae
4. Narrow-Winged Damsalfly - Coenagrionidae
Phylum Orthoptera
1. Shorthorned Grasshopper - Acrididae
2. Shorthorned Grasshopper - Acrididae
Phylum Hemiptera
1. Assassin Bug - Reduviidae
2. Leafhopper - Cicadellidae
3. Leafhopper - Cicadellidae
4. Lacebug - Tingidae
5. Spittlebug - Cercopidae
6. Stinkbug - Pentatomidae
Phylum Neuroptera
1. Green Lacewing - Chrysopidae
Phylum Coleoptera
1. Leaf Beetle - Chrysomelidae
2. Leaf Beetle - Chrysomelidae
3. Predaceous Diving Beetle - Dytiscidae
4. Sap-Feeding Beetle - Nitidulidae
Phylum Diptera
1. Blow Fly - Calliphoridae
2. Blow Fly - Calliphoridae
3. Flower Fly - Syrphidae
4. Marsh Fly - Sciomyzidae
Phylum Lepidoptera
1. Brush Footed Butterfly - Nymphalidae
2. Hornworm - Sphingidae
Phylum Hymenoptera
1. Honey Bee - Apidae
2. Ant - Formicidae
3. Ant - Formicidae
4. Braconid Wasp - Braconidae
5. Honey Bee - Apidae
6. Leafcutting Bee - Megachilidae
7. True Wasp - Vespidae
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Sandy Point Golf Course Design
As a part of our construciton and design course, our class had the opportunity to design and layout a 18-hole golf course. We were excited when we learned our designs would be done on an actual location where a golf course will be developed. The location is at Gull Lake in Alberta. There is currently a proposal to build a resort area, and the golf course is a major part of the project. The idea is to create a family friendly location for people to live or visit on vacation.
This project was not only fun, but also challenging. It took creativity and patience to design the course. Along the way our instructor, Jason Pick, taught us about design strategies and practices, both historical and modern. We took these ideas from lecture and put them into practice with our designs. The program we used for this was AutoCAD 2011. This allowed us to give a visual representation of our designs with relative ease and speed.
There were a couple design features I focused on in my design. I wanted to make sure that it was designed with a front and back nine. Since this is a resort course for the whole family, I wanted the course to have that flexibility in the ways it can be played. Another major design feature was the course routing. I wanted to ensure safety for the areas around the golf course. The last thing I would want is for golf balls to be flying into RV sites and the road. Since the majority of golf players hit to the right, the outside holes all go clockwise. This will reduce the amount of shots that may fly out of bounds.
The last part of the project was to create a presentation and deliver it to the our whole class as well as the developer of the development. Each student had the opportunity to walk through their design and receive input from our guest. I was pleased with my presentation and overall design, and it was well received. Click here to download the presentation.
 | |||
| Location for the Sandy Point Resort located on the west side of Gull Lake |
 |
| My completed 18-hole design |
The last part of the project was to create a presentation and deliver it to the our whole class as well as the developer of the development. Each student had the opportunity to walk through their design and receive input from our guest. I was pleased with my presentation and overall design, and it was well received. Click here to download the presentation.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Olds College Turf Club
An essential part of Turfgrass programs at colleges and universities across North America is the Turf Club, and Olds College is no exception. It's a chance for us as members of the same industry and the same class to get together, socialize, and talk all things golf. This year, I was proud to be a member of the Olds College Turf Club. President Dane Gregoraschuk, along with Sean Brown and Cam Champion, led the club.
One of the highlights of the year was our opening round of golf at the Olds Central Highlands Golf Club. This was an excellent chance to meet the first years and reunite with fellow students. This course is a fantastic run with two unique nines. The front nine is more of a parkland style course, whereas the back nine is a links style. Both make for an excellent round and I highly suggest checking it out if you are in the area.
All the returning students are looking forward to next year and to what we can accomplish. For updates on what the club is doing, go to the Olds College Turf Club blog. I plan to occasionally write articles for that blog as well. You can read my first article, Audubon International - Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which is a summary of a presentation given to the second year students by Travis Ekelund, Assistant Superintendent of Earl Grey Golf Club.
 |
| The 2010-11 Olds College Turf Club |
One of the highlights of the year was our opening round of golf at the Olds Central Highlands Golf Club. This was an excellent chance to meet the first years and reunite with fellow students. This course is a fantastic run with two unique nines. The front nine is more of a parkland style course, whereas the back nine is a links style. Both make for an excellent round and I highly suggest checking it out if you are in the area.
All the returning students are looking forward to next year and to what we can accomplish. For updates on what the club is doing, go to the Olds College Turf Club blog. I plan to occasionally write articles for that blog as well. You can read my first article, Audubon International - Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which is a summary of a presentation given to the second year students by Travis Ekelund, Assistant Superintendent of Earl Grey Golf Club.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Welcome to the Stimpmeter
Greetings!
We all like to follow the trends. No matter the industry, no matter the country, no matter where, we all like to do it. Is it a bad thing? Sometimes, but more often then not it shows you the direction that society or a group is going. What about the Turfgrass industry? What trends are popping up? Environmental stewardship, pesticide awareness, and greater public awareness to name a few. All of these, in my opinion, are excellent trends to be following, and I am sure if you are apart of this industry you would agree with me.
Another popular trend right now is the blog. Everyone seems to be doing it, even your grandmother (well, atleast its likely). There are blogs on everything from coffee to ventriliquism. Even in the turf industry, people are starting to blog. Turf departments are updating their members on what is happening on the course, researchers are publishing results, it's being done, and it's getting popular.
So what's the point of this blog? Is it just another turf blog in the green sea of electronic turfiness? Probably. But I hope it to be more. Right now, it is a place to publish my career achievements. Those projects I've accomplished, those jobs I've had, and those pictures I've found along the way. Hopefully, it can properly broadcast my abilities as a Turfgrass manager to those who are interested. I also aim to provide helpful links to others in the industry to better serve us as we strive to give the best conditions to those wonderful addicts we call golfers. That's the point of this blog, and I hope you enjoy it.
My name is David Smith. Saskatchewan born, Albertan taught, and hopefully, turf green all the way through.
Enjoy,
David S.
We all like to follow the trends. No matter the industry, no matter the country, no matter where, we all like to do it. Is it a bad thing? Sometimes, but more often then not it shows you the direction that society or a group is going. What about the Turfgrass industry? What trends are popping up? Environmental stewardship, pesticide awareness, and greater public awareness to name a few. All of these, in my opinion, are excellent trends to be following, and I am sure if you are apart of this industry you would agree with me.
Another popular trend right now is the blog. Everyone seems to be doing it, even your grandmother (well, atleast its likely). There are blogs on everything from coffee to ventriliquism. Even in the turf industry, people are starting to blog. Turf departments are updating their members on what is happening on the course, researchers are publishing results, it's being done, and it's getting popular.
So what's the point of this blog? Is it just another turf blog in the green sea of electronic turfiness? Probably. But I hope it to be more. Right now, it is a place to publish my career achievements. Those projects I've accomplished, those jobs I've had, and those pictures I've found along the way. Hopefully, it can properly broadcast my abilities as a Turfgrass manager to those who are interested. I also aim to provide helpful links to others in the industry to better serve us as we strive to give the best conditions to those wonderful addicts we call golfers. That's the point of this blog, and I hope you enjoy it.
My name is David Smith. Saskatchewan born, Albertan taught, and hopefully, turf green all the way through.
Enjoy,
David S.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)