Turtles aren’t the only animals enjoying their time on the links. Researchers also crafted a summary analysis of a variety of studies that compared golf courses to other types of green space.
They discovered something surprising: courses are ecologically more valuable than farmland in almost 65% of the comparisons made in their studies. Even more impressive was the finding that golf courses outstripped nature reserves and state parks in ecological value in half of the cases.
Wildlife-Friendly Golf Course Water Features
Groundskeeping plays a significant role in the wellbeing of golf course “wetlands.” While natural wetlands fill with silt when left alone, golf course water features aren’t permitted. And golf courses offer a wide variety of habitats.
When you watch golf on television, you can expect to see mostly fairways. But this is because you’re watching professional golfers. There are lots of out-of-bounds areas that you don’t see. A typical golf course is only a 30% playable area. The rest is forest, water and other kinds of more natural land.
Keep Wildlife and Golfers Thriving
Wildlife-friendly golf courses don't need to be unfriendly to golfers in order to accommodate animals. Wetlands can please a variety of species, especially the particular breed known as the golfer.
Many people choose to play golf because they enjoy spending time outside in a scenic environment. This is even more rewarding if their time spent outside is in a more natural landscape.
Protect the Environment and Enhance Your Bottom Line
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program is a certification and education program that helps businesses and organizations protect the environment while simultaneously enhancing their bottom line. The program provides guidance and information to implement environmental management plans to improve efficiency, conserve resources and promote conservation efforts. Audubon International awards certifications to publicly recognize and reward environmental achievements and leadership.
786 American golf courses have received a Cooperative or Signature Sanctuary designation from Audubon International to date, and the numbers continue to grow.
The Golf Courses of the Future
There’s no denying that environmentally friendly golf courses are the way of the future. As our world becomes more urbanized, golf courses are more essential than ever as unique providers of green space for wildlife and habitats.
Today’s most visionary golf course owners and operators seek to make their courses environmentally sustainable by reducing water consumption, chemical use and leaching. The best way to keep your water features, and your golf course, environmentally safe is with a sturdy, UV-safe, highly rated liner like AquaArmor.
