“Wisconsin courses provide more than 50,000 total acres of greenspace and bluespace including streams, lakes, and ponds to help enrich surrounding communities with valuable ecosystem services, including pollinator and wildlife habitats.”

Golf courses help promote a unique connection with nature and wildlife. This accessibility to nature is a critical community benefit, especially in cities with sprawling urban developments and increasing infrastructure with few trees, grassland, or wetland areas.

Regulatory Considerations

Pollinator protection language is a label requirement found on pesticide labels and must be followed by law
Pesticide applicators must be aware of honeybee toxicity groups and be able to understand precautionary statements
Recordkeeping, as required by Wisconsin law, should be maintained to refer to and follow the best course of action with future applications if necessary
Applicators of pesticides should be mindful of applications and the effects on the target or any others that may be compromised

Reference Wisconsin Endangered and Threatened Species Laws: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/endangeredresources/laws

Pollinator Protection

Healthy pollinator populations are critical to our wellbeing. Most flowering plants need pollination to reproduce and grow fruit. Protecting bees and pollinators is important to the sustainability of agriculture in the United States. In Wisconsin, pollinator-dependent crops account for more than $55 million in annual production. While some plants are pollinated by wind, many require assistance from insects and other animals. Populations have declined in the last several decades due to factors such as pathogens, parasites, habitat loss, and insecticide exposure. In the absence of pollinators many plants species would fail to survive.

Wisconsin Pollinators include:

Bumble bees (more efficient than honeybees, which also work well)
Non-native honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria)
Hummingbirds
Monarch butterflies
Flies, wasps, moths, beetles, ants

Additional resources: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/endangeredresources/pollinators.html

These guidelines provide ways to encourage pollinator habitats and help take precautionary steps to reduce potential impact, if any, on pollinator populations caused by pesticide usage.

wildflowers pollinator habitat.jpg — **Apples, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, and green beans are examples of key Wisconsin crops that rely on honeybees and native bees for pollination.**

Best Management Practices

Follow label instructions when applying pesticides
Avoid application when plants are in bloom
Consider lures, baits, and pheromones as an alternative to pesticides for pest management
Mow flowering plants before pesticide applications to remove blooms
Consider manual removal of weeds or spot treat with herbicide before insecticide
Use the latest spray technologies such as drift-reduction nozzles to prevent off target application
Apply during times of little or no wind in order for more accurate placement of pesticide
Avoid applications during low temperatures and when dew is forecasted
Mow natural areas 1x per year late in season when plants are going dormant in order to control growth of woody ornamentals and other undesirable plants to minimize effects on pollinators
If possible, wait until May or June for insecticide applications to avoid exposing pollinating insects during blooming periods
Apply pesticides at times when pollinators are least active during early morning or late evening
Plant flowers with varying characteristics like color, shapes, sizes, flowering times, and growth habits that attract pollinators
Join a local beekeeper association to become connected with local education events and mentoring opportunities
Consider setting up hives within a natural area of the golf course that can be maintained by an interested staff member or person within the community
Obtain a list of beekeepers within a 3-mile radius of the golf course; contact these beekeepers about pending applications in order to allow them to take precautions they feel necessary to protect the hives
Attend workshops and online seminars to learn more about pollinators and steps to protect them
Use social media and local news outlets to educate golfers and the general public on steps taken to minimize effects on pollinators
Invite local schools, garden clubs, master gardeners, etc. to visit the facility to demonstrate the steps taken to protect pollinators

Pollinator Habitat Protection and Enhancement

Pollinators face numerous challenges related to loss and degradation of natural habitat as suburban areas encroach into more rural settings. Minimizing these reductions can be mitigated by golf courses through providing or enhancing pollinator habitats in non-play areas and being mindful when applying pesticides near non-play areas. Pollinators require a diverse variety of flowering species to complete their lifecycle. It’s important to understand colors, shapes, odors, native plant species, and the variety of plants that encourage pollinators. Aesthetic gardens, window boxes and container gardens, should contain plants of different heights that provide attractive color and nectar.

Include resources for pollinators to use as nesting sites. Construct domiciles for bees out of pieces of hollow bamboo or purchase pre-made “bee houses” to station in out-of-play areas. To help out butterflies and moths, include larval food resources such as milkweed for monarchs or parsley for black swallowtails.

Resources for plant varieties that attract pollinators specific to Wisconsin the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Plan, an educational resource meant to provide voluntary guidance and scientifically sound information. The Pollinator Partnership also provides resources and ecoregional planting guides to promote the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education, and research.

Reference Integrated Pest Management for additional pollinator protection BMPs.

Wildlife Habitat

The Wisconsin Society of Ornithology reports nearly 400 species of birds in the state of Wisconsin. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Wisconsin is home to endangered or threatened communities of bird species including the Kirtland’s warbler, piping plover, and red knot. Mammals which are threatened or endangered include the Canada lynx, gray wolf, and northern long-eared bat. Its flora and fauna face conservation challenges magnified by habitat destruction. Golf courses often provide critical habitats for these mammals and avian species.

Additional information: https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/lists/pdf/WisconsinStateList.pdf

Best Management Practices

Develop relations with the DNR or local fish and wildlife service organizations
Understand whether your property is an existing or potential habitat for endangered species
Develop a management plan and objectives
Retain existing vegetation when possible and plant native vegetation
Use native drought tolerant plants where feasible
Educate staff, members/guests, and community through communications and inviting them to tour the golf course
Use social media and local news outlets to educate golfers and the general public on steps taken to promote wildlife habitats
Invite local schools, garden clubs, master gardeners, etc. to visit the facility to demonstrate the steps taken to promote habitats
Participate in bird counts or bird-watching tours for guests

The primary wildlife on golf courses will probably be small mammals and birds. It’s not uncommon in Wisconsin to see deer, coyotes, wild turkeys, pheasants, foxes, eagles, or hawks enjoying the golf course surroundings. Ponds, lakes, and streams are also home to many species of fish, frogs, and turtles; in addition to providing wintering habitat for large numbers of waterfowl. Forested buffers along golf course streams and wetland areas can provide sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife, while protecting water quality. When riparian buffers connect isolated blocks of habitat, they also serve as important travel corridors for species that may not cross large open areas. Natural vegetation should be retained and enhanced through supplemental planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses in non-play areas. Avoid exotic species, particularly invasive plants, or plants that are not well adapted to the local environment. Natural cover around a course also serves as a buffer to reduce urban traffic noise.

“Wisconsin golf courses host an abundance of wildlife species, providing habitats amongst designated wetlands, lakes, streams, ponds, grasslands, and native areas.”

Reference for additional Wisconsin wildlife habitat information: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat

Reference Surface Water Management and Water Quality Monitoring and Management for additional information about protecting water quality for wildlife and aquatic habitats.

Landscape

Landscape (non-play) areas are an essential part of the overall course design, providing enhanced course aesthetics, wildlife habitat, external sound/noise abatement, and natural cooling and freeze protection. The ideal plant from an environmental standpoint is the one nature and evolution placed there. It has adapted specifically to the soil, microclimate, rainfall and light patterns, insects and other pests, and endemic nutrient levels over thousands of years.

Best Management Practices

Base plant selection as close to the natural ecosystem as practical, while meeting the needs of the golf course; it has adapted to the soil, microclimate, rainfall, light patterns, insects and other pests, and endemic nutrient levels over many years
Select trees, plants, and grass species to attract birds seeking wild fruits, herbs, seeds, and insects
Know the ultimate sizes and growth rates of trees, shrubs, and ground covers
Use plants that are adapted for the site based on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cold-hardiness map: https://plants.usda.gov/hardiness.html
Select stress-tolerant species or cultivars to manage periodic dry/wet conditions and for a particular area
Aesthetic gardens, window boxes, and container gardens should include a variety of plants of different heights that provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators
When integrating turf areas into the landscape around buildings/the clubhouse, entries, and other areas, design for ease of maintenance and optimizing turf growth in areas with adequate sun
Garden plants, shrubbery, ground covers, or native plants may provide a pleasing a view and useful food, cover, or other environmental benefits to wildlife; they may also reduce maintenance
Trees and shrubs along streams provide temperature moderation
The plant palette and irrigation system should be appropriate for site conditions; in some cases, soil improvement can enhance water use efficiency
Plants should be grouped together based on irrigation demand
Percentage of landscaped area in irrigated high-water-use hydrozones should be minimized
Add proper soil amendments in garden areas to improve the soil’s physical and chemical properties, increase water-holding capacity, and reduce leaching

Landscape+flowers.jpg — **The goal of LANDSCAPE BMPs is to maintain as close to a natural ecosystem as practical, while meeting the needs of the course.**

One of the first steps in golf course landscape planning is to assess the site’s general environment and ecology. An environmental landscape design addresses environmentally safe and energy-saving practices. Map environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, ephemeral ponds, or flood zone areas, and identify federal and state endangered or threatened species. It is important to preserve natural surroundings and wildlife habitats.

Well-designed forested buffers should contain a mixture of fast and slow growing native trees, shrubs, and grasses to provide a diverse habitat. By leaving dead trees and supporting “no-mow” and native grass areas, the amount of labor and resources needed to maintain a course are reduced. These practices also:

Provide ability to trap and remove upland sources of sediment, nutrients, and chemicals
Protect fish and wildlife by supplying food, cover, and shade
Maintain a healthy riparian ecosystem
Make sure snags are a safe distance from playing surfaces

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Species Selection and Size Considerations

Landscape areas should be fundamentally designed to facilitate rapid plant establishment to conserve water and lower nutritional input requirements once mature. Plants within areas that are not in play or are not critical to the design of the course may be removed and replanted with native plant material that requires little to no maintenance after establishment. Natural vegetation should be retained and enhanced through the supplemental planting of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation to provide wildlife habitat in non-play areas (50 to 70 percent of the out-of-play areas should remain natural cover).

Choose the most stress tolerant species or cultivar for the area. Know ultimate sizes and growth rate of trees, shrubs, and ground covers. This reduces the need for pruning and debris removal, plus lowers maintenance costs. Non-play areas require a mix of sun and shade, optimal soil conditions, and adequate canopy air movement to sustain growth and function. Use native drought tolerant plants where feasible around buildings or other appropriate places.

In most instances, established, drought-tolerant landscape plants have a root system substantial enough to keep them alive with little or no supplemental irrigation. Consider use of water-holding polymers, water-sorbing polymers, or water storing crystals as means of water retention and reducing water loss to evaporation. The use of rocks, sand, gravel, volcanic cinder or lava, and decorative pebbles have functional aesthetic purpose and conserve water.

Planting Methods

Soil testing should be done prior to planting to ensure that the selected plants will be planted in soil that is naturally compatible to the desired plants (i.e. proper pH, nutrient levels, wet versus dry tolerant, shaded versus full sun, etc.). Organic amendments are decomposed by soil microorganisms and add to soil tilth. The use of organic mulches in gardens and aesthetic areas increases the moisture-holding capacity of plantings and prevents weed growth when applied in enough depth. Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches away from plants, to prevent fungal growth from excess dampness. Excess mulch or compacted mulch may be detrimental, causing water to shed away from the root zone and encouraging overwatering.

Education

Train the crew on identifying endangered species and educate members and guests through newsletters, meetings, and signage. Section off habitat areas so that nesting wildlife is left undisturbed. Plan and implement a public awareness program to increase landowner and land manager knowledge of wildlife needs.

External Certification Programs & Standards

Environmental management programs, health and wellness platforms, and environmentally-friendly building design can help courses protect the environment and promote community relations. These programs can help enhance natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide and improve efficiencies. Obtaining certifications and adhering to standards can enhance community, member/guest, employee, and civic relations.

Certifications and internationally-recognized frameworks that golf courses and clubs can pursue range from environmentally-focused programs to certifications related to health and wellness. Establish a communications plan to educate members/guests and the community

Reference GCSAA Environmental Institute of Golf for more information: https://www.eifg.org/