Environmental Solutions

The Environmental Solutions Center demonstrated how golf facilities can effectively communicate their environmental benefits to (or within) their communities through five unique stations.

On Course Education – This station presented information for developing education opportunities at the golf facility for children and policymakers. This station highlighted the work being done in this area by Tim Hiers, CGCS, at Old Collier Golf Course in Naples , Florida . The Old Collier Golf Club conducts a variety of tours each year to provide a better understanding of golf course operations, demonstrate environmental stewardship efforts of the industry and to be a catalyst for beneficial partnerships.

Interpretive Signage – The focus in this area was on using interpretive signage at the golf facility to educate golfers and other visitors. Patrick Gross, Director, Southwest Region, USGA Green Section, shared information about using interpretive signs with examples from Crystal Springs Golf Course, Pasatiempo Golf Club, and PGA of Southern California.

Wildlife Viewing – The most popular display in the Environmental Solutions showcased how a "bird cam" can be an educational, inexpensive and fun way to promote wildlife awareness to golfers, club members and the public. Alan Nielsen, CGCS, and the Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver , Washington , developed a "bird cam" project to monitor the arrival and nesting habits of swallows. This successful project has provided basic education on birds and the stewardship efforts of the club.

Outreach Communications - The Outreach Communications station within the Environmental Solutions Center presented information for outreach and communication efforts at the golf facility. The station also highlighted the work being done by GCSAA and The Environmental Institute for Golf to spread the environmental message that golf is compatible with the environment. J. Cutler Robinson, Jr., CGCS, at Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach , Virginia , shared the positive benefits of participation in local watershed activities.

Research poster display - The Environmental Institute for Golf funds the GCSAA Research Program to conduct applied agronomic and environmental research to provide golf facilities and golf course superintendents with the latest information to produce high quality course conditions in a manner that is compatible with the environment. Six posters in the solution center featured some results of this project.

Visit the Environmental Institute for Golf’s Web site to review the solution center’s informative posters and real-life examples including: EDGE case studies, media tools, wildlife viewing suggestions, on-course education, and much more to help you develop your outreach and communications program.