Oregon’s Golfing Greens Are Really Going Green
Although it is not clear if golfers have noticed, golf courses in Oregon are going “green”. The Pacific Northwest is adopting environmentally sustainable practices, especially in the Portland area. Due to planting low maintenance grasses that can thrive with much less care, they are saving a tremendous amount of water, fertilizer and weed-killer.
Some of the reasons for the changes taking place include anxiety about becoming lawsuit targets or coming under government regulation. Saving money is also another reason for the changes taking place. As of recently, nineteen of Oregon’s golf courses are certified by Audubon International as sanctuaries. To become certified, the courses are examined for water conservation and chemical use, quality practices and wildlife management and habitat, among other test that are performed.
Golf superintendents are now leaving dead trees for habitat. With many courses having numerous creeks and wetlands, they have taken on new roles by receiving, storing and controlling storm water. In past years, some courses used blue dye in the lakes and ponds surrounding golf courses to make them look more azure. They also poured on fertilizer and week-killer in order to create the lush weed-free foliage and grass along the course.
Cost is a huge factor in the change taking place. Water, pesticides and fertilizer are a huge expense and require extra labor, and reducing these things saves a substantial amount of money. Golf courses have come to understand that in order for the game to remain successful, they must take action in making the greens more environmentally friendly, and create resources that are sustainable. Well, looks like the “greens” are getting greener!
