Page 14 - GreenMaster summer 2023

Caption needed
The water in the ponds is evalu- ated regularly with the aim of having the best water quality.
The main component that was missing at our course was a closed loop equipment washing system. This has now been in operation for two seasons. Having this system drastically reduces unwanted components entering the ecosystem surrounding the golf course. The wash pad area is large enough to accommodate more than one piece of equipment at once and can handle the amount of debris that is associated with our type of turf maintenance equipment. Having this large area also helps in getting our employees assigned to another job much more quickly. No one is waiting around to get their equipment clean.
HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT = HEALTHIER TURF
Environmental quality along with impeccable playing surfaces are two things that are particularly important to the club. Managing a property with these two goals is not an effortless process and is an important one that helps not only the environment but playing conditions as well. Healthier
were close to gaining this certification. Most courses are closer than they think. It was much easier for us to go ahead and give this a real try knowing that we were a few steps away from gaining this certification.
STEPS TO CERTIFICATION
There are a few components that go into the certification. One of the most important ones is obviously the first step, the site assessment. It is an interesting step because you are taking inventory of the site. Where are we with our practices? Are there things that we would like to improve?
Are there activities that we are doing on a daily basis that has had a negative impact on the environment?
Another crucial step after assessing the site is to see if all this can be achievable. Everyone needs to be on board. The employees working on these projects need to be informed and made part of the process. Why are they making so many of these bird nests? What will this plant or flower do for the insects? If they feel part of the solution and have an understanding on the impact, they usually want to take on a bigger role and want to get more involved.
14 • CGSA • GreenMaster
Construction starts on the closed loop washing station.