Divot Mix

Blindness is the one type of hazard in golf which contains the element of mystery. If we were not all so concerned with our scores, and, instead played golf for the pleasure in playing the strokes, blindness would not be so abhorrent to us as it is today. -- Max Behr

September Green Links features burrowing owls

The September edition of The Environmental Institute for Golf’s Green Links, highlights from EDGE features Wes Leith, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Wildhorse Golf Course, Davis, Calif. 

The case study from Wildhorse provides another example of how golf courses across the country can be home to many wildlife species including threatened, endangered, or species of special concern.

Burrowing owl habitat has been diminished due to development, but at Wildhorse - mounds of aeration cores and PVC pipe in conjunction with the landscape make the perfect home for the small owl. Bob Farren, CGCS, director of grounds and maintenance at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club hosts this special feature and shares insight into the project.

EPA wants to know, what do you do with your old computer?

Last week on the EPA blog the question was. "What do you think about when you buy a new computer? Now they want to know about the old ones. You can "ecycle," donate them to charity, give them to a friend, etc. Some people store them because they're not quite sure what to do.

Share your answer. Read the rest of the blog: blog.epa.gov/.

Project EverGreen says don't be a benchwarmer

Following up on its successful Shovels and Wheelbarrows ArtWork exhibitions, Project EverGreen has launched Benches ArtWork for the main hall of this year's GIE+Expo.

The goal is to have 20 benches and participating companies at this popular showcase.
 
Sponsors who make a $1,000 donation will receive a mini-bench from Project EverGreen, which the company may paint, sculpt and otherwise adorn in any way it sees fit to reflect the company and how it enhances green spaces.
 
"Project EverGreen exists to promote the green industry, and when companies support the ArtWork exhibition, they ensure that we’ll be able to continue spreading the good word," says Den Gardner, executive director. "Whether you’re already a supporter of Project EverGreen or just considering sponsoring a bench, this is your chance to get involved and make a difference."
 
To participate click here.

California water softener ban aimed at recycled water

The California legislature has passed a bill that will allow regional water quality review boards in California to ban water softeners in new construction and perhaps even require the removal of existing softeners.

Current California law allows such action only after extensive analysis. The goal is to gain control over saline discharges from many sources, including softeners, as a way of meeting wastewater discharge requirements.

The fate of the bill is now in the governor's hands, and is opposed by the water treatment industry.

Clark Throssell, Ph.D., GCSAA director of research, said, "A change like this has the potential to be positive action for golf courses using recycled water for irrigation. When present at certain levels, salts in water can stress the turfgrass leading to a decline in performance and quality. Banning salt-producing water softeners would decrease the salt content of the recycled water."