Implementing Wildlife Conservation in Florida Golf Course Out-of-Play Areas
Search for Excellence in Environmental Quality, Forestry and Natural Resources
Bonnie Wells
County Extension Director & Natural Resources Agent III
University of Florida
Kissimmee
Team Members:
Wells, B*1
-
Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida-IFAS, Cocoa, Florida, 32926
Abstract
Reports estimate Florida's population will reach 33.7 million people by 2070, increasing development that will sprawl into the state's natural lands. Natural areas across Florida are home to an impressive amount of native wildlife facing a significant crisis with urban sprawl increasing and habitats shrinking. Golf courses combine well-mowed turf with trees and have large out-of-play areas that provide a diverse environment attractive to many types of wildlife. Golf courses tend to be permanent landscapes, not likely to be bulldozed during urban sprawl. Furthermore, the high densities of golf courses in Florida can create a network of natural patches to improve wildlife corridors across the southeastern US. Therefore, golf courses that implement wildlife conservation in out-of-play areas can support biodiversity, enhance sustainability and become a haven for wildlife during urban sprawl. Realizing the need for wildlife conservation and opportunity for golf course superintendents, a University of Florida/IFAS Extension program was created to improve the sustainability of golf courses through wildlife habitat enhancement projects in out-of-play areas. Results over the past three years include reaching 331 golf course management professionals through educational programs related to wildlife conservation. Post-education survey results (n=279) indicated a knowledge increase in the benefits and strategies for wildlife conservation and a strong intent to adopt at least one wildlife habitat enhancement strategy presented. Seven golf courses established wildlife habitats in out-of-play areas through landscaping with native vegetation, encouraging wetlands, minimizing pesticides, installing bird nesting boxes, planting pollinator habitats, and modifying pond littoral zones to better support biodiversity. As a result of wildlife conservation efforts through this program, five local golf courses have received international recognition through Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Courses certification program. Adoption of wildlife conservation in out-of-play areas by golf courses across Florida will expand and strengthen wildlife corridors nationwide.
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