The Bees' Knees

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Creating habitats for bees is important to maintain and help increase the bee population. At our Tuckahoe Creek Course, we took the opportunity to create bee habitats that serve a dual purpose. These constructed habitats provide homes for bees and also serve to mark irrigation valves in our low maintenance secondary roughs. Previously, we used blue stakes to mark the irrigation valves in the secondary roughs, but the stakes took away the natural feel of the course. Bamboo was used to create bee habitats that are pleasing to the eye, mark the irrigation values, and align with our Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification. The ability to find irrigation valves in a timely manner, to turn off the water running thru the pipe when there is an irrigation issue, is vital. The previous stakes accomplished this but not much else. These new bamboo stakes provide a bee habitat every day of the year.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

We looked at the old blue stakes and thought “we can do better than this”. We looked at how we could improve the aesthetics of the course and help better the environment. Declining bee numbers are on the minds of most golf course personnel, and creating a habitat for bees was a great way to accomplish both. The members’ first reaction is inquisitive. They want to know what they are. After our members’ are aware of the purpose of these stakes, they think it’s a great idea and are very supportive.