Pollinator Insect Conservation - Gardening for Pollinators

Pollinator Habitat on Golf Courses

View Xerces Publications about providing pollinator habitat on golf courses

Pollinator conservation is perfectly suited for golf courses. The basic habitat needs for pollinator insects are simple to provide and can be integrated into the current maintenance of any course, from expansive rural courses to compact urban sites. Pollinators will not only keep plants healthy—which in turn provides homes and food for other wildlife—but sustainable populations of these animals will also benefit nearby natural areas and neighboring gardens or farms.

The National Academy of Sciences report, Status of Pollinators in North America (NRC 2006), identified habitat loss and degradation as two causes of pollinator decline, and specifically mentioned golf courses as places where pollinator-friendly practices could be adopted.

One of the encouraging aspects of pollinator conservation is the ease with which it can be adapted to different sites. To get started, we recommend a three-step approach.

Recognize the native pollinators and their habitat that are already on your course
Adjust existing land management practices to avoid causing undue harm to the pollinators already present
Enhance, restore, or create habitat for native bees and butterflies

There is a growing ethic of environmental stewardship within the superintendent’s profession. Maintaining pollinator populations is one of the most valuable contributions a course can make to a healthy environment.