Suburban Golf Course

When considering the conservation value of the ecosystem, there are many factors that must be considered:

Conservation Value of Suburban Golf Courses with Regard to Species

Some of these factors include aspects of the quality of life of the ecosystem's organisms. This quality of life can be often measured by observing various abiotic factors such as water and soil.^[2] Depending on how the golf course is managed, various aspects may benefit or suffer; it is dependent on how those who oversee the golf course choose to act. However, not all of the information found states that habitats are negatively affected by the location of a golf course; some less common organisms are also able to thrive where there are golf courses when otherwise, they may not. Salamanders, for example, have a narrow suitability niche; golf courses are able to provide habitat for them.^[3] The possibility of being able to provide suitable habitat for other non-native species also exists as well. Thus, if such environments are managed and used correctly, then it should be entirely possible for golf courses to have a powerful impact on conservation as we know of it today. On the other hand, in Australia, studies about the contribution of suburban golf courses to conservation almost unanimously conclude that golf courses are bad for conservation. One such study concludes that the niche of potential species created by golf courses is extremely thin, and that they are only able to support heavily urbanized species.^[4] Another study concluded that only honeybees were able to settle within the proximity of the golf course, even though the researchers who conducted the study originally intended to introduce multiple species of bees into the area of the golf course.^[5] This information, once again, reinforces how suburban golf courses have a tendency to favour urbanized species, while, at the same time, having a tendency to restrict natural species.

Conservation Value of Suburban Golf Courses with Regard to Plants

Golf courses serve to establish a grassland community where there would otherwise be none; this allows for the potential use of native plants, including grasses and shrubs.^[6] This particular aspect of golf courses can lead to improved water conservation if native grasses are used, as well as biological conservation if natural species are utilized and provided for. Thus, if golf courses are created in natural grasslands, only little differences would exist between the natural environment and the environment created by the golf course. The landscapes of golf courses also provide an improvement in the variety of habitat, often including tall and short grasses, as well as small bodies of water. With some research and knowledge, golf courses have the potential to have an powerfully, positive influence for conservation value.

Conservation Value of Suburban Golf Courses with Regard to Water

Golf courses have a tendency to overuse water in an effort to maintain their aesthetics when compared with other comparable sports industries.^[7] As a result, golf courses can have a negative effect on natural species conservation, as they can modify the natural environment. This does, however, allow for other biological species to thrive in this environment that normally would not be able to (salamanders are an example of this). Unfortunately, many of these non-native species are considered invasive to the local environment, and thus, they have a negative effect on conservation. The most likely solution is to urge for legislation that limits the water usage of commercial organizations. Many golf courses have already taken the initiative with this novel suggestion by planting specialized grasses that require less water. If this specialized grass utilization can become law, then the conservation value of golf courses can be improved exponentially. However, caution should still be used, as the grasses must be suitable to the growing conditions of the location; otherwise, the grasses will die and will need to be replaced once again.