Feature Story
5 Steps
to Creating A PollinatorFriendly Habitat in Landscapes and Golf Courses Dr. Danesha Seth Carley, Associate Professor, Sustainable Managed Landscapes, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University Dr. Terri Billeisen, Extension Associate, Turfgrass Entomology, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, NC State University
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nsects are the most common and abundant pollinators in the world. Although bees may be the most well-known insect pollinators, there are many other insect species, including butterflies, moths, wasps, flies and beetles, which also play an important role in plant pollination. Due to increased interest in pollinator and wildlife communities in turfgrass environments, a study was conducted a study in North Carolina to examine how pollinator-friendly habitats could be implemented on established golf courses to impact pollinator populations. Findings from this study have applications for aiding pollinator populations in landscape settings, too. In the spring and summer of 2018, we set out across North Carolina, sampling for pollinators in managed turfgrass environments to determine which insects were already present prior to establishing refuge areas the following season. In the fall of 2019, we returned to these sites to plant pollinator-friendly seed mixes. After some trial and error, we have identified a few key things to know prior to establishing pollinator habitat. Our five summarized key steps to creating pollinator-friendly habitat in landscapes and golf courses are as follows:
1. Identify suitable location and prep the site Select a site on your golf course or landscape that is visible but that is out of the way of foot traffic or errant golf balls. For our research, we selected areas lining cart paths and natural rough areas, especially around tees and along tree lines. If you have a lot of trees on your course or in your landscape, be sure to choose a site that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
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tennessee greentimes Fall 2019
