Improving Pollinator Health on Minnesota Golf Courses Dr. Frank Wong, Ph D. and Tom Steigauf Bayer Crop Science
Spring has sprung and before long, bees and butterflies will be active on courses and landscapes. Here’s just a few quick updates on things going on with pollinators and some potential things you might be able to tap into. Protecting Pollinators Best Management Practices Multi State Publication
Last August, a large and diverse group met in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to hammer out Best Management Practices to protect pollinators in managed turf systems. This group included 60-some university and industry researchers and representatives from diverse turf groups such as GCSAA, the National Association for Landscape Professionals and the Sports Turf Managers Association. Dr.Chris Williamson (University of Wisconsin), Dr. David Held (Auburn University) and Dr. Johnathan Larson (University of Nebraska) were critical in pulling together the day’s discussions and debate, as well as the most current research. The North Central IPM website is hosting these resources, both a fast facts short version and a full length BMP here: http:// ncipmc.org/action/pestguides.php The Fast Fact sheet’s direct URL is http://ncipmc.org/action/fastfactsbmpturf.pdf The Full Pollinator publication’s direct URL is http://ncipmc.org/action/ bmpturf.pdf In a nutshell, using products responsibly and increasing habitat are two Page 38