ecological transformation of the rutgers golf...

ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE RUTGERS GOLF COURSEImproving Our Landscapes Through Ecological Design

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.80.1Miles

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

0 0.15 0.3 0.45 0.60.075Miles

Golf Course

Water Bodies

Streams

Riparian Zone

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

0 0.15 0.3 0.45 0.60.075Miles

Golf Course

Water Bodies

Streams

Riparian Zone

A

HEA

LTHI

ERR

AR

ITA

N

Map Created by:Alexis Lo

Image Created by:Jason Cincotta

PLANTED STREAM BUFFERS

REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINANTS BY PLANTS & MICROBES

TURF ALTERNATIVESSediment in our streams has the potential to

•Smotheraquaticlife •Carrytoxicparticles •Clogthegillsoffish

• Cloud water • Reduce oxygen in the water

Densely vegetated stream banks and beds

• Stabilize the banks from erosion • Reduce stream velocity • Prevent incising

•Slowflowofrunoffintostream •Trapsediment •ReducesedimententeringRaritan

Createamorefunctionalnetworktosupportbiodiversity,recreationandfloodmanagement

Plants and microbes remove or break down contaminants in the soil and groundwater

Maintained rough has little ecological value and requires many resources:

• Fossil fuels • Labor

• Chemicals • Water

Low-mow fescues, herbaceous groundcovers, and native meadow swaths

•Toleratedrought •Increaseplantbiodiversity •Enhancegolfcourseaesthetic

•Reducemowingneeds •Benefitwildlife •Increaseinfiltrationandreducerunoff Reducingchemicaluseleadstolesscontaminatedrunoffenteringstreamsandrivers

WHAT IS AN ECOLOGICAL GOLF COURSE? A FACILITY THAT...

• Reduces use of chemicals, water, and other resources• Provides wildlife habitat• Preserves natural areas within urban environments• Supports native plant species• Protectswaterresourcesandfiltersrunoffthroughgolfcourseplanting• Implementsbestmanagementpractices• Educatesgolfersandcommunityaboutecologyandthegameofgolf

ECOLOGICAL GOLF COURSE CERTIFICATION ORGANIZATIONS

• Adubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf• River-Friendly Golf Course (Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association, Raritan Headwa-

ters, and New Jersey Water Supply Authority)• GolfEnviornmentOrganizationFoundation• EnviornmentalStewardshipAwardbyNJDEP• LeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesign(LEED)GolfCertification

Ecological design is a technique used to transform man-made landscapes back to a more natural state - one that will foster a healthier, more sustainable environment. The Rutgers Golf Course team has recently included ecological design as part of it’s vision, and is in collaboration with Rutgers Landscape Architecture department to begin establishment of this transformation.

NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION RUNOFF FROM CAMPUS

FERTILIZERS LEACHINTO THE STREAM

STREAM OUTPUTINTO RARITAN

IMPERVIOUS SURFACESPREVENT INFILTRATION AND

ACCELERATE STORMWATER FLOW

Board Composed ByAlexis Lo (ajl240@scarletmail.rutgers.edu) Jason Cincotta (jsc271@scarletmail.rutgers.edu)Christina Kaunzinger (christina.kaunzinger@rutgers.edu)

Faculty Internship AdvisorsChristina Kaunzinger Holly Nelson Rutgers Golf Course ManagerLisa Jensen, PGA

2017 Golf Course Interns

Andrew Malkinski

Erika Schellinck

2018 Golf Course Interns

Alexis Lo

Jason Cincotta

Sebonack Golf CourseSouthhampton, NY

Image Created by:Alexis Lo