Eco Systems Design
Sustainable Golf Course Design Consulting

Eco Systems Design Inc. now provides consultation and planning services for sustainable golf course design. This innovative approach incorporates natural "biological islands" of special plantings that attract beneficial insects and birds and reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides on the golf course. The BioIsland concept is based on age-old principles of sustainable agriculture and of creating a balanced relationship with nature. It's fundamental philosophy is rooted in using biological controls first whenever possible. While the appropriation of BioIslands is not new, it is believed that Eco Systems Design Inc. current approach is the first time that such an innovation has been applied and made available to the golf course industry.

BioIslands work to maximize diversity of the habitat by using plants and beneficial insects that have an innate symbiotic relationship with their environment. This mix of various varieties of flowering plants, shrubs, trees annual and perennials attract beneficial insects and birds, but not other wildlife. This integrated system is designed to promote pollination and to help control pest insects on the turf grasses as well as on al of the surrounding landscape. In all, these polyculture plantings incorporate a "good" bug blend into the perennial and annual wildflower areas while the mélange of insect favorites produces flowers throughout the season. As well, requisite inventory and monitoring programs are utilized as a means of tracking progress and can be a valuable opportunity to involve students and the community in the BioIslands project.

Eco Systems Design Inc. recently installed a BioIsland landscape throughout an 18 hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course at The Roaring Fork Club in Basalt, Colorado. (Read a Glenwood Post article on this installation or take a tour.) The club developers were attracted to the concept partly because of their belief that the property must be approached not only as an opportunity, but as an obligation. BioIslands planning is but one of several programs offered by Eco Systems Design Inc. that can create a harmony between development and the environment.

Contact Jerome Osentowski at (970) 927-4158, or write Eco Systems Design Inc. at Box 631, Basalt CO 81621, or email Jerome@crmpi.org for more information on sustainable golf course design options.