NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF TROY, OHIO
CITY PARTICIPATES IN POLLINATOR PROJECTS
Miami Shores Golf Course has reserved ½ acre of its golf course area to participate in Operation Pollinator, which provides golf courses tools and information to establish and manage wildflower habitats for butterflies and other pollinating insects. With participation since 2016 and a successful test plot, Miami Shores is planning to convert additional available acres to the program
“Pollinators play a crucial role in nature, but they are in decline and need our help”, says Ryan Leach, Miami Shores Golf Course Superintendent. “Providing a habitat to resurrect pollinating insect populations will help tell the story that golf courses can be managed in harmony with the environment, which gives our players and course immense pride, “ Leach says.
Operation Pollinator was created after more than 10 years of research on the benefits of establishing pollinator habitats in North America and Europe. It provides golf course managers guidance from experts to create native wildlife habitats, which are essential to preserve and enhance pollinator populations. The area set aside for this program does not encroach into the golf playing area. Participating in this program is part of the on-going maintenance of the golf course area, and has not created additional expenses.
Recent trends have shown a decline in the butterfly population and other pollinators, which are essential for plant pollination and the global food supply. The wildflower seed mix used to establish the habitat was custom blended for Miami Shores Golf Course to attract a vast array of butterflies and other positive pollinators.
Through responsible use of the landscape, Operation Pollinator helps the golf course extend environmental stewardship, as well as enhance the aesthetic appeal of the course by returning critical wildlife back to the area.
There is also a Pollinator Habitat Project underway at Treasure Island Park, which is a collaborative effort between the Troy Rotary Club and the Board of Park Commissioners. This Pollinator Habitat area is located north of the Boathouse Restaurant at Treasure Island Park, and will be expanded in the Spring of 2019 when members of the Troy Rotary Club will assist City employees with the planting of new species.
For more information on Operation Pollinator at Miami Shores, please contact Director of Golf Kyler Booher at (937) 335-4457 or visit www.GreenCastOnline.com/OperationPollinator. For more information on the Pollinator Habitat Project at Treasure Island Park, please contact Park Superintendent Jeremy Drake at (937) 335-4612.