Growing some good weed

Hang on  a second--before anybody gets the wrong idea, we are not talking about a potential new revenue stream for the golf course.  No, in this case, the "weed" we are referring to is milkweed.

The monarch butterfly population has declined dramatically during the past 20 years.  These beautiful insects are dependent on milkweed, and out of play areas on golf courses can provide a great habitat for this plant, and the butterflies.

As a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, Laurel Creek is committed to managing the course in an environmentally sensitive manner.  Therefore, when Audubon International established their "Monarchs in the Rough" program, the decision to join was an easy one.  Assistant Superintendent, Don Holgersen, continues to do a great job in keeping us involved in programs such as this.

So, yes, while milkweed may have that four letter word (weed) in its name, it is an important, beneficial plant.  Based on what we are seeing thus far on the course, it's definitely being appreciated by the monarchs!