Page 46 - Transitioning Turfgrass

TRANSITIONING TURFGRASS

not be clearly traced, the connection between the tecchia and the Butterfly Arc is a case in point.
destruction of natural habitats and the drastic di- Aiming to propose ecological, sustainable mod-
minuition and even the extinction of many species els for playing golf, the project will create an en-
is straightforward. Butterflies are a case in point; vironment on a human scale that is respectful
they are considered optimal indicators of the state of wildlife; it proposes popular indicators that
of health of a natural environment; the presence are easily understandable by everyone, such as
of large quantities and many different species in the presence of butterflies and bees together
an area clearly testifies to the good health of that with pollinators and entomofauna repesenting a
ecosystem. Even apparently positive changes large part of the planet’s living organisms. This
such as forest restoration or wider use of intensive explains the need to monitor some species that
farming have led to a drastic decrease in many are more representative of insects and pollina-
butterfly species habitating mixed or calcareous tors. The methodology to be used, which has al-
meadows and grasslands, described in the Hab- ready been tested, will be able to underscore the
itats Directive, as important areas of biodiversity value of biodiveristy. The two families of insects
that must be protected. that were examined for this use were the cole-
Actions that seek on the one hand to protect bio- opterous (Carabidae) insects and the dipterous
diversity and on the other to avoid creating wastes ones. The latter were chosen because although
that are damaging to protected areas must re- they are able to represent different types of eco-
place anthropic activities and using soil in such a systems including aquatic ones, they are more
way that it is inaccessible to other organisms (e.g. representative of pollinators. The Syrph the
urbanization and intensive farming). Measures Net database will be utilized. The project also
that can help to educate the general public on this intends to introduce native plants that will not
subject and interventions that can be positioned only attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity
in places and at times during which most peo- but also beautify the area. Finally, the project is
ple are receptive also need to be planned. Last, planning to create an educational platform by
but not least, programs monitoring the habitat’s positioning natural artifacts at specific points in
health will be able to contribute to favoring and the golf course, including bee hives for local hon-
increasing its biodiversity. ey production, to draw golfers’ attention to the
The project being developed by Golf della Mon- environment’s natural beauty.

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