Berksdale Update

It’s been a long hot summer for golf, but fall is bringing more families out to play and the after work crowd is enjoying a quick afternoon round. Fall is also highlighting some of our ongoing wildlife habitat improvements.

Monarch butterfly sightings continue to increase as we expand our milkweed plantings. Three different species of milkweed seedlings were distributed to various niches in the spring, and self-seeding is anticipated over time. Northwest Arkansas is in the re-generation layover as monarchs migrate through the year. Caterpillars were noted in late August, and fresh adults are being spotted throughout the course now.

Our experiments with planting for flood mitigation/riparian restoration are less majestic but have been equally successful. The red twig dogwood plantings along the creek at 2 Fairway took a beating. Minor flooding in February, April and May did little damage;  prolonged heat and drought through September did take a toll. As predicted, we had a 10% survival rate… twenty plus shrubs along a 200 yard stretch remain vigorous.

Berksdale is well on it’s way to achieving full status as an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary. Various alterations around the course, from increasing the buffer zone along Little Sugar Creek to establishing native plants at the half way house to expanding prairie grass acreage, are all in line with encouraging a strong stewardship legacy. For more information on how you may get involved, please see auduboninternational.org, or contact moc.a1685501931opvvb1685501931@bydn1685501931ew1685501931.