Deja Vu: Spring 2013

It turns out that this year's spring is closely mimicking last year's unseasonable stretch. As of midday Tuesday, the golf course has received 4.7 inches of rain. Needless to say, the grounds are flooded as the water has no place to go. Across the street, Keller Lake is overflowing its banks. I don't think I need to tell you but cold and wet is not good grow-in weather. We need sun, warming soil temps and moderate, well-timed rain events. According to WeatherTrends 360, it appears sun and +70 degree days will return mid-May. Let's hope so!

The new water feature on holes 12 and 13 is having thoughts of overflowing its banks.  So far, the overflow culvert is able to keep up.

The entire lower half of 2 fairway flooded as our drainage outflow storage capacity was exceeded.

This is part of our new detention basin that was dug last fall. As you can see it is near capacity. The basin was excavated out of sand so it should drain quickly.

Looking up 5 fairway.

One of the drainage outlets for the driving range complex will need some repair and additional erosion control measures.

This past week we were able to get triplex mowers on the majority of our tees and greens for the first time. Assistant Supt. Brett Wenzel is shown mowing the 4th green.

Our partnership with Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District continues to move forward by leaps and bounds. 2014 welcomes phase II of our ecological restoration project with the RWMWD. When plant material greens up and starts growing I will do a post on the objectives and outcomes of phase I (2013) and what we hope to accomplish this year in phase II. We are very lucky and fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the forward-thinking and dedicated staff of the RWMWD! Here is Bill (District Biologist) and Simba (Natural Resources Technician) in their fire jump suits. Tools of the controlled burn "trade" include a drip torch and backpack sprayer.

A burn in progress in the woodlands along the 14th hole.

Simba stands guard over our six bee hives, making sure the fire doesn't get too close.

Bill and Intern Zola burning prairie areas on our frontage property along Highway 61.