In theory, the ecological role of golf courses and smaller habitat parcels may be to serve as population sinks for the population sources of natural areas. Larger natural areas such as Sand Hills State Park give a wide variety of species a chance to reproduce, and individuals spread out across the countryside from these reproductive fountains. Dominant individuals secure territories on the natural area and younger individuals then move out as the area fills up with offspring dispersing from the nests. Not all the species can adapt, but a good number do find a home. How to increase this number is the critical question engaging ecologists.
Answers await more ecological research.
However, the stakes are high as the fate of many of our favorite birds and other wildlife hangs in the balance. Undisturbed, pristine habitats commonly are the choice of ecologists in search of knowledge about the machinery of nature. However, with the spread of urbanization, it is time for ecological scientists to also study human-dominated landscapes such as golf courses. Many opportunities exist for helping the golf community make ecologically sound decisions. This present study is an example of one cooperative effort between a golf course and an academic institution, and a rewarding relationship has developed which benefits us both.