Written by: Patrick Linden
2025
Installing platforms in golf course ponds provides important ecological and management benefits for seabirds and other waterbirds. These artificial structures offer safe nesting, roosting, and resting areas that are protected from ground-based predators and human disturbance. They also help compensate for the loss of natural shoreline nesting sites caused by urban development.
For golf courses, such measures demonstrate environmental stewardship and align with sustainability programs like the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary initiative. Additionally, birds contribute to ecosystem balance by consuming insects and small fish, offering natural pest control. Beyond ecological value, bird presence enriches the aesthetic and recreational experience of golfers and visitors.
In this way, pond platforms transform artificial water hazards into productive wildlife refuges, creating benefits for conservation. The picture shows Hole 12 at Gronlund Gc. Additional platforms with a roof are being planned as well!
References: Audubon International. (2021)
