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Pollination of flowering plants by animals provides a service to society that is both biologically significant and economically important. Unfortunately, native pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths have been on the decline in recent years, and some experts believe that these declines are reaching crisis levels. In 2002, National Capital Parks–Central initiated an experimental project to increase native insect pollinator populations in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Region. The effort sought to restore native plant communities in East Potomac Golf Course (photo, shown three months after seeding), located on national parkland in downtown Washington, D.C.
East Potomac Golf Course is an important natural oasis in a predominantly urban landscape that can serve as an example of how habitat renewal can be achieved within urban areas. Once restored, roughs and out-of-play areas within the golf course will function as refuges for plants and their insect pollinators, increasing pollinator movement throughout the region. Native plant communities also offer the benefit of low, long-term costs once established. Information on the effectiveness of restoring pollinator habitat generated by the project will be used to make decisions about the placement of additional sites within the region.
The golf course is host to more than 115,000 visitors a year; this project will significantly increase its interpretive and educational significance, giving park staff the opportunity to communicate the value of golf courses to both urban and regional ecosystems.
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