What's happening around the shop?

Stepping outside, it feels as if it's about time to start dusting off your golf clubs, if they've actually managed to collect any dust this "winter".  As many of you know, there were several courses in the Madison area that were open in early January, and today's projected record high probably has some of you thinking about playing 18.  Although that's obviously not going to be happening in the foreseeable future at Blackhawk, it's hard to imagine that it's going to be a very long winter.

I just finished reading an article on the projected weather for 2012, and it predicted average temperatures throughout February and March and that winter might linger longer than expected.  We'll see about that.  The average high temperature in February goes from 28 to 36 degrees and from 36 to 50 in March.  Thus, today's forecasted high temperature is what we'd normally expect on March 31.

Further, the weather article called for slightly above average rainfall and normal temperatures for the summer months, and after last two summers, that sounds like a plan to me.  But, I won't be holding my breath.

Around here, Dave, Omar, and Angel are really making progress on cleaning, sharpening, and maintaining the equipment.  Dave only has six more cutting units to sharpen, and the bulk of our green, tee, and fairway mowers are ready for action.  Now, they are moving toward the bank and rough mowers with both miscellaneous pieces of equipment and handheld tools to follow.  Jake (not me) has been busy painting signs, tee blocks, and a host of other items that we touch up every year.  All of these guys really do a tremendous job with the equipment maintenance work.  Chad and I have been formulating plans and purchasing for the coming year, and we have setup a number of interviews next week with potential interns and employees for the coming season.  As is normally the case, it looks as if we'll have very low turnover in 2012, and that's definitely good news.

On the course, there is still some snow cover, but it will be a little more sparse after today. During the week between Christmas and the New Year, ice did form on 3, 6, and 18, but we were able to get this ice to melt during the second week of January by using a combination of techniques.  We did also have some ice form on the greens last week, but it's not a concern at this point.  Ice forming at the end of January is less worrisome than it would be in December or early January.  Regardless, we will continue to keep an eye on it and take action as needed.

This week, we received word that we have been certified in both Water Conservation and Chemical Use Reduction and Safety through Audubon International.  This is great news.  We were hoping to also become certified in Wildlife and Habitat Management, but there are a few more steps that they'd like to see us complete in this section.  In 2012, we hope the also become certified in Outreach and Education and in Water Quality Management.  We feel as if both are attainable and will aim to be a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by 2013.