"Golf courses have a bad reputation. We’re seen as people who disregard bees, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We take the environment and giving back to it seriously. Knowing that we are helping an area that needs help — ¬that was part of our decision to plant an Operation Pollinator plot. We had a spot off the ladies tee on 15 that was very steep, and needed to be addressed. The Operation Pollinator plot provided us an opportunity to hold the hill in place and mitigate the danger, while improving aesthetics on the course. The pollinator mix has worked for us, and now we have too many bees and butterflies to count."

"Our Operation Pollinator plots promote the golf course as being an environmentally friendly area. It shows that we are trying to do the right thing by helping the environment and increasing our pollinating species. It’s a great tool for the golf course to market itself to a different audience that might not normally pay attention to the golf course. They see that we’re trying to do something outside the normal realm and are trying to bring something to the general public that they wouldn’t normally see. I think we’re making an impact on people who wouldn’t necessarily look at golf in a positive light. Additionally, the Operation Pollinator plots are visually appealing and there is not a whole lot of maintenance for them, which is another benefit. Even our normal native areas have to be sprayed a couple of times a year. Our maintenance on the Operation Pollinator plots is even less than that."

"Our company supports many environmental initiatives across our network of clubs and it is always pleased to see a project that incorporates community involvement as part of the process. Our members and guests are really excited to see what we have done with the land so far and we’ve heard nothing but good comments about our efforts and results from Operation Pollinator.

"It’s the responsibility of management at every golf course to protect and enhance its land and local environment, and you can bring people in like we have to help with the project, get the community engaged, and show them an example of being environmentally responsible."

“We talk about doing the right thing environmentally and Operation Pollinator is an example of that. Guest reception to our Operation Pollinator plots has all been positive. Members often approach our staff and ask what we are doing for the environment. They want to ensure the property is being taken care of in a sustainable way. What better way to illustrate safety and sustainability than to observe the pollinators that have made their home here?”

"I would recommend any course get involved with Operation Pollinator. Anything we can do to promote the environment works well with our overall sustainability initiative. Operation Pollinator is an easy process to begin and is an extension of the environmental efforts our superintendents implement every day.

"Operation Pollinator really sets Syngenta apart; Syngenta has become one of our closest relationships over the years because of their ability to think outside the box. Their programs, for the most part, assist us in tracking our chemical input, and that says a lot about a company that is willing to go above and beyond for what is right for the industry and environment."

"Operation Pollinator helps tell our story. It shows golfers and anyone who sees the Operation Pollinator sign that Marriott is a company committed to doing what's right for the environment, not just the company. It's a program we're proud to be a part of.

"Out-of-play areas with an Operation Pollinator habitat are not taking away from the golfers' experience. The habitats enhance the golf course's appearance, and the golfers see and know the golf course is doing good things."

"For many years golf courses have been accused, sometimes correctly but many times incorrectly, of damaging or destroying the habitats of natural pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In an effort to raise the awareness of the need and importance of these pollinators to golf courses, we are happy to be involved with Operation Pollinator at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay."

“I think it’s important for people to know that golf courses are being responsible, and that we are actually encouraging habitats for bees and other wildlife on the course, as well as being environmentally sensitive. I wanted to do the right thing for the environment, and a golf course is a great place for an Operation Pollinator habitat to thrive. So we identified a great spot just 100 yards off a tee box and installed an Operation Pollinator habitat with nearly five acres of wildflowers. We’ve also installed two bee hives, and are making plans to start using the honey in dishes at our restaurant. Beekeeping is the hard part; helping pollinators through Operation Pollinator is so easy to do. Everybody should be doing it.”