Mother Nature Comes First at Environmental Masterpiece
When a new golf community is developed, it's rare to make Mother Nature the first resident. But the developers of The Residences at Turnbull Bay and the Turnbull Bay Golf Course have done just that by linking wildlife and development in a symbiotic relationship.
Located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, LandSouth has set a new high standard by creating a luxury community that delivers first-class amenities without the expected negative environmental impact. Turnbull Bay Golf Club owners, Jim Deely, Ernie Johnson, and Tom Gelsomin, have gone to great lengths to ensure residents enjoy a pristine, yet luxurious setting while protecting the delicate wetlands surrounding the area.
While the positive effects of their environmental dedication are as abundant as the native wildlife, the unique problems it has created are plentiful as well. Minimal lot clearing has allowed many of the native oak, pine, and palm trees to be preserved. However, several plot plans had to be altered at great expense to accomplish this.
Seven-year Turnbull Bay resident Ralph Hite has always been impressed by the owner's dedication to the environment. "If they cut down a tree they plant three to go in its place," said Hite. "They always go out of their way to do it right."
The environmentally minded approach has especially caused tribulations for the golf course. The native trees create large shady areas, which are great for escaping the Florida sun, but are problematic for the turf grass. Additionally, because the golf course's close proximity to an environmentally sensitive area, the use of preventative and curative chemicals must be limited, making the turf and soil bound diseases, insects, and weeds harder to control.
As an alternative treatment, Turnbull Bay uses many mechanical means to control the weeds, insects, and other pests. Caretakers also encourage the growth of native grasses around the periphery of the course to keep the natural look and feel of the land while facilitating drainage.
According to Turnbull Bay golfers, the hard work has paid off. "My wife and I have played golf for 25 years, and the Turnbull Bay Golf Course is about as good as it comes," said Hite. "They work very hard on the course, and it's worth it. There's so much natural beauty and wildlife. We've seen alligators, turkeys, wild pigs, and countless birds, things you don't see anywhere else."
The Turnbull Bay Golf Course and The Residences are located in New Smyrna Beach, a historical Florida city that is quickly becoming a top Florida attraction. With the closest beach to Orlando, New Smyrna Beach offers luxurious accommodations, abundant cultural exhibits, and, thanks to Turnbull Bay, numerous opportunities to relax in the natural beauty of Florida that many people have forgotten.
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