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13 <br />The golfers themselves would enjoy a more challenging course. The restored streams <br />would not only serve as beneficial habitat but also add a new element to the golf at Laurelwood <br />by acting as water hazards. In many cases golfers would be hitting over the streams into the <br />greens, this would definitely be a selling point in getting new golfers to give Laurelwood a try. <br />Adding water hazards at Laurelwood will catapult the course up into the next tier, golfers will be <br />tempted to try our course rather than Emerald Valley or Diamond Woods. Overall the increased <br />drainage would mean a longer golf season for the Laurelwood patron who would enjoy a <br />challenging course in a beautiful natural setting at a very reasonable price. <br />The benefits for the community would extend well beyond the boundaries of the course. <br />Laurelwood has the ability to become a symbol of support for the integration of the natural <br />environment into our daily lives in a community which holds the environment in high esteem. <br />Habitat restoration and increased awareness would most likely be appreciated by the <br />neighborhood surrounding the golf course. Several neighbors have already shown an interest in <br />the native flora, asking the greens keepers questions about plant identification and what likes to <br />grow where. Another benefit would be the decrease in harmful runoff due to chemical <br />applications and fertilizers. This plan of stream restoration and environmental stewardship could <br />cement Laurelwood as a pillar of the green movement in not only the greater Eugene metro area <br />but the national golf community as well. Providing a forum for golfers, neighbors and <br />community members to come together to foster stewardship through education and awareness <br />regarding our environment, economy and community. <br />