The popularity of Big Cedar Lodge continues to grow. As they grow, they’re focusing their teams on their environmental standards. Every tree and animal is looked after with great care, keeping in mind that we’re borrowing this land from future generations.
“We all live downstream” is one of the mottoes of Mr. Johnny Morris, the Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge.
Bubba Wright lets this motto serve as the north star for everything he does as the Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge.
Whether it's by reducing its footprint or providing habitats for wildlife, Big Cedar Lodge strives to leave everything better than they found it. They’re achieving this by using organic fertilizers, installing new water systems to conserve water, and making sure their courses are Audubon-certified.
Their Top of the Rock course weaves throughout a botanical garden. Bison herds grace at Buffalo Ridge. They cultivate Bass habitats at Payne’s Valley. They have pheasant fields at Ozarks National.
The popularity of Big Cedar Lodge continues to grow. As they grow, they’re focusing their teams on their environmental standards. Every tree and animal is looked after with great care, keeping in mind that we’re borrowing this land from future generations.
Bubba shares his heart for conservation and passion for cultivating a strong culture in this conversation on the Golf Sustainability podcast.
Topics covered:
- Bubba’s career journey to his current role at Big Cedar Lodge [1:20]
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- Bubba has been involved in the game of golf since he was 17 years old.
- He spent the last 13 years at the Pebble Beach Company, in every position from intern to superintendent before taking his current position at Big Cedar Lodge.
- Bubba has worked in ocean, desert, and mountain environments. The environment is similar (public high-end resort facilities used for tournaments) but the weather, turf types, and talent pools are far different.
- The history of Big Cedar Lodge [4:43]
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- In 1987, Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops purchased the lakeside property and created a fishing camp getaway for his outfitters. That vision has evolved into Big Cedar Log and Big Cedar Resort.
- Big Cedar Lodge provides genuine Ozark hospitality in a rustic yet elegant setting on 4,600 acres in the Ozark mountains along the Arkansas border. Their goal is to provide their guests a deep connection with nature.
- The Big Cedar Lodge philosophy around conservation and sustainability [6:32]
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- Mr. Morris is the driving force behind their conservation efforts. He seeks to ensure they do their part to protect wildlife for future generations to enjoy.
- In any given year, the resort side recycles 2 tons of plastic, 250 tons of cardboard, and 14 tons of glass. They’ve built habitats for wild game, flora, and fauna.
- They strive to leave everything better than they found it. They’re always looking to reduce their footprint and provide a habitat for wildlife.
- Their relationship with the National Audubon Society and other partners [13:44]
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- All of their golf courses are Audubon-certified.
- They partner with John Deere to supply their tools and equipment to get their work done as efficiently as possible.
- Rainbird is at the top of its game when it comes to water conservation and efficiency.
- Environmental Works monitors their drains, outfalls, irrigation water, etc. with the goal of maintaining a healthy water supply.
- Their suppliers work with them to gain feedback to continue to evolve their products.
- The technology that’s being developed to advance sustainability [19:03]
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- Solar-powered aeration devices, moisture sensors embedded in irrigation systems, and drones that survey land are being developed to advance sustainability.
- Ag companies are taking tech developments for food and agriculture and applying them to the golf industry.
- Getting to know Bubba Wright on a personal level [22:51]
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- Bubba loves to grow and develop teams to reach a shared goal. He wants people to show up to work excited about caring for the properties.
- Bubba draws inspiration from his staff. It’s physical labor that requires long hours in the heat, an often thankless job.
- Bubba has always pushed himself to get out of his comfort zone. When Covid hit, he was thrown into a promotion and was able to prove himself despite the challenges.
- He hopes to leave behind a track record of helping the next generation of superintendents reach their potential, fostering an environment of making those around him better.
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect with Bubba Wright
Connect With Golf Sustainability
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
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