Money Hill Golf & Country Club boasts natural beauty and diverse wildlife, including the remarkable Bachman’s squirrel. These captivating creatures have an intriguing history and play a significant role in the ecosystem of Money Hill.
Also known as the Florida fox squirrel, this large tree squirrel is native to the southeastern United States. It was named after John Bachman, a 19th-century Lutheran minister and naturalist, who collaborated with John James Audubon on various projects, including “The Birds of America.” Once widespread in the southeastern United States, the squirrel’s population has declined due to habitat loss and other factors. Currently, they are listed as a threatened species in Florida and a species of special concern in several states, including Louisiana.
Fortunately, Money Hill Golf & Country Club provides a sanctuary for these squirrels. The management team has diligently protected their habitat, ensuring their continued survival. With a distinctive reddish-brown color, white belly, and long bushy tail, the Bachman’s squirrels are a sight to behold. Their omnivorous diet, which includes nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, bird eggs, and small vertebrates, sets them apart.
Playing a crucial role in the ecosystem at Money Hill, these squirrels help spread seeds, control insect populations, and serve as a food source for predators like hawks and owls. The Club is committed to ecologically responsible land stewardship, working closely with local conservation groups and state agencies.
To protect the squirrels, Money Hill has created a “Conservation Community” and established wildlife corridors and protected areas. The Club Cottages are designed to blend with the environment, minimizing the impact on wildlife. Open forests, preferred by the Bachman’s squirrel, are maintained through prescribed fires, a vital land management tool.
In summary, the Bachman’s squirrels at Money Hill Golf & Country Club are an essential component of the natural world. Through dedicated conservation efforts, the Club ensures their survival for future generations and demonstrates that humans can coexist harmoniously with nature.
