Silverado is managed by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, operator of resorts as well as accommodations in national and state parks across the country.  Xanterra embraces "natural capitalism," a business model that promotes economic prosperity while preserving the natural capital that all life depends upon. According to the central concept of natural capitalism, companies that dramatically increase the productivity of natural resources and move to a

Silverado Resort 1600 Atlas Peak Road Napa Valley, California

Grounds superintendent Bill Hamilton joined the Silverado staff just over a year ago. What he found was a mature, world-class golf course with equipment in need of an upgrade. The irrigation system, in particular, was ready for a complete replacement after some 25 years of use. Every night, a greenskeeper would spend 10 hours manually connecting sprinkler heads throughout the North and South Courses. The system also required regular maintenance and frequent repairs.

With 25 years of experience and extensive knowledge of the latest equipment on the market, Hamilton knew that replacing the system would result in a dramatic improvement.

The system features new piping, sprinkler heads, pumps, controls and a weather station. The sprinkler heads and the computer software were developed by Toro.

The computer-controlled system will also allow greenskeepers on the course to selectively water dry spots by sending commands from a personal digital assistant. "As conditions vary, the system will take into account factors that affect ET - evapotranspiration rate - such as rainfall, temperature and wind," said Hamilton. "The system will automatically tell the sprinkler head how much water to release."

Hamilton added the new system has not taken the art out of maintaining proper moisture levels. Several factors requiring human attention still exist, and by automating the system, higher efficiency can be achieved.  Instead of watering sections for 15 minutes at a time, for example, they can be watered three times a day for three or four minutes and allow for better absorption into the soil. 

The bottom line is that less of a precious commodity - especially in the Napa Valley with all of its thirsty vineyards - is used while a system that is significantly less expensive to operate will eventually pay for itself.

In addition to installing the new sprinkler system, crews have renovated most of the greenside bunkers by removing old sand, reestablishing the original perimeters, installing new drains, installing one-inch thick fiber mesh that will hold new sand in place and placing new sod on the bunker faces.

Tee boxes are being renovated with crews stripping the grass, leveling the box and then installing new sod. Fairways are being reseeded with a hybrid Bermuda grass that stands up better to the summer heat, said Hamilton.

Located in the heart of Napa Valley 50 miles northeast of San Francisco Silverado Resort offers the valley's most complete selection of accommodations, spa facilities, cuisine and activities. This California landmark is located on 1,200 acres within easy driving distance of many of Napa Valley's most popular wineries and other attractions.
Guest accommodations are in 280 condominium units and private cottage suites surrounding the fairways of the resort's two championship golf courses. 

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national parks and state parks and resorts. Long committed to the preservation and protection of the environment, Ecologix, Xanterra's environmental program, includes a variety of proactive environmental stewardship programs in each location. Xanterra was the recipient of Environmental Achievement Awards from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2002 and from the Department of Interior in 2001 and 2002. Xanterra also received the Travel Industry Association's Odyssey Award for its environmental initiatives in 2001.