Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Audubon Update

This winter, one of our goals was to continue efforts on our Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program helps golf courses enhance wildlife habitats and protect natural resources for the benefit of people and wildlife.

The program begins with a planning stage, which we completed last spring and received a Certificate of Recognition in Environmental Planning. The second step is the action stage, where we implement the environmental measures and goals which were decided upon during the planning stage. One of the action steps golfers will notice on the course is the addition of bird and nest boxes, which will be strategically placed on the property this coming spring. You may also notice the grass height around shorelines is raised to reduce chemical and mineral inputs into the water. We will also be conducting water tests to analyze our water inputs.

Our main focus this winter has been on the third, documentation stage, which we use to achieve certification. We are in the process of filling out numerous forms to verify our accomplishments and progress. In addition, we are also providing pesticide records and photographs to illustrate our stewardship activities.

Once all of our plans are implemented and documentation has been completed, we look forward to achieving designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. We hope to receive certification within this coming year.