Turf Care - Audubon International
To learn more about Audubon International: Audubon
HELPING PEOPLE HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shawn Williams, Environmental Technician
Audubon International
(518) 767-9051 ext. 22HIGHWOOD MEMBERS: WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
There are currently 2200 golf course worldwide that belong to the program and only 535 have achieved certification. WE ARE ONE OF THESE COURSES! in order to maintain this prestigious designation we need our members help. We have a number of goals planned for the coming year(s). We really need volunteers to asssist us in achieving these goals. Please contact Patrick, Lane or Lacey( 652-3741).
Highwood Golf and Country Club Recognized for Environmental Excellence
HIGH RIVER, AB – Highwood Golf and Country Club has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), the educational division of Audubon International. Highwood Golf and Country Club was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2002 and is one of 535 courses in the world to receive the honor.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.
“Highwood Golf and Country Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Shawn Williams, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.
“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Williams. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Courses go through a recertification process every two years.
In addition to golf courses, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System also provides programs for schools, individuals and businesses. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them via the Internet at acss@audubonintl.org, or visit their website at www.audubonintl.org.
WHAT IS THE AUDUBON?
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for GOLF COURSES was created to help people understand and address pertinent environmental issues and make meaningful contributions to improving environmental quality and wildlife habitat. Involvement in this program is strictly optional. There are no restrictions placed on the property. All decisions concerning the implementation of any of the suggested projects remain entirely with the golf course superintendent. The golf course component of the program has the following goals:
- To enhance wildlife habitats on existing golf courses by working with golf course superintendents and providing advice for ecologically sound course management.
- To encourage active participation in conservation programs by golfers, golf course superintendents, golf officials, and the general public.
- To recognize golf courses as important open spaces; and to recognize the people who are actively participating in environmentally responsible projects.
- To educate the public and golfing community about he benefits of golf courses and the role they play relative to the environment and wildlife.
AUDUBON PROGRAM HISTORY
Highwood joined the program in 1993.
Completed Resource Inventory in the spring of 1994.
In July of 1994 we received a report detailing our resources and appropriate projects for the Highwood.
Form 1995-1997 we began a few initiatives i.e. bird boxes, bat boxes, natural areas, water use reduction, recycling, etc.
In the summer of 1998 we completed our Environmental Plan and in Fall 2002 we were certified in the reamining 5 categories...FULLY CERTIFIED.
Winter 2005 we were recertified. (as per above news release).
