STEWA publication of Audubon InternationalARDSHIP Volume 3, Issue 4 • July/August 2000 news Stepping Toward Sustainability Creating Solutions Cateechee Course, s we step into the 21st Century, the opportunity and inspiration to Hartwell, move forward in a more sustainable way is upon us. How can we incor- Overwhelmed by increasing community A porate new technologies that generate less pollution and build healthier growth in Hartwell, Georgia, and its demand human communities? How can we better balance the needs of people, wildlife, on existing wastewater treatment facilities, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the and the ecosystems upon which we depend? city of Hartwell, and local businessman J. Lee Several members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program have already Barton teamed up to solve the problem cre- taken up the challenge of answering the new century’s pressing questions.What atively. With the help of the Audubon Signature follows are snapshots of how they are contributing to a more sustainable future. Program, the partners built an environmentally- friendly adjacent to the water treat- Living Machines in- ment plant that now uses the plant’s effluent corporate an attractive water for irrigation. ecologically-engineered Opened late in 1997, Cateechee Golf Course design to accelerate the uses more than 1 million gallons of treated waste- processes nature uses to water per day. The high volume of water used purify water. Housed on the property requires the course to carefully in a large greenhouse, monitor water quality, routinely communicate the Living Machine is with the treatment plant, and be ever alert to comprised of eight proper maintenance of the drainage system. huge filtration tanks With the course in operation, the water treat- through which waste- ment facility has been able to abandon its practice water from the entire of discharging effluent water into a local stream. Conserve School, WI campus will be cycled. As an added benefit, the golf course preserves Conserve School’s Living Machine will be housed in a large greenhouse. Bacteria, plants, Bacteria, plants, and much of the land’s natural features and includes and animals in huge filtration tanks will digest and naturally filter campus wastewater. animals in these tanks wildflower and tall grass areas that provide will digest and naturally additional wildlife habitat. To learn more about Choosing Viable filter the wastewater. The resulting effluent Cateechee Golf Course or the Audubon Signature will be 25 to 30 times cleaner than that pro- Program, contact Nancy Richardson, Signature Alternatives duced by a septic system and will be used to Program Director, at 270-869-9419. Conserve School, irrigate the campus landscape. Students will be (continued on page 2) Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin involved in Living Machine operations When the Conserve School, an Audubon and will use it for Signature Program member, opens its doors in research experiments. 2002, many aspects of campus life won’t resemble Living Machines are Sense of Place that of a typical high school (see , successfully in use at a page 3). With an emphasis on environmental diversity of sites world- stewardship and sustainability, the school will wide, including indus- be employing the latest technologies and prac- tries, schools, nature tices from its classrooms to its restrooms. Yes, centers, and highway restrooms. In addition to standard low-flush rest areas. To find out toilets and water saving devices, the school is more about Living constructing a biological treatment system known Machines®, visit as a Living Machine® for its wastewater. The http://www.livingma- Cateechee Golf Course, GA Living Machine is an effective and economical chines.com. By using treated wastewater for irrigation, Cateechee Golf Course is helping the system that can be used to treat high-strength community of Hartwell mitigate increasing demands on its wastewater treatment industrial wastewater and sewage. facility and eliminate stream discharges of effluent water. Audubon International Stepping Toward Sustainability (continued from page 1) By developing innovative technologies and manufacturing recycled products, Griffin Indus- Vision Making Recycling tries closes the loop on recycling, while cutting pollution, and promoting a more sustainable Choosing Our Future Possible future. To find out more about Griffin Indus- ake a look around your neighborhood. Griffin Industries, tries or Nature Safe natural & organic fertilizers, Have more cars, strip malls, or poorly Cold Spring, Kentucky contact Rick Geise, Director of Marketing, at Tplanned developments replaced agri- 606-572-2558. cultural land and open space in your com- Did you ever wonder where your recyclables munity? Do you and others in your town use go after they leave your doorstep or your town’s resources such as water, energy, agricultural Measuring lands, or forests, in a way that ensures their recycling center? Did you ever wonder where continued health and viability for generations to the products you use each day—from soap to Sustainable come? Is commercial, industrial, and residential plastic bags to paper towels—come from? ACSP growth carefully planned and integrated to pre- Business member, Griffin Industries, headquar- Business Practices serve the best environmental and community tered in Cold Spring, Kentucky, is a company Trucost, New Zealand assets of your region? These are all questions that stands at the forefront of both making Just what is the environmental impact over the of sustainability, and we believe that we must recycling happen and bringing a variety of next 10,000 years of disposing of your old toothbrush ask and honestly answer them to begin moving usable products to market. toward a more sustainable future. in a landfill compared to having it incinerated? Sustainability means that human beings While such a question may seem absurd, it should use the earth’s natural resources and points to the very relevant issue of how the manu- manage their daily lives in a manner that will improve the quality of their lives and the facture, use, and disposal of the myriad products environment, while not adversely impacting we use may adversely impact the planet. the quality of other people’s lives—both To date, a variety of methods have been those living as well as those yet to be born. invented to measure environmental impact, yet Sustainability means that we must purchase because of the complexity of the problem, the products, use products, build buildings, and process is notoriously difficult. As consumers, manage land in ways that will not adversely we have little, if any, knowledge of whether the impact the functioning of earth’s ecosystems, which are necessary to sustain all life. companies who make what we buy implement environmentally-sustainable practices, and little Sustainability does not mean “anti-growth.” Griffin Industries, KY Hence, smart growth initiatives beginning to take ability to make informed decisions about those Griffin Industries has made environmental steward- yet center stage across the country are essentially ship a company policy. products… . Just such a rating system is now about forging partnerships among government, in the works. business and industry, and environmental, Trucost In the , 95–100% of animal Called , the tool can give an environ- agricultural, and community groups to create mental sustainability rating for any company a future that we choose rather than one that materials and bakery byproducts are continually we get by default. What results may be some recycled into high quality products by companies in any industry in any country. Developed in of the most exciting and hopeful work we’ve like Griffin Industries. But Griffin has gone one New Zealand, Trucost ever known to build stronger, healthier com- step further by making environmental steward- has a patent on the munities for everyone. ship a company policy and developing environ- process and is presently On a more personal level, sustainability is gearing up to offer it to a method of thinking and making decisions. mentally-friendly products. For instance, animal wastes are turned into organic fertilizers and companies in the Unit- For instance, if you do not know where the ed States and Europe. water you drink and the food you eat comes soil conditioners sold under Griffin’s Nature from, maybe you need to find out. What is Safe label. In addition, animal fat in refined The aim of the Trucost the impact of the car you drive or the chem- forms is a major raw material used in hundreds of rating is to evaluate the icals you use? If you find that there could be commercial products and applications, includ- environmental sustain- adverse consequences to the environment as ing all rubber production, plastics, paints and ability of companies a result of your present actions, maybe you and give consumers a ought to change them. These are not big steps, varnishes, cleaners, polishes, soaps, water repel- lents, and cosmetics. choice between different products based on but they are significant first steps toward a more this criterion, just as they currently choose on sustainable future. Griffin Industries is also taking a leading Put simply, sustainability is a journey, not a role in using technology patented in Europe to price. Audubon International has been a key destination. The actions we take now on a produce an alternative fuel known as biodiesel. player in an international review team helping personal and community basis will make a Derived from a wide range of vegetable oils to develop the Trucost Index. The final rating lasting difference for people and the envi- and feedstocks, biodiesel substantially reduces tool will be comprehensive and practical, yet ronment long into the future. To toxic emissions. Griffin supplies biodiesel to the cost effective for companies to implement. find out more, visit the Trucost website at: motor fuel industry, regulated motor vehicle www.trucost.net fleets, and other diesel fuel markets. Ronald G. Dodson, President 2 Educating Environmental Stewards Audubon Signature Program Helps Conserve School Realize Its Dreams By Beth Black, Dean of Students ack in 1965, James R. Lowenstine began to envision a future use for his 1,200-acre estate in northern Wisconsin. Plans evolved for a school that would teach youth to appreciate the Bnatural beauty of the Northwoods and motivate them to become ethical environmental stewards of the future. In 2002, six years after his death, Conserve School will open its doors to realize that dream. A non-sectarian, independent, coeducational residential high school, PLACE Conserve School will offer students a unique educational opportunity through its innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on 21st century sustainability issues and ethical leadership. Protecting An

Incredible Site sense of Conserve School is located on 1,200 acres of Jim Lowenstine’s former estate in Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin, a small resort community whose pop- ulation of 800 year-round residents nearly dou- bles in the summer months. Known for its thick birch and evergreen forests, pristine lakes, wet- land marshes, and abundant wildlife, this North- woods retreat provides an idyllic setting for a school devoted to preserving the balance of nature. Future students will share their home with white-tailed deer, bobcats, black bears, bald Conserve School, WI and golden eagles, woodpeckers, red foxes, fish- Plans for the Conserve School in Wisconsin call for careful, ethical environmental ers, and other wildlife. design and construction and a curriculum focused on ecology and stewardship. Staff from the school, an architectural/engineering firm, dent projects. Conserve School is also participating in a and the Audubon Signature Program are working closely regional re-forestation effort to restore the pine ecosystem together to develop the Conserve School with sensitivity that existed throughout the Northwoods in the early 1800s. and respect for the site and the school’s educational mis- sion. The goal has been to design a land development proj- Inspiring Future Leaders ect that future students can study as a model of careful, eth- ical environmental planning. School buildings will occupy Experimentation and invention will be stressed through- only 120 acres of the 1,200-acre campus, leaving most of the out the Conserve School curriculum. In addition to college land and the seven lakes on the property as an “outdoor preparatory courses and studies of diverse global ecosystems, classroom” for students. students will participate in hands-on, problem-solving activ- ities. They will learn to generate creative solutions for the ecological concerns of the area, use the latest technologies as Combining Innovative sustainability tools, and help area residents to understand Technologies With and resolve issues such as changes in the water levels of nearby lakes, excessive destruction of wildlife habitat by Common Sense beavers, or decreases in the loon population. Nestled amid the birch trees on the Conserve School site “Imagine the future,” says Dr. John Friedrick, Director will be five residence halls, an academic building, a recreation of Conserve School, “when skilled, knowledgeable, ethical center, a maintenance center, and an ecological waste water Conserve School graduates hold key positions in industry treatment facility called the “Living Machine®”—a series of and government and are able to influence community deci- tanks filled with plants, animals, and bacteria that will nat- sions about land use, air and water quality standards, and urally filter campus wastewater into effluent that can be protection of wildlife habitats!” Friedrick is excited about used in irrigation (See article on page 1). providing students with real opportunities to work on restoring During construction, great care is being taken to ensure the balance of nature. In the meantime, as construction crews that the fewest possible trees are removed, wildlife habitats are prepare for students to arrive, deer and eagles continue to keep not disturbed, and impact on the ecosystem is minimized. a close watch on Jim Lowenstine’s land— and his dream. Lumber from trees that must be removed is being used for To learn more about the Conserve School, visit its web site exterior facing of the buildings, auditorium flooring, and stu- at: www.conserveschool.org.

3 Developing an Ecologically- Sustainable Community Property: Provenance: An Ecologically Sustainable Community Project Location: Henderson, Nevada Principal Partners: Audubon International and The LandWell Company ust twelve miles southeast of the Vegas Strip, in Henderson, Nevada, a renaissance is under way in the form of a new master-planned community. The story begins with a Jland developer, The LandWell Company, which looked at a forlorn piece of earth that had endured contamination resulting from manufacturing that supported the war effort during World War II and subsequent industrial activities. They began to ask themselves one very simple question: “what if?” “What if we could heal courses, all interconnected the land?” “What if we could by parks and trails. Wild- make it beautiful again?” life corridors will connect a “What if we created some- network of natural reserves thing completely different?” throughout the property.

CASE STUDY Soon “what if?” turned As an Ecologically-Sustain- into “why not?” and their able Community Project, answers led to a partnership Provenance will be designed with Audubon Internation- to weave together the basic al. By working together, tenets of smart growth: ecological viability eco- LandWell and Audubon The Provenance site is located in Henderson, Nevada, a “gateway , International are developing community” into the Las Vegas region and the second largest city in nomic feasibility, and social environmental an ecologically sustainable the state. The 3,200-acre property lies within the Southern Basin desirability. community that will restore and Range ecological region. The current status of the site presents the desert, improve the area’s enormous opportunities for large-scale ecological restoration. environment, and provide a true community for the people that will live there. Key Site Features Contaminated & Abused Land—One of the greatest Project Description opportunities and challenges of the Provenance project The Provenance community will include neighborhood is the site itself. The property has had a long history of homes, business parks, a town center, and several golf industrial use as a deposition area for wastes, and has R. Dodson The Las Vegas Wash is a significant site feature. Project plans call for its enhancement and protection.

4 CASE STUDY R. Dodson Cleanup and ecological restoration of the site’s numerous dumpsites and hazardous waste areas is currently underway. endured years of contamination and abuse from off-road long-term planning and project implementation to be vehicles and illegal residential trash dumping. Approxi- phased in over a number of years. mately 400 acres are polluted with a variety of contami- Step 1: Site Assessment and Ecological Evaluation—A nants, including metals, pesticides, and asbestos. As a site assessment team, including numerous specialists environmental result, the land suffers from a serious lack of habitat, brought together by Audubon International, first conducted diminished wildlife populations, and an overall loss of site surveys and multiple analyses of site conditions. environmentally redeeming qualities. Step 2: Development of an Environmental Master The current status of the site presents enormous oppor- Plan—A set of detailed documents is being prepared for tunities for large-scale ecological restoration. The first Provenance, which constitute the Environmental Master phase of the project calls for cleanup and decontamination Plan. These documents provide a working plan for the eco- of brownfield areas and the restoration of 2,800 acres of logically responsible development of Provenance, as well the Mojave Desert. as the vision for its future management and operations. The Las Vegas Wash—Another significant aspect of Step 3: Implementation—Project implementation for the site is the Las Vegas Wash, which flows through the such as vast project will take place in several stages, includ- property. Formerly a natural wash that collected seasonal ing: Restoration, Construction, and Community Education. storm water, it is now a nearly twelve-mile channel with The restoration phase is currently underway. year-round flows from treated wastewater, urban runoff, shallow ground water, and storm water runoff. Despite its Cooperative Partners often-poor water quality, the wash provides substantial recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat, and acts A diversity of experts has been charged with the task of as a filter for water inflows to Lake Mead, the region’s coordinating, developing, and completing various aspects water supply. of the project. The team includes environmental and land Project plans call for overall restoration of the impaired planners, wildlife biologists, turf and soil scientists, sustain- land, creation of significant acreages of native and natural able building technology specialists, and others. habitat, including several riparian corridors and wetland areas, and natural landscaping for the community. Protecting For More Information the Las Vegas Wash from contaminated runoff and inva- Contact: Natalie Archambault, sive plant species will also be important components. Administrative Coordinator Audubon International Institute, The Site Development Plan Environmental Planning Department The development of an ecologically sustainable com- [email protected] munity at Provenance is a multi-step process requiring (919) 380-9640

5 Wildlife and Habitat Management Whether your backyard golf course, there are s Q&ABackyard Basics most commonly asked What type of seed should I use in my bird feeders You often recommend planting native species of and what can I do to keep squirrels from eating shrubs, trees, and flowers. How do I tell what’s native Q.most of it? Q.when I’m at the nursery buying plants? PROJECT field notes De Bary Golf & Country Club, FL A gray squirrel can jump 8 feet sideways, 4 feet straight up, and Consult a regional native plant list before you shop to learn what will 15 feet down. When possible, feeders should be more than 8 feet grow best in your location. Purple coneflower is an excellent choice from a tree or building and should not be under anything from for gardens in prairie states and throughout much of the Northeast. which a squirrel can easily jump. If the feeder is on a pole, pro- tect it with a squirrel baffle at least 18 inches wide. It’s often difficult to determine what is native and Research continually demonstrates that black oil what is not from reading a plant tag at a nursery. sunflower seed is the number one choice of most A.While some nurseries have highly knowledgeable A.birds that frequent feeders. Smaller finches, siskins, staff who can help you make selections that are best for and towhees, as well as larger cardinals and grosbeaks, your property, many nurseries employ seasonal personnel can easily crack black-oil seed, while sparrows, wrens, and that have little more than basic horticultural knowledge. juncos eat the leftovers that fall to the ground. You can Thus, you must do some research before you shop to find diversify your feeder offerings by adding suet cakes, meal- out what plants are native to your area. worms, thistle, or millet, and by varying the placement In each ACSP new member packet, we provide a regional and type of feeders you put out. native plant list to help you get started. Plant lists for flowers As for minimizing the damage and frustration of squirrels that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and songbirds, as hogging your seed, we have only bad news to report. Fifty well as lists of aquatic plants, are also provided. If you need to 80 million people watching and feeding birds in the another copy, don’t hesitate to call us. United States have been busily experimenting for years Review these plant lists to see what plants you are familiar with all sorts of mainly useless contraptions to keep with and what ones might be suited to your site. Refer to squirrels out. Feeder manufacturers recommend baffles garden reference books to look at pictures of the plants and squirrel-proof models, but squirrels are quick to find a and learn more about their growth requirements. This will way around them. The fact is, neither squirrels nor birds help you to narrow the selection of potential plants for your know or care that you’ve put out seed exclusively for site. When you visit a nursery, take your plant list along. birds. To reduce squirrel feeding, try changing the location Then you can seek out those that interest you, or take a first of your feeder from time to time, regularly cleaning up hand look at plants that are unfamiliar to you. In this way, dropped seed and hulls, or removing feeders during the you’ll not only learn what’s native, you’ll be able to seek summer when natural food sources are plentiful. out the best plants available for your landscape.

6 d is a small suburban lot, a school courtyard, landscaped business park, or 200-acre stewardship opportunities and challenges we all share. Here are answers to our questions about providing valuable wildlife habitat.

I have several nest boxes up for birds—how often Hot, dry weather is in the forecast for much of the should I check them or clean them out? country again this summer. How can I keep my plants growing, yet still conserve water? Q.USGA Q. PROJECT field notes Fair Hills & Five Lakes Resort, MN Designate landscape zones to fine-tune irrigation. Naturalized areas, like this one at Fair Hills & Five Lakes Resort in Minnesota, Cleaning out old nests is an important part of yearly nest box require minimal watering once established. maintenance. Start by analyzing your landscape and defining dis- During the mating and nesting season from early tinct zones based on water needs. Natural Habitat spring through the summer, open and check nest A.Zones can survive on rainfall alone; Low-Water Zones A.boxes as often as once per week. This won’t make are areas that can survive mostly on rainfall, but may require the birds abandon the nest, but it will enable you to spot a little additional watering; and Moderate Water Zones, such problems such as predation or blowflies, and monitor and as vegetable gardens, flowerbeds, and functional turf areas, record the success of birds nesting on your property. will require regular watering during drought. Next, refine To check the box, first knock on the side to warn birds your irrigation system to put water only where you need that may be inside of your presence. Then open the box, it most. While a sprinkler system works best for lawns, use take note of the nesting material, and count eggs or young. soaker hoses and drip systems to substantially reduce water Keep a notebook or simple chart to record what you find. use in gardens. Check hoses, nozzles, and sprinkler heads Include information about the species of bird using the for leaks on a regular basis. In addition, use mulches in box, the number of eggs and young, and the approximate flower and vegetable gardens to retain moisture, reduce dates of nest building and egg laying, as well as when the evaporation, and eliminate weeds. young leave the nest. Note any problems you encounter. Keep in mind that water conservation during drought If a nest box goes unused for a year or two, try moving years has a significant effect on ensuring that reservoirs and it to a new location. wells can adequately handle daily customer use, while main- You can remove the old nesting material after each group taining capacity for emergency needs, such as fire. Conserv- of young leaves the nest. Clean out each nest box in the ing water also helps streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands fall. A small paint scraper is an excellent tool for lifting maintain sufficient water to provide healthy habitat and out the nest and scraping debris from the box. flush out pollutants. Every drop you save counts!

7 Malformed Frog Limbs Point to Environmental Insult n extensive study of bone changes found in deformed frog limbs shows that both time-specific A and location-specific environmental events might influence the development of these malformations. The research, highlighted in the upcoming issue of the journal Teratology (the study of biological monstrosities and malfor- mations), helps shed light on the problem of frog deformities discovered at numerous sites across the country. Likely BRIEFS suspects include: chemical contamination, infection with the parasitic worm metacercariae, exposure to the sun’s ultra- violet rays, physical trauma, or some combination of these environmental insults. The study shows that frogs that have been found at the same sites are exhibiting the same types of malformations: most commonly, missing or multiple limbs. In addition, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency the malformations appear to be the result of environmen- ences, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Vermont tal factors affecting frog limb development during the early Agency of National Resources, and the U.S. Fish and tadpole stages as the amphibians change from tadpole to Wildlife Service. adult frog. As a member of PARC, Partners for Amphibian and Currently, deformities have been documented in thirty- Reptile Conservation, Audubon International is following eight species of frogs and nineteen species of toads in research trends related to frog protection and encouraging forty-four U.S. states. Scientists now agree that current members to get involved in local conservation projects. numbers of reported malformations exceed any norm and This recent research points to the need for all of us to stay that the situation warrants urgent attention. informed on this emerging environmental issue and con- The data represent 180 frogs collected at sixteen sites in tinue environmental management practices that enhance three states—Maine, Minnesota, and Vermont—over a and protect amphibian habitats. two-year study period. The findings are the result of a large To find out more about what you can do, contact AI Infor- multi-agency effort involving the USGS National Wildlife mation Specialist Kate Vejvoda at (518) 767-9051, extension Health Center, University of Wisconsin Department of 24, or e-mail: [email protected], to request a copy Anatomy, National Institute of Environmental Health Sci- of “Fantastic Frogs,” a fact sheet on frog conservation.

stewardship news stewardship Floating Habitats urtles and waterfowl love to bask in the sun. Unfortunately, many ponds don’t provide ample Tnatural basking sites, such as partly submerged rocks, downed trees, or limbs. Ted Andresen of St. Petersburg, Florida set out to create a structure that would serve as an attractive basking site for a variety of creatures. The float- ing platform he designed has now been tested at a number of sites and offers a welcome refuge for turtles as well as birds, including herons, ducks, cormorants, and more. You can build your own floating platform for local wild- life. The floats provide waterfowl and turtles a safe place to rest, forage, or bask in the sun. People like floating turtle platforms because turtles and waterfowl use them almost immediately. Plans and instructions are available at

Andresen’s website: http://members.aol.com/tjacmc. Ted Andresen

Visit Audubon International’s website and on-line store for educational resources, books, videos, nest boxes, flags, and more! http://audubonintl.org

8 Birds on the udubon International’s North American Golf Course Birdwatching Open 2000 turned up 337 different A species of birds on the fifty-three golf courses that participated in this year’s event. Held on May 13th to coin- cide with International Migratory Bird Day, the friendly competition among certified Audubon Cooperative Sanc- tuary golf courses gathers data over a 24-hour period and raises awareness of bird conservation on the links. Eagles Landing Golf Course in Maryland turned in this year’s highest number of species recorded: eighty-five. Birders at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois sighted BRIEFS eighty-two species and Top of the Rock Golf Course in came away with eighty species, to place second and third respectively. The results of the Open show that golf courses play a valid role in bird conservation and can be important for wildlife in general. The diversity of species overall and the number of birds recorded per site reflect both the geo- Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL graphical spread of golf courses across North America and to take account of wildlife and other environmental aspects the wide range of habitats found on and around these sites. of management.When properly maintained, golf courses can In the end, the greatest challenge of the Birdwatching Open make a valuable contribution to the rich diversity of avian is not in counting the most birds, but in calling all golf courses species across North America. USGA Grants $95,000 To Club Managers Association of America Funds to support Environmental Performance Audit developed by Audubon International he United States Golf Association recently awarded located. The audit checklist addresses areas throughout the a $95,000 grant to the Club Managers Association of club, including dining facilities, parking lots and roads, TAmerica (CMAA) to assist with the implementation maintenance facilities, and recreational amenities. It is also of its full facility environmental audit for clubs. In cooper- the vehicle by which the club supervisory employees can ation with Audubon International, the U.S. Environmental identify challenges in their environmental practices and set a news stewardship Protection Agency, and the Golf Course Superintendents working strategic plan to enhance those practices. For more Association of America, the USGA has provided the grant to information about the USGA Foundation Grants Program, further initiatives to preserve and enhance the environment. contact the USGA grants office at (719) 471-4810. Information The voluntary self-audit allows club managers to assess about the CMAA audit can be obtained by calling Kathy Driggs all aspects of the club operation strategically in terms of its at CMAA at (701) 739-9500. environmental impact on the community in which it is New Kids Gardening Web Site Launched new resource for people who garden with kids is now available from the National Gardening Association, A a non-profit organization dedicated to the advance- ment of gardening knowledge and resources. The site is an interactive hub where anyone who gardens with children— in schools, communities, or homes—will find inspiration, ideas, and resources. We hope the site will prove a useful tool for ACSP members who garden with kids. The web- site can be accessed at http://www.kidsgardening.com. J. Mackay

9 NEmembership WS

New Golf Members MICHIGAN Amana Colonies Golf Course Newly Certified Tradition Hills, Bloomfield Hills Amana, IA Audubon Cooperative AUSTRALIA MINNESOTA Elgin Country Club Klub Golf Rimba Irian, Cairns The Links at Northfork, Ramsey Elgin, IL Sanctuary SCOTLAND MISSISSIPPI Knollwood Country Club Businesses Gleneagles—Kings, Auchterarder, Perthshirs River Bend Links, Robinsonville Granger, IN Gleneagles—Monarch’s, Auchterarder, Perthshirs Griffin Industries (Butler) Gleneagles—Queens, Auchterarder, Perthshirs NORTH CAROLINA Holly Hills Country Club Butler, KY TPC at Raleigh, Raleigh Frederick, MD ARIZONA Duro Creek Golf Club, Nogales NEW JERSEY Eagle Springs Golf Course New School Members Valley Brook Golf Club, River Vale St. Louis, MO MASSACHUSETTS Scholl Canyon Golf Course, Glendale NEVADA Minisceongo Golf Club Burgess Elementary, Sturbridge Mt. Falls Golf Course, Pahrump Pomona, NY Braemar Country Club, Tarzana MISSOURI Valencia Country Club, Valencia NEW YORK Glens Falls Country Club Rolla Jr. High, Rolla Spring Valley Lakes Country Club, Vickerville Colgate University Seven Oaks Golf Course, Hamilton Queensbury, NY NEW YORK Shadow Ridge Golf Club, Vista Long Island National, Riverhead Iroquois Central School, East Aurora Brook-Lea Country Club, Rochester Gaillardia Golf & Country Club COLORADO Elma Primary School, Elma Richmond Country Club, Staten Island Oklahoma City, OK Aurora Hills Golf Course, Aurora Marilla Primary School, Marilla PENNSYLVANIA Airport Golf Course FLORIDA Cheyenne, WY VIRGINIA Grenelefe Golf & Tennis Resort, Haines City Applebrook Golf Club, Malvern Rawls Byrd Elementary, Williamsburg Lely Resort Golf & Country Club, Naples SOUTH CAROLINA Powder Horn Naples Lakes Country Club, Naples Port Royal Resort—Robber’s Row, Hilton Head Island Sheridan, WY Newly Certified The Strand, Naples Brays Island Course, Sheldon MGGI—Hidden Creek, Navarre Re-Certified Golf Courses Audubon Cooperative Presidential Country Club, North Miami Beach TENNESSEE Amherst Country Club, Amherst, NH IGM—The Major’s Golf Club, Palm Bay Three Ridges Golf Course, Knoxville Baker National Golf Course, Medina, MN Sanctuary Camp Creek, Panama City Beach TEXAS Bonita Bay: Creekside, Bonita Springs, FL Schools 45 CES/CEVP United States Air Force, Bonita Bay: Island Course, Bonita Springs, FL Patrick Air Force Base Whitestone Golf Club, Benbrook Diamond Oaks Country Club, Fort Worth Bonita Bay: Marsh, Bonita Springs, FL Salem Elementary MGGI—Walden Lake Golf & Country Club, Chester Valley Golf Club, Malvern, PA Salem, MI Plant City South Padre Island Golf Club, Laguna Vista Pinnacle Country Club, Mabank Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, Berlin, MD Sanford Avenue Elementary Burnt Store Marina & Country Club, Punta Gorda Edgewood Country Club, Sissonville, WV MGGI—Shalimar Point Golf & Country Club, Quail Valley Country Club, Missouri City Eufaula, AL Waterview Golf Club, Rowlett Flossmoor Country Club, Flossmoor, IL Shalimar Forest Highlands Golf Club, Flagstaff, AZ Eagle Ridge, Summerfield Whispering Pines Golf Club, Trinity Cottonwood Creek, Waco Forest Hills Country Club, Rockford, IL New Backyard Members Old Memorial Golf Club, Tampa Fox Hills Country Club, Plymouth, MI Vero Beach Country Club, Vero Beach CALIFORNIA VIRGINIA Gustin Golf Course, Colombia, MO Mahala Burton, Cambria IOWA MGGI—Birkdale Golf & Country Club, Chesterfield Lakewood Country Club, Lakewood, CO FLORIDA Brigs Woods Golf Course, Webster City MGGI—Montclair Golf, Tennis & Swim Club, McCormick Woods Golf Course, Port Orchard, WA Montclair Minikahda Club, Minneapolis, MN Ms. S. Jayne Simon, DeBary ILLINOIS MGGI—Kiln Creek Golf & Country Club, Morro Bay Golf Course, Morro Bay, CA Ms. Marsha Greenhut, Longwood Idlewild Country Club, Flossmoor Newport News Palmetto Hall Plantation, Hilton Head, SC MARYLAND Glenview Park District, Glenview MGGI—Prince William Golf Club, Nokesville Panama Country Club, Lynn Haven, FL Ms. Sarah Gyger, Cumberland Tamarack Golf Club, Naperville MGGI—Broadbay Country Club, Virginia Beach Persimmon Country Club, Gresham, OR Mission Hills Country Club, Northbrook Portland Country Club, Falmouth, ME MICHIGAN VERMONT Pottawatomie Golf Course, St. Charles, IL Mr. Ed Pierce, Livonia INDIANA Rocky Ridge Golf Club, St. George Prairie Dunes Country Club, Hutchinson, KS Betsy Lane, Zionsville MINNESOTA WISCONSIN River Hills Country Club, Valrico, FL Ms. Lynne Schoenborn, New Hope KANSAS MGGI—Silver Springs, Menomonee Falls Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Gainesville, VA Ironhorse Golf Club, Leawood Royal Oaks Country Club, Vancouver, WA NORTH CAROLINA Deer Creek Golf Club, Overland Park WYOMING Schuyler Meadows Club, Loudonville, NY Marsh Smith & Paige Burns, Carthage Devils Tower Golf, Hulett Meadowbrook Country Club, Prairie Village Silver Lake Country Club, Orland Park, IL NEW YORK Somerset Hills Country Club, Bernardsville, NJ Ms. Phyllis L. Rauch, Woodmere KENTUCKY Newly Certified Summit Country Club, Owensboro, KY Indian Hills Country Club, Bowling Green Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, Tampa, FL TEXAS Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Joey Kuhlman, Kingwood MASSACHUSETTS Audubon Cooperative TPC at Heron Bay, Coral Springs, FL The New England Country Club, Bellingham Sanctuary TPC at River Highlands, Cromwell, CT VIRGINIA Ballymeade Country Club, North Falmouth TPC at Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV Ms. Catherine Waterhouse, Orlean The Orchards Golf Club, South Hadley Golf Courses TPC of Tampa Bay, Lutz, FL Mr. Curt G. Bluefeld, Warrenton Valderrama Golf Club, Cadiz, MARYLAND Chenal Country Club Widgi Creek Golf Club, Bend, OR Bay Hills Golf Club, Arnold Little Rock, AR Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, NY Newly Certified MGGI—Tantallon, Ft. Washington Audubon Cooperative MGGI—Patuxent Greens Country Club, Laurel Glen Annie Golf Club New Business Members MGGI—Marlborough Country Club, Upper Marlboro Goleta, CA Sanctuary Saddle Rock Golf Course FLORIDA MISSOURI Bay Colony Community Association, Naples Backyards Prestwick Plantation, Cape Girardeau Aurora, CO MASSACHUSETTS Ms. Shari Beale-Hasenmueller Fox Hollow at Lakewood Hamlet, NC Lakewood, CO Canyon Ranch in the Berks, Lenox PENNSYLVANIA Ms. Linda E. Wilken Villanova University, Villanova Westerlo, NY

10 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System of Canada NEACSSC WS Learning And Sharing Help Put Stewardship Into Practice Scott A. Martin, words yet, but soon enough, she’ll be recogniz- Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs are National Coordinator, ACSSC ing robins and cardinals, and collecting critters all about. Audubon staff are here to help you ummer is finally here and I hope you are all of all varieties. I’m sure that I will learn a lot learn and put that new knowledge into practice. getting a chance to get out and enjoy it. from her in return. In turn, you have wonderful opportunities to SPersonally, I am using every opportunity Sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm for the teach others around you about what they can do to take my new baby daughter outside into the natural world is such an important part of creat- to be environmental stewards. Here are a few garden to teach her about bugs and birds and ing and spreading awareness and appreciation examples of the exciting ways that ACSSC native plants. I know she can’t understand my for our environment. That is really what the members are doing just that.

Staff and volunteers of Whitlock Golf and Country Club in St. Thomas Golf and Country Club in Hudson, Quebec, take their message to a local environmental fair. St. Thomas, Ontario, invited local stu- Creating a display is an excellent way to inform people about your dents to help build and place birdhouses stewardship efforts. on the golf course. A pond in the backyard of Ann and Don Gloin of Kitchener, Ontario, attracts many different species, including birds that come to shower under the waterfall. Don and Ann The Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal, Quebec, enjoy sharing their wildlife-friendly encourages people to visit and enjoy the wildlife and yard with their granddaughters, quiet beauty of the cemetery grounds. By providing neighbours, and friends, and offer brochures, checklists, and signs, management and staff to help others create their own nat- create interest and raise environmental awareness. ural landscaping.

Membership News Quebec New Business/Corporate Pinegrove Country Club, St-Luc Property Members New Golf Members New Backyard Members British Columbia Alberta Ontario William Head Institution, Victoria Ironhead Golf and Country Club, Wabamun Bob Gollinger, Prescott Ontario British Columbia Don Turner, North York Laughing Dog Herbals and Organics, Big Sky Golf Club, Pemberton Gulshan Lalani, St. Davids Lunenburg Eagle Pines Ranch Golf Course, Invermere Hillary Jackson & Mark Delorme, Kenora The Haven, Nepean Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club, Kitimat J. Bremner & P. Cowing, Lakefield New School Members Ontario John O’Neill, Baltimore Ontario Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham Irene Bouris, Sparta London Hunt and Country Club, London Marion Thorpe, Moffat Cameron Street Public School, Collingwood Wellington On The Lake Golf Course, Theresa Henderson, Azilda Wellington

11 Mowing Smart STEWARDSHIPnews ACSS id you know that frequently mow- Audubon International publishes Stewardship News six times a year. ing your lawn can promote a Inquiries, contributions or letters to the editor should be addressed to: Ddenser stand of grass? Scalping EDITOR, Stewardship News grass every week or two, as many people c/o Audubon International 46 Rarick Road do to avoid mowing, weakens the grass Selkirk, NY 12158 plant, causes bare spots, and invites open- Or sent via e-mail to: [email protected] ings for weeds to get established. Instead, EDITOR: Jean Mackay, Education Director mow more often and raise the mowing Contributors: Ted Andresen, Beth Black, Ronald Dodson, height so that no more than one-third of Rick Geise, Branton Kenton-Dau, Jean Mackay, the grass blade is removed with each cut- Nancy Richardson, Katie Vejvoda ting for a more even, dense, and healthy Design and Printing: Benchemark Printing, Schenectady, NY lawn. Plus, there’s no unsightly mass of Audubon International is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated clippings to rake or remove. Especially in to improving the quality of life and the environment through research, edu- spring and fall, when grass is growing rap- cation, and conservation assistance. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System(ACSS) and the Audubon Signa-

QUICK TIPS idly, stepping up the frequency of your ture Program provide environmental education and technical assistance to mowing can help you keep pace with your facilitate voluntary environmental stewardship on private and public lands. lawn and take advantage of natural growth Funding is provided by memberships, donations, and program sponsorship.

cycles to enhance the health of your turf. The ACSS Golf Program is sponsored by The United States Golf Association.

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