Audubon News 03-07-Rd2

Stewardship News A PUBLICATION OF AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL Volume 10, Issue 2 • March–April 2007

Involvement in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program helps concessionaires meet national park conservation requirements, enhance visitor services, and gain a competitive edge when bidding on park service contracts. We salute the following members for their outstanding participation in the ACSP:

U.S. National Parks Bandelier Trading Company, Bandelier National Monument, NM (Certified) East Potomac Park Golf Course, National Capital Parks-Central, Washington DC* Furnace Creek Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, CA (Certified) Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club, Grand Teton National Park, WY (Certified)

Langston Golf Course, National NPS, BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT, NM Capital Parks-East, Washington DC* National Park Presidio Golf Club, Presidio of San Francisco, CA (Certified) Concessionaires Go Green Rock Creek Golf Course, Rock Creek Park, Washington DC* Wawona Golf Course, Yosemite BY JEREMY TAYLOR, Staff Ecologist National Park, CA (Certified) and JEAN MACKAY, Director of Educational Services White Sands Trading Company, White Sands National Monument, NM* ational parks protect and conservation, and preservation of showcase some of North resources” of the parks in which they Canadian National Parks NAmerica’s most spectacular serve. Participation in the Audubon Fundy National Park Golf Course, natural wonders, as well as cultural Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) Fundy National Park, NB* and historic treasures. It seems only is helping fourteen National Park Highland Links Golf Course, Cape fitting, then, for park concession- Service and Parks Canada concession- Breton Highlands National Park, aires—private companies that contract aires to meet that mandate and provide NB (Certified) with national parks to cater to exceptional services to park visitors. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, visitor needs for food, lodging, and On the pages that follow, we Jasper National Park, AB (Certified) recreation—to make a commitment feature two certified ACSP members The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf to good stewardship. In fact, the and some of the outstanding envi- Course, Banff National Park, AB U.S. National Park Service stipulates ronmental management practices (Certified) that concessionaires take “measures they have initiated to improve visitor Waskesiu Golf Course, Prince Albert necessary to ensure the protection, services and protect the environment. National Park, SK*

continued on page 4 *Certification in progress 2 AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Dear Members and Supporters, 46 Rarick Road It’s easy to get lost in the life’s day-to-day tasks—with your head down, Selkirk, New York 12158 getting work done, taking care of family obligations, etc. Sometimes we (518) 767-9051 need a big push or a whole new season to wake up and look around with www.auduboninternational.org fresh eyes. And, at other times, all it takes a small gesture—a child’s smile, a story in the news, an unexpected phone call—to reawaken our sense of You can reach our staff via e-mail by purpose and direction. typing the person’s first initial, This issue of Stewardship News helped me wake up. My temporary winter full last name @ auduboninternational.org. hibernation has ended thanks to butterfly wings in a small Florida community, e.g., [email protected] unusual and effective environmental actions in our city, state, and national parks, golf course members opening their doors through verification site ADMINISTRATION visits, and other good news. All of these stories are uplifting in their own Ronald Dodson, President ways—from youth stewardship to improved environmental management to Kevin Fletcher, PhD, Director of Programs the growth of sustainable communities. and Administration The fact that Audubon International helped play a role in each of them Howard Jack, Vice President is secondary, but worth celebration as well. With each passing winter there Mary Jack, Executive Assistant is always spring; and with you, our members and supporters, it feels like to the President spring all the time at Audubon International. Paula Realbuto, Executive Assistant Best Regards, for Operations AUDUBON COOPERATIVE SANCTUARY PROGRAMS Jennifer Batza, Membership Coordinator Kevin A. Fletcher, PhD Jeremy Taylor, Staff Ecologist Director of Programs and Administration Shawn Williams, Staff Ecologist Joellen Zeh, Program Manager

AUDUBON SIGNATURE PROGRAM Nancy Richardson, Director In this issue… Linda Snow, Administrative Assistant

4 Stewardship in Action: National Park Concessionaires Go Green—Visit AUDUBON SOCIETY OF NEW YORK STATE Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico and Grand Tetons in Fred Realbuto, Director Wyoming to see how two park concessionaires are making a difference EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Don’t miss our with the help of Audubon International. many member Jean Mackay, Director of Educational stories and 6 Sustainable by Design: Flying High—The “Butterfly Capital of the World,” Services accomplishments Coconut Creek, Florida, is already flying high as the Sustainable throughout ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES Communities Program’s newest member. this issue. Sarah Anderson, Natural Resource Manager FOUR SEASONS GOLF COURSE AT PENINSULA DE PAPAGAYO IN COSTA RICA 7 Green at School: Breaking Ground for an Natalie Archambault, Project Administrator Audubon Sanctuary—Students learn by Russ Bodie, Project Manager doing and making connections to their lives Rich Henderson, Business Manager as they develop an Audubon Sanctuary at Susana Morais, Director of Operations– T.J. Connor Elementary in New York. Portugal 8 The Nature of Golf: Seeing is Believing— Alicia Oller, Director of Technical Services Golf course members are making new Charles Peacock, PhD, Senior Scientist allies, while maintaining ACSP certification Miles (Bud) Smart, PhD, Director of as a result of site visits. Environmental Planning Larry Woolbright, PhD, Director of 10 Membership News: Members share several Wildlife Conservation Services stewardship projects and recent successes to inspire your own. Plus, a listing of our SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM newest members and recently certified Peter Bronski, Manager sanctuaries. AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL NEWS 3

irdwatching teams from golf courses throughout North America are beginning Bto register for this year’s North American Birdwatching Open, held on International Migratory Bird Day, Saturday, May 12. The event is free and open to all Audubon International Bethpage State Park Black Course hosted the 2002 U.S. Open. golf program members. Southern members may choose to participate on Saturday, March 11, or Saturday, April 8, to take advantage of New York State Park peak migration. We hope to top last year’s number of Golf Courses Join the ACSP participants and total number of bird species seen. To participate, register online at: ew York State recently became the first in the nation to register all of www.auduboninternational.org/projects/bird- its state-run golf courses in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. watchopen/. You can download registration NThanks to strong leadership and commitment within the New York forms, rules, a bird checklist, and tips for State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, fifteen golf courses success. If you would like to participate, joined nine registered previously in the program to achieve 100-percent but do not have internet access, please call participation. The move aims to build upon the successful outcomes achieved Jennifer Batza at (518) 767-9051, extension 12, by four Audubon certified New York State park golf courses: Bethpage State Park: or contact Jen with questions at Black, Red, and Green courses, and Sunken Meadow State Park Golf Course. [email protected]. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Carol Ash said, “We are delighted to partner with Audubon MARYLE BARBE International to promote environmentally-friendly best practices at our state golf courses throughout New York. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program has been successfully implemented at the famed Bethpage State Park, including the Black Course. And we anticipate many additional benefits to wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management at our existing golf operations in state parks from Montauk to Western New York.” ACSP Program Manager Joellen Zeh and USGA Agronomist Jim Baird recently conducted a seminar on environmental planning and turfgrass management to help park superintendents from across the state get started in the program. We salute NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for its significant commitment to environmental stewardship and we look forward to working with park golf courses in the coming years!

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program is currently assisting more than 200 state and municipal parks in 33 states manage natural resources responsibly on golf courses and within the parks themselves. The Audubon Signature Program has also assisted in the development Persistent birders may be fortunate to spot an owl of five municipal recreational facilities. during the North American Birdwatching Open. The burrowing owl is often out during daylight hours. 4 STEWARDSHIP IN ACTION

National Park Concessionaires Go Green Continued from page 1

NATIONAL PARK: purchased and packaged are made protection,” reflects Ortega. “It is Bandelier National from recycled materials or can be relatively easy to recycle or to put Monument, New Mexico recycled once used. up a solar panel. It is more difficult “The return on investment for some to approach the larger picture and to CONCESSIONAIRE: of our recycling and reuse procedures ask how every little thing that I do Bandelier Trading Company is extremely high,” reports Ortega. impacts wildlife habitats.” “Supply and utility costs are decreased “I saw my first wild bear at hen it comes to environmental drastically. Because of technological Bandelier when I was six years old,” champions, Bandelier Trading W advances and rising energy costs, many continues Ortega, “and I will never Company is a leader. The company environmental procedures that didn’t forget the thrill of it. I love that the recently became the first property in make financial sense a couple decades ACSP is bringing us the tools to not New Mexico and the forth concession- ago are now paying off within a very only preserve on a larger level, but aire serving the National Park System short time frame. Well thought-out to protect those treasures that I saw to earn designation as a Certified conservation procedures can green the when I was a boy.” Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. bottom line by keeping supply and Bandelier Trading Company operates utility costs low across the board.” the concession area and gift shop for In addition to ensuring environ- Bandelier National Monument, located mental performance in all aspects of in Los Alamos. its operations, Bandelier Trading “By initiating this partnership with Company staff works to educate the Audubon International, we commit to park’s 300,000 yearly visitors about being conscientious stewards, actively local Native American cultures, native preserving the natural balance of life plants and wildlife, and the benefits which surrounds us at Bandelier of energy and water conservation National Monument,” shares Shane and recycling to local environment. Ortega, Environmental Manager for Employees undergo intensive training Bandelier Trading Company. Bandelier to understand and articulate local National Monument encompasses environmental and cultural concerns. 32,000 acres across northern New In addition, information is displayed Mexico and is home to hundreds of throughout the restaurant and gift ruins of Anasazi cliff houses and shop regarding the historical signifi- pueblo-style dwellings. Pueblo ances- cance of the region and the efforts tors called this area home around that Bandelier Trading Company is 600 years ago, and many archeological taking to help preserve and protect sites are scattered across the region. the environment. Environmental Education and Action Bandelier Trading Company’s many Housed in historic Civilian Conserva- efforts have not gone unrecognized. Bandelier Trading Company employees undergo tion Corps buildings at the entrance In addition to its certification from intensive training to understand and articulate local of the park, the restaurant and gift Audubon International, the company environmental and cultural concerns, including the shop are run in an environmentally- also is designated as a Certified protection of Ancestral Pueblo dwellings found among the pink mesas and sheer-walled canyons of the park. friendly manner under the guidance Green Restaurant by the Green of Environmental Manager Shane Restaurant Association, and recently Congratulations to Shane Ortega Ortega, General Manager Sarah passed its first ISO 14001 audit, and the staff at Bandelier Trading Wilson, and Store Manager Melanie which recognizes organizations for Company for becoming the first Paytiamo. The company is an U.S. their environmental management Certified Audubon Cooperative EPA Green Power Partner, purchasing practices. It also received an award Sanctuary in New Mexico! Ortega is green power as a way to reduce the from the Governor of New Mexico in also currently working with the staff environmental impacts associated 2006 for its conservation measures. at White Sands Trading Company in with conventional electricity use. “I am particularly excited about Alamogordo, New Mexico, which It also places a strong emphasis on working with Audubon International should soon be joining Bandelier as reducing waste, and its staff works because of its strength in dovetailing a Certified Audubon Cooperative with suppliers to ensure that materials resource conservation with wildlife Sanctuary. 5

NATIONAL PARK: At first, we recycled aluminum and Top, left: ASCP members find it easy to make the Grand Teton National tin cans, plastic and glass bottles, connection between their management actions and the natural resources they are protecting when newsprint, and magazines. After several Park, Wyoming surrounded by the stunning scenery of a national months of operation, it became park. Credit: Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, WY CONCESSIONAIRE: apparent that the community wanted Above, right: Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club’s Grand Teton Lodge to recycle more. Several users recycling initiative continues to grow, thanks to the Company/Jackson Hole frequented the golf maintenance shop dedication of its staff, including Superintendent Justin Brown. Golf & Tennis Club and requested that we take their other recyclables to the town recycling

BY JUSTIN BROWN, center when we serviced the trailer. It keeps growing… Golf Course Superintendent We began to accept cardboard Having had such great success, the boxes, large bottled water containers, club decided to expand its efforts again f you are planning a round of golf and office pack (paper, envelopes, in 2006 with the addition of a set of Iat the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis file folders, junk mail, etc.). recycling receptacles for every golf Club in the Grand Tetons, you needn’t Soon, the recycling effort grew hole. Alongside the usual ball washer, worry about whether you’ll be playing beyond the capacity of Jackson Hole bench, and garbage can, there now in an extraordinary setting. Panoramic Golf & Tennis Club. Use of the recy- stands a recycling bin. A member of views of the Teton Range and great cling trailer was so overwhelming the maintenance team picks up the playing conditions combine to make that it needed to be emptied at least recycling from around the course and the course one of Wyoming’s best. once a week. As a result, we formed takes it to the trailers each morning. Golfers also enjoy playing in an an alliance with Jackson Hole Club General Manager Guy Evans environmentally friendly setting, where Community Recycling, a non-profit further expanded the efforts into the we take our special responsibility to organization that seeks to decrease restaurant, clubhouse, and pro shop. the land seriously. demand for raw materials by mini- The restaurant now has a designated Because the club borders Grand mizing the amount of waste that location to store and sort all of its Teton National Park, there has always reaches the landfill. We opened our recyclables and the pro shop has a been a conscientious effort by the club facilities and asked them to supply complete set of recycling receptacles and its operator, the Grand Teton and service another recycling trailer, beside the comfort station. Lodge Company, to do its part to offering different recycling options “Everywhere you look, there is sustain the spectacular environment and helping to hold some of the recycling happening at the club and around us and be good stewards of overflow from our trailer. the community is responding very the land and resources we rely on. Because of the increased activity well to our efforts,” says Evans. Among the many things we have and overwhelming support from the Indeed, the partnership with done to maintain this synergy with community, we decided to find a Jackson Community Recycling has the environment is to embark on an permanent location for our new helped the club and lodge to divert aggressive recycling effort, which recycling center. The golf course had nearly 150 tons of cardboard, paper, now serves as a hub for the entire recently donated a piece of land to glass, metals, and plastics each year. north end of Jackson Hole. Teton County to be used as school bus The recycling trailer investment was Our efforts began modestly when, turnaround—and this proved to be a fairly inexpensive and requires only several years ago, the club purchased perfect location. Jackson Community minimal weekly maintenance—a a self-contained recycling trailer for Recycling services the trailer weekly, small price compared to how much use by club members and guests. while the golf course provides regular the community uses the facility and Parked in the maintenance yard, the maintenance, including clean up and how much the environment benefits trailer was used regularly. snow removal. from our efforts. ● 6 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Flying High

BY PETER BRONSKI, Manager, Sustainable Communities Program

s Planning Projects Coordi- nator Todd Henry-DeJesus A guides me through the native-plant landscaped grounds of City Hall in Coconut Creek, Florida, he points with enthusiasm to the butterflies swirling in the air around us. “That’s a Zebra Long Wing,” he says. “Over there is a Variegated Fritillary. And a Gold Rim Swallowtail.” Pulling back the leaves on a small shrub, he shows me the bright-orange caterpillar of yet another species Butterflies have become a unifying symbol for sustainable community efforts in Coconut whose name I’ve since forgotten. Creek, Florida. Planning Projects Coordinator Todd Henry-DeJesus (left) introduced Sustainable Communities Program Manager Peter Bronski to several species, as well as Less than an hour into my visit, it’s to the significant aspects of the city during a recent visit. becoming clear why Coconut Creek is hailed as the Butterfly Capital of the and, in mid-2006, Coconut Creek where they work. World. The title is much more than a became the program’s newest member. During an exhaustive tour of the tourism ploy (the city passed an My site visit served to kick off the community, I saw other examples of official resolution in 2002 designating process, and allowed me to get sustainability in practice. At Hillsboro itself with the title), or a nod to acquainted with the community and Pineland Park, open space preservation Butterfly World, the world’s largest its leaders: the city manager, plan- efforts have permanently protected butterfly aviary with more than ners, staff from Parks and Recreation a remnant forest ecosystem and 80 species and 5,000 individual butter- and Public Works, the city’s wetland. At Lyons Creek Elementary flies, located in nearby Tradewinds Environmental Advisory Board, and School, Principal Washington Collado Park. Rather, Coconut Creek backs school administrators. What I saw and showed me a landscaped courtyard up its claim with extensive natural learned was inspiring. between buildings where students and landscaped habitat that draws City officials lead by example, would design, plant, and maintain butterflies in droves. implementing policies on government their own butterfly gardens. And at And yet the butterflies are just the properties and at their own homes Broward Community College’s tip of the iceberg for a community before asking residents to do the North Campus, I saw where students, looking to make sustainability its same. Coconut Creek is planning a faculty, and government officials had cornerstone and defining attribute. greenways project to build naturalized collaborated to build nest sites for Coconut Creek had earned many trail corridors throughout the com- burrowing owls. accolades, including Tree City USA munity, linking residential and retail Together, these highlights showcase designation and National Wildlife areas, and promoting alternative a commitment to the environment in Federation Community Habitat certifi- transportation. Planners have set Coconut Creek and a resolve to expand cation, to name two. But city officials forth ambitious plans for a project that commitment in the future. were looking to take their environ- appropriately called Main Street, For Coconut Creek and Audubon mental commitment further and designed to build a focused downtown International, that future is now. As integrate sustainability into the for the community, with sustainability we look to the year ahead, it is a city’s planning and policies more principles at its core. And in early time filled with promise, and, we comprehensively. 2006, the City passed affordable hope, with action. “There is a great housing legislation, working to ensure buzz about the program here,” says Beyond Butterflies that families and the local work- Henry-DeJesus. “We’re excited and The Sustainable Communities Program force—teachers and firefighters, for looking forward to making significant became the vehicle for doing just that, example—can live in the community strides towards sustainability.”● GREEN AT SCHOOL 7

Breaking Ground for an Audubon Sanctuary

BY LINDA MORRISON AND PAULINE EMELSON, Teachers, T.J. Connor Elementary School

n the spring of 2006 the third research in the classroom, and grade students at T.J. Connor combined with their observa- IElementary School in Scottsville, tions and map, determined New York, became very aware of the what was needed to create the natural habitats in their schoolyard, Audubon Sanctuary. More trees and as a result of our participation in the shrubs to attract birds and butterflies Audubon Partners for the Environment were on the list of needed plants. Program. With the help of Laurie Broccolo, from Broccolo Tree and Passing the torch Lawn Care (a certified ACSP member), By this time, the school year was the students selected a mowed lawn drawing to a close. This group of area of the schoolyard to transform third graders would not be able to into an Audubon Sanctuary. complete all that they had begun— Using the Audubon Habitat they would have pass the torch to Mapping project as a guide, the the upcoming third grade students. students applied their map making To finalize all of their work and skills to create a large map of the accomplishments, the students school. They accurately laid out the wrote letters to the upcoming third buildings, ball fields, play areas, graders. They explained what the driveways, and parking lot. With Audubon Sanctuary was, what they Letters to upcoming third their “observation journals” in hand, had done, and what they hoped for students recorded in words and graders were the perfect way for the future of this project. students to pass on what they had learned pictures what they saw and heard in Their letters and drawings stressed and express their hopes for the project their schoolyard. They looked for food, the value and the beauty that this (not to mention practice writing skills!) water, shelter, and space needed for natural habitat would provide for the wildlife to raise their young. The birds, animals, and people of their connections to their lives. They also project greatly increased students’ community. And most importantly, the experienced the satisfaction of awareness of their surroundings, and students let the future third graders becoming stewards of the Earth. they discovered that aside from a few know that they were inheriting this This activity taught them the value of trees and shrubs, we weren’t offering project. It would be their responsibility even the smallest creature and that much in the way of wildlife habitat. to carry on the work that was already all plants and animals should be We then implemented the Go Wild started and become caretakers of the respected. These children are the at School project to plan the new Audubon Sanctuary. future caretakers of this planet and natural area. Students did some This past fall, the new class of third the Audubon Sanctuary Project has graders enthusiastically scattered milk- helped them to get started on that weed, sunflower, and Queen Anne’s big job! ● Lace seeds throughout the sanctuary area. Now, they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring to see if any- Audubon Partners thing will be sprouting. In addition, To find out more about joining they will also be busy this spring Audubon Partners for the planting butterfly bushes and other Environment or adopting a school flowering plants to attract their in your community, visit favorite birds, butterflies, and insects. www.auduboninternational.org/ programs or contact Jen Batza at Third graders at T.J. Connor Elementary This project is a wonderful chose an unused corner of their schoolyard example of authentic learning; the [email protected]. for their future Audubon Sanctuary area. students learned by doing and making 8 THE NATURE OF GOLF

A site visit to Prairie Dunes Country Club in Kansas was conducted by Dr. Max Terman, Professor of Biology at Tabor College. Terman remarked: "Prairie Dunes is a leader in habitat preservation and management of native vegetation. Its use of fire as an ecological Seeing is management tool is commendable."

have exceeded all expectations. To aware of the ACSP and somewhat Believing date (February 1, 2007), 115 golf familiar with the efforts that the golf courses have hosted a site visit. course has taken to protect the BY JEAN MACKAY Within the next four years, all 595 environment. But for the majority of AND JEREMY TAYLOR currently certified golf courses will golf courses, the site visit brings new have had a third-party site visit. eyes and a fresh perspective to the erification. It’s a critical issue course—with much to be gained by when it comes to running About Site Visits both parties. any certification program. V Site visits are designed to help “[The reviewer] was impressed with How do you know that people Audubon International verify some the program and said ‘I had no idea’ are doing what they claim? Without of the more visible aspects of golf quite a few times,” reported Greg verification, the credibility of the course environmental management Bliek at Tahoe Donner Golf Course in program and the integrity of its activities. They are conducted by a Truckee, California. “I think it comes members are both at stake. third-party representative not affiliated as a shock to most people that we We know that only too well at with the golf course, such as a local actually care about the environment.” Audubon International. Since the conservation organization, govern- Bliek’s perception was echoed inception of the Audubon Cooperative mental agency, cooperative extension, independently by Scott Terrell of the Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses or Audubon International staff or Truckee Donner Public Utility District, (ACSP) in 1991, we have grappled steward. The site visit generally takes who conducted the site visit. “As an with how to verify the environmental several hours, with course personnel individual who has been involved in best practices of members, without touring the course with the third-party green business and personal practices, adding undo costs or burden to verifier, who then completes a I was very pleasantly surprised to participants. Though written and checklist and returns it to Audubon see the amount of green practices photographic documentation have International for review. Used in being conducted at Tahoe Donner always been required, and certified combination with written and photo- Golf Course,” Terrell commented on golf courses have long been environ- graphic documentation, certification the site visit report. mental leaders in the golf industry, is strengthened dramatically. Bliek and Terrell’s experience are the question of on-site verification Equally important, the site visit no exception. Similar comments appear remained crucial for program critics provides an opportunity for golf course again and again on site visit reports: and supporters alike. representatives to demonstrate some To address the credibility gap, “It was a great opportunity to of the voluntary actions they have Audubon International changed its show an independent third party taken to protect the environment. In recertification requirements in 2005 the projects we are involved in some cases, the reviewer is already to include a site visit—and the results at our course. It allowed us an 9

opportunity to receive construc- tive criticism and new ideas for existing and future projects.” Golf Courses Invited to Join the — Ben Kozlovsky, Assistant Superintendent Barton Creek Audubon Green Golfer Challenge Resort–Palmer Lakeside Course, Spicewood, TX Throughout 2007, Audubon International is inviting golf courses in the United States, Canada, and worldwide to take part in the Audubon Green Golfer “Our [third-party verifier] just Challenge. The challenge is simple: Get as many golfers as possible to pledge to reviewed our golf course and take steps to support environment stewardship while playing the game. From some had some very insightful replacing divots to picking up trash, the simple actions for golfers to take are and positive things to say. He good for the game, good for the golf course, and good for the environment. seemed to be quite happy about Find out more about the challenge, prizes, and the Green Golfer Pledge at the whole situation. It was www.golfandenvironment.org. actually a very good experience.” — Chris Hart, Assistant Superintendent, Coyote Moon Golf Course, Truckee, CA “Heron Lakes Golf Course staff Audubon and management practices “After visiting Brooks Golf Club Green Golfer Pledge demonstrate a strong commitment for the ACSP, I am very impressed to good environmental steward- We value the nature of the game and accept with all the efforts they are putting ship in the Columbia Slough our responsibility to ensure that golf courses forth to maintain and improve the watershed.” — Charles F. Sams are managed in harmony with the environ- environment and water quality.” III, Executive Director, Columbia ment. We pledge to: — Mark Ingwersen, Commissioner, Slough Watershed Council, Site Dickinson County Soil & Water • Be kind to the course: repair ball marks and Visit for Heron Lakes Golf Course, Conservation District, Site Visit replace divots to help maintain playability. Portland, OR for Brooks Golf Club, Okoboji, IA • Walk, rather than use a cart, if health “Notre Dame and the managers of “Forest Hills Country Club exceeds permits. Walking promotes physical fitness, the Warren Golf Course have done the expectations of environmental healthy turf, and a clean environment. a terrific job at preserving this stewardship that an ecologist property as wildlife habitat while • Look for consistent, true ball roll on greens, would expect from a golf course.” simultaneously keeping a lot of rather than speed. Lower mowing heights — Cory Ritterbusch, Ecologist, golfers happy. Audubon Inter- required for fast greens are at the root of Native Landscapes, Site Visit for national could use Warren Golf many turf and environmental problems. Forest Hills Country Club, Loves Course as a model for training • Keep play on the course and stay out of Park, IL other golf courses.” — Laura natural areas. Respect designated environ- Fuderer, Conservation Chair, mentally sensitive areas and wildlife habitats South Bend-Elkhart Audubon within the course. Society, Site Visit for Warren Golf • Use trash and recycling receptacles and Course, IN encourage others to do the same. If you see trash, don’t pass it up…pick it up! By participating in the ACSP, golf course representatives gain assurance • Appreciate the nature of the game. that they are doing right by the Watch for wildlife as you play and support environment and develop the ability the course’s efforts to provide habitat. to invite others in with confidence. • Educate others about the benefits of It is clear from the site visits that environmentally responsible golf course have been conducted thus far that management for the future of the game ACSP golf courses are making new and the environment. allies, while maintaining Audubon Site visits offer a great opportunity for Cooperative Sanctuary certification. • Encourage the golf course be an active golf courses to showcase their environ- And who would have guessed that participant in environmental programs for mental efforts. Larry and Jan Schlippert of golf courses, such as those offered by Commonwealth National Golf Club in on-site verification might become Audubon International. Horsham, Penn., show off their Audubon some of the best public relations a display during their site visit. golf course could have? ● 10 MEMBERSHIP NEWS

FOUR! Audubon International Good News salutes Peggy Ogden, Assistant Superintendent at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg, Florida. We love to hear about the good Peggy spearheaded the club’s recent things happening on our member designation as a Certified Audubon properties! Here’s a small sampling Cooperative Sanctuary, making it of recent successes to inspire your the fourth course she has helped own. If you have news or a good to achieve certification. No matter where she goes, Peggy makes it idea to share, send it along with a clear that the environment comes photo to Jean Mackay, Director of first. Congratulations Peggy! Education, at jmackay@auduboninternational.org.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Albany Pine Bush Commission have selected Farnsworth Middle School to be the site of a Karner blue butterfly rearing program. “I think we may be the only school in the country (world!!) doing this,” reports Alan Fiero, Ph.D., science teacher at Farnsworth. “We will pilot the protocols this year and then go to full production next year.” The Audubon Partner school has been involved in habitat restoration, research, and public education on the endangered Karner blue and other butterflies for a number of years. It’s Butterfly Station and public tours attract more than 2,000 visitors to the school each summer. Congratulations!

MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITY November 29, 2006 through January 26, 2007

AUDUBON COOPERATIVE Arizona Bona Vista State Park Golf Course, Ovid SANCTUARY PROGRAMS Arizona Country Club, Phoenix Chenango Valley State Park Golf California Course, Chenango Forks NEW MEMBERS Mission Viejo Country Club, Mission Viejo Dinsmore Golf Course Mills-Norrie State Park, Staatsburg City of Eufaula–Fairview Cemetery, The Crosby Club, Rancho Santa Fe James Baird State Park Golf Course, Eufaula, AL Yolo Fliers Club, Woodland Pleasant Valley Florida Jones Beach State Park Pitch and Putt Golf Program Adara Golf Club, Crestview Course, Wantagh International Eastpointe Country Club, Palm Beach Pinnacle State Park Golf Course, Addison Blackhawk Golf Club, Spruce Grove, Gardens Robert Moses State Park Pitch and Putt AB, Canada Iowa Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Course, Babylon Des Moines Golf & Country Club, West Sag Harbor State Golf Course, Sag Canmore, AB, Canada Des Moines Coral Creek Golf Course, Hagersville, Harbor ON, Canada Kentucky Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course, Deer Ridge Golf Club, Kitchener, ON, Kearney Hill Golf Links, Lexington Saratoga Springs Canada New Hampshire Soaring Eagles Golf Course/Mark Twain Fort McMurray Golf Club, Fort Blackmount Country Club, Inc., No. State Park, Horeheads McMurray, ON, Canada Haverhill Springbrook Greens at Fairhaven Beach State Park, Fair Haven Foxbridge Golf Club, Uxbridge, ON, New Jersey St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course, Canada Colonia Country Club, Colonia Mountain View Golf Course, Ogdensburg New York The Sedgewood Club, Carmel Whitehorse, YT, Canada Battle Island State Park Golf Course, Fulton Temenos Golf Club, The Valley, BWI, Wellesley Island State Park Golf Course, Beaver Island State Park Golf Course, Fineview Anguilla Grand Island 11

Oldfield, a private club community on the banks of the Okatie River in South Carolina, produced a 2007 calendar entitled The Nature of Oldfield. The calendar features outstanding wildlife photos taken by Marvin Bouknight, Oldfield Staff Naturalist/Outfitters Center Director. “We felt that this project would be a good way for Oldfield members to further develop a sense of pride in their commitment to preserving our natural resources,” says Bouknight. “The calendar has been very well received.” Oldfield achieved the Audubon Neighborhood for Nature Award in 2006 for its participation in the Audubon Partners for the Environment Program for Neighborhoods.

Around the front nine holes of the Four Seasons Golf Course at Peninsula de Papagayo in Costa Rica, Superintendent Jay Miller and his staff developed a “Trail of Giants,” highlighting the giant trees of the region’s endangered dry tropical forest. Each giant is identified with a sign and an accompanying brochure offers background information to educate guests about the forest, which supports Little River Inn Golf Course, a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary on the Mendocino coast a myriad of wildlife, including white-face of northern California, hosted local high school students for a two-day environmental field event, and Howler monkeys. “We recommend called Topics in Sustainability. Forty students from Mendocino High School and their teacher, Tobin the tree trail concept because of its ease Hahn, walked the links and saw first hand various aspects of the course’s environmental program. of maintenance and reasonable cost to Highlights included discussion of efforts to reduce pesticide use, conserve water, and enhance wildlife produce,” reported Miller. “Golfers and habitat. Superintendent Terry Stratton moderated the event. According to Stratton: “The kids saw guests seem to have increased awareness blacktail deer, squirrels, frogs, and a horde of birds—acorn woodpeckers, osprey, vultures, robins, and curiosity concerning these giant trees finches, blackbirds, and more—which confirmed Little River Inn Golf Course’s certification in the and the life they support.” ACSP.” Above: Students check out solar panels that provide some of the electricity for Little River Inn.

Ohio Granite Club Limited, Toronto, ON, AUDUBON PARTNERS Kenwood Country Club, Cincinnati Canada FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Oregon Shadow Glen the Golf Club, Olathe, KS Oak Hill Golf Course, Sutherlin The Heritage Club, Wake Forest, NC NEW MEMBERS Little Compton Community Center, Little Texas RECERTIFIED AUDUBON COOPERATIVE Compton, RI Bear Creek Golf Club, Dallas MTD Products, Valley City, OH Tenison Park Golf Course, Dallas SANCTUARIES Certified for 10 Years or more Virginia Lords Valley Country Club, Hawley, PA AUDUBON SIGNATURE General’s Ridge Golf Course, Pottawatomie Golf Course, St. Charles, PROGRAMS Manassas Park St. Charles, IL NEW SIGNATURE MEMBERS Washington Valderrama Golf Club (Club de Golf Corte Velho, Lisbon, Portugal Tumwater Valley Municipal Golf Club, Valderrama), Cadiz, Spain Grand River, Birmingham, AL Tumwater Certified for Five Years or more Shadow Valley Golf Course, Boise, ID RECENTLY CERTIFIED SIGNATURE RECENTLY CERTIFIED AUDUBON Simsbury Farms Golf Course, West SANCTUARIES COOPERATIVE SANCTUARIES Simsbury, CT Bull’s Bridge Golf Club, Kent/New Milford, CT Arlington Ridge Golf Club, Leesburg, FL Stone Tree Golf and Fitness Club, Owen Broadmoor Golf Links, Fletcher, NC Sound, ON, Canada RE-CERTIFIED SIGNATURE SANCTUARIES Daniel Island Golf Club, Charleston, SC Troon Country Club, Scottsdale, AZ St. James Bay Golf Club, Carrabelle, FL Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort, Vail Golf Club: Vail Recreation District, certified since 2004 Stone Mountain, GA Vail, CO The Sanctuary, Charlotte, NC. certified since 2004 Four Seasons Golf Club at Peninsula Turning Stone (Shenendoah, Kaluhyat, de Papagayo, Peninsula Papagayo, Certified for Two Years or More Sandstone), Verona, NY, certified since 2000 Costa Rica Venice Golf & Country Club, Venice, FL 12 Stewardship News Audubon International publishes Stewardship News six times a year. Inquiries, contributions, or letters to the editor should be addressed to: Celebrating 20 Years Jean Mackay, Editor Audubon International 46 Rarick Road This year Audubon International has achieved a milestone—twenty years of Selkirk, NY 12158 helping people help the environment. Through its award-winning Or sent via e-mail to: education and certification programs, Audubon International [email protected] has helped more than 5,800 businesses, golf courses, schools, Layout and Design: 2k Design, communities, and new developments improve environ- Clifton Park, NY mental performance and manage natural resources Printing: Benchemark Printing, responsibly on more than one million acres of land. Schenectady, NY You can help us build upon our success! If you Audubon International is a non-profit like our approach and our results, please make a environmental organization dedicated tax-deductible donation to Audubon International. to fostering more sustainable human To make a contribution: and natural communities through research, education, and conservation • Donate online at www.auduboninternational.org. assistance. Programs seek to educate, • Include an additional contribution along with your assist, and inspire millions of people from all walks of life to protect and membership renewal. sustain the land, water, wildlife, and • Mail a tax-deductible contribution to: Audubon natural resources around them. Funding International, 46 Rarick Road, Selkirk, NY 12158. is provided by memberships, donations, and program sponsorship. The ACSP Golf Program is sponsored by The Thanks for your support! United States Golf Association.

The newsletter is printed on recycled paper.

E-mail [email protected] [email protected] E-mail

Call (518) 767-9051, ext. 12 or or 12 ext. 767-9051, (518) Call

contact person, please let us know. us let please person, contact

If you have a change of address or or address of change a have you If

Help us to keep up to date! to up keep to us Help

e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] e-mail:

Web Page: http://www.auduboninternational.org Page: Web

Phone: (518) 767-9051 (518) Phone:

Selkirk, New York 12158 York New Selkirk,

46 Rarick Road Rarick 46

Audubon International Audubon

emr Y12054 NY Delmar,

Permit No. 55 No. Permit

PAID

U.S. Postage Postage U.S. Non Profit Org. Profit Non