Stewardship News | Volume 13, Issue 4 | Fall 2010 by Audubon International

Stewardship News A Publication of Audubon International

Volume 13, Issue 4 • Fall 2010

YEARS Reflecting on Two Decades of Stewardship J o e l l e n La m p m a n

joined the ranks at Audubon International a month before my youngest son turned one. That son just began high school. My strength at the time was my background working with kids, having gone to school to receive my elementary school teaching certificate and teaching kids through various day and residential camps. Audubon International wanted to give the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Schools a stronger emphasis, and hiring me was a step in that direction. My focus, however, changed quickly. First, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for Golf Courses was, as it continues to be, our strongest and busiest program. The phone barely

stopped ringing with member questions or requests for information about the program. There was a backlog of certification requests and it took “all hands on deck” to catch up. Second, a beloved staff member, Marla Briggs, left the organization to pursue full-time motherhood six months after I was hired. Since member service is our highest priority, the lion’s share of my time was shifted to working with Golf Program members. And I loved every minute of it. Over the years I have met many dedicated, humble, hard-working individuals. Some of them have become close friends, even though we have yet to meet in person. There is something about the

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides the catalyst that helps a growing number of people initiate outstanding stewardship projects each year at their golf course.

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Thanks to the hard work and dedication of individual participants, employees, volunteers, and community members, properties enrolled in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program demonstrate the effectiveness of stewardship action.

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Dear Members and Supporters, Sometimes, when people we meet are hesitant to join the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, we hear an almost audible groan: “Oh, that sounds like such a good program, but I simply don’t have time,” or “I just don’t need another project.” Sometimes the sentiment is spoken, but more often it’s left unsaid. In reality, environmental stewardship isn’t a project, a task, a chore; it’s not about time. Rather, it’s an attitude that includes the idea that the state of the environment is important. It’s the practice of making decisions and taking actions that attempt to improve and protect the quality of the environment, or at least reduce our impact on the resources and ecosystems that sustain life. Though being a steward challenges us to think about how our daily actions impact water, land, wildlife, and people, it also offers us an exciting way make a positive difference in the world around us. It invites life-long learning about the fascinating planet upon which we live. We hope to stimulate thinking and discussion, share ideas and information, and offer examples of projects that you might like to try. Best,

Kevin Fletcher Executive Director

46 Rarick Road Selkirk, New York 12158 (518) 767-9051 www.auduboninternational.org You can reach our staff via e-mail by typing the person’s first initial, full last name @ auduboninternational.org. Administration

Ronald Dodson, President Kevin Fletcher, PhD, Executive Director Mary Jack, Executive Assistant to the President Paula Realbuto, Executive Assistant for Operations Jessica DesLauriers, Development Manager Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs

Jennifer Batza, Membership Coordinator Jim Sluiter, Program Manager Joellen Lampman, Director

In this issue…

Audubon Signature Program

1 Reflecting on Two Decades of Stewardship: A look back at the

last twenty years of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Program. 6 Moving Forward With Twenty Years of Experience: Timberlake’s

Mirimichi opens as the first Certified Classic Sanctuary in the United States.

Nancy Richardson, Director Linda Snow, Administrative Assistant Education Department

Joshua Conway, Manager of Education and Communications New York Operations

Fred Realbuto, Director Sustainable Communities Program

Suzanne Zakowski, Manager

8 Twenty Questions About the ACSP for Golf: Answers to many

commonly asked questions from Jennifer Batza. 9 Tear-Out Fact Sheet: Coexisting

With Coots For two decades Audubon International has partnered with many companies, organizations, and individuals in the name of stewardship.

Green Leaf Environmental

1280 Old Innes Road, Suite 801 Ottawa, ON K2B5W7 (613) 244-1900 Kevin Gallagher, President Kevin@greenleafenvironmental.org

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Audubon International Takes Initiative In 2008, Audubon International launched a new strategy to affect change in four specific areas. Each of these Initiatives will provide a focus for our work in the years to come.

Community Engagement, Planning, and Action Get the latest on sustainable community efforts, including Guidelines for Sustainable Waterfront Communities.

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Free Webinars! To celebrate the mid-way point of the United Nation’s Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, throughout 2010 Audubon International has been hosting a series of training webinars designed to help people become better stewards of the environment where they live, work, and play. Registration is free, but space is limited. Please visit: www.auduboninternational.org/webinars for more information. Up c o m i n g w e b i n a r s i n c l u d e :

www.SustainableCommunity Initiative.com

Environmental Stewardship and Management Read the “Process for Green Hotels,” an article from Hotel magazine. www.EcoManagementInitiative.com

Eco-Design and Development See which Audubon Signature Program members have earned ecoaccolades from other organizations. www. EcoDevelopmentInitiative.com

Golf and the Environment Watch a video highlighting Audubon International’s partnership with Fed Ex and The First Tee. www.GolfandEnvironment.org

the IPM Toolbox—the ACSP Date: November 9; 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Instructor: Joellen Lampman Description: Integrated pest management involves using a variety of management measures to keep pest populations below levels that are economically and aesthetically damaging, without creating a hazard to people and the environment. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides a tool to evaluate the golf course, document conditions and problems, develop IPM strategies, implement an IPM program, and communicate with staff, golfers, and the community about your program. The presentation will help you integrate sound environmental practices into daily golf course operations and build support for your efforts among staff, golfers, and the community.

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Audubon Green Leaf™ Eco-Rating Program for Hotels Date: November 15; 1:30–2:00 p.m. Instructor: Fred Realbuto Description: The program has four main components that factor into the rating criteria: energy efficiency, resource conservation, pollution prevention, and environmental management. Each of these areas, along with the four steps to become rated—completion of the survey, review, rating of the property, and site visits/verifiers report—will be discussed.

n The

Your Maintenance Facility on the Cheap Date: December 7; 1:30–2:00 p.m. Instructor: James Sluiter Description: It can be difficult to secure funding for necessary maintenance facility upgrades. The presentation will provide practical, low-cost solutions for improving environmental quality and reducing your risk.

n Greening

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. www.facebook.com/auduboninternational www.twitter.com/audubonintl

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Creating Possibilities for Stewardship

Reflecting on Two Decades

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or twenty years, golf professionals have proven themselves as leaders—making strides in environmentally sound golf course management through enrollment and participation the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for Golf Courses. Much of the progress our organization has made in environmental education within the golf industry has been through the ACSP and the efforts of our members, as well as through our Audubon Signature and Classic programs. We have had a twentyyear, million dollar-plus commitment from the United States Golf Association to thank for this success as well. Just as significant, is the support we have received throughout the years from our sponsors, and other industry partners, whose contributions help us to expand our educational reach in golf—on and off the course. Often, these partners go above and beyond their annual sponsorship contribution to help us to further the goals of the Golf & Environment Initiative well beyond the reaches of our program. It’s impossible to cover all of these examples from the last 20 years in a single article, but recalling even a few helps to reveal how important our Golf & the Environment Initiative Sponsors are. A Toro Foundation gift led to the development and distribution of over 10,000 “Golf and Environment” educational CD-ROMS to superintendents throughout the United States. Golf Digest, the USGA, Fed-Ex and others assisted in the development of Audubon Green Golfer golf bag tags and curriculum for golfers which is now being

used by both the First Tee program and the Golf Course Builders Association’s “Sticks for Kids” program. Fed-Ex also has recently funded a series of full-day, outdoor classroom projects at First Tee facilities across the country, with Audubon International staff serving as instructors. Thanks in part to a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, resources, case studies and a full report on “Uncovering the Business Value of Environmental Stewardship in Golf” were developed from Audubon International member files and information—thereby furthering the business case for the ACSP for Golf Courses and other environmental efforts. Finally, with support from our Golf Advisory Council and a host of sponsors, we’ve been able to convene three Golf & the Environment Summits designed to provide us with feedback on our efforts and increase the overall education and interaction among golf’s leaders on environmental issues. We have accomplished much over the last 20 years and thanks to our sponsors and partners within the golf industry, there will be many more projects and educational efforts to help support the on-the-ground efforts of the ACSP for Golf Course members in the years to come. We thank all who have provided assistance in the past and welcome ongoing support as we look toward the future. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Development Office at development@auduboninternational.org

Audubon International Prepares to Celebrate Twenty Years of the ACSP

he Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) and ACSP for Golf Courses will be twenty years old in 2011. To help us celebrate, we’re inviting members to send us those five, ten, fifteen, and yes, maybe even twenty year old photographs of the work you’ve done through these programs. They will be used throughout the next fifteen months in print and on the Internet to help us tell your environmental story and the story of this two-decade old program. Please send digital images that are at least 4” x 6” and at least 300 dpi. Images may be sent to jconway@auduboninternational.org. We appreciate you participation!

Our ongoing efforts to recognize outstanding environmental achievements reached a milestone this year as we surpassed 800 Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary golf courses

Over half of the Golf Digest America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses are registered in an Audubon International program with 20% certified.

Members of the Audubon Steward Network continue to serve as a source of knowledge, good advice, enthusiasm, and encouragement.

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of Stewardship Over 220,000 acres are being managed as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries worldwide

The staff has been working very hard to bring you a set of toolkits that will help with your outreach and education efforts. Each toolkit is a “one stop shop” for the outreach and education component of certification. Just follow the guidelines and add a little effort and you will be on your way to being designated as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

The Audubon Green Golfer Challenge is simple—build golfers’ environmental awareness by having them pledge to become an Audubon Green Golfer and support environmental stewardship actions while playing the game. From replacing divots to supporting the golf course’s efforts to provide wildlife habitat and protect water resources, there are simple actions golfers can take that are good for the game, good for the golf course, and good for the environment.

Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program staff have reviewed over 8,000 certification requests over the life of the program.

Audubon International partnered with FedEx and The First Tee to teach junior golfers about sustainable golf practices while facilitating eco-friendly public golf course improvements in communities that host PGA Tour FedExCup tournaments.

Starting in 2005, certified golf course members started hosting site visits as part of their recertification requirements. Both course personnel and the third-party verifiers find the visits insightful and partnerships have been developed.

program that connects us in a common cause and bonds us together. Many think of the ACSP as a certification program, but it is not. The program is, first and foremost, an education program. My colleagues and I are not policeman or graders—sometimes we feel more like counselors than anything else. We listen to issues and problems. We ask about how things are done at the golf course, brainstorm, and work with the members to make small changes that can yield big results. And sometimes we just can’t offer anything but a sympathetic ear. We still don’t know how to stop that one crow that picks up golf balls from the fairway and drops them on the clubhouse roof. And, there will still be some members/golfers/Green Committee Chairmen/neighbors that you just can’t make happy, no matter what you do. We have, however, found someone who has made his peace with coots (see the fact sheet on page nine). We know that, as difficult as many members find it, having a strong Outreach and Education program is key to success, which is why we are committed to creating more toolkits to help make this part of the program easier. The year 2011 is going to be exciting and I look forward to continuing our relationship with golf course superintendents, their staff, managers, and professionals for another twenty years. l

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Moving Forward with Na n c y R i c h a r d s o n

fter nearly twenty years of working with new golf course projects through the Audubon International Signature Program, two things became clear to us. The first was that there were projects that were undergoing construction that had not learned about our program until the project was no longer eligible for the Signature Program. The second thing we learned was that these same projects were also not eligible for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for Golf Courses because they were not completely built and open for business. About the same time that we were getting inquiries from these new projects, we also heard from projects undergoing a renovation that could benefit from design and construction information distributed through the Signature Program. So what happens to those projects that fall in-between? What happens to those projects that are too far along for the Signature Program and not far enough along for membership in the ACSP? It was a question that we were asked many times over the years until, in 2008, we launched a program that we knew would help to fill that programming void—the Audubon International Classic Program. By definition, the Classic Program falls between the ACSP for existing land uses and the Signature Program for projects from their planning stage of development through construction and long-term management. The Classic Program takes into account that developed properties may be constrained by the prior development. Like the Signature Program, the Classic Program takes an approach that is flexible and adaptable. Members must meet minimum program requirements focusing on Water Conservation, Water Quality Monitoring and Management, Integrated Pest Management, Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Enhancement, Energy Conservation and Efficiency, Waste Management, Outreach and Education, and any site specific requirements. Additionally, members host several site

visits, submit monthly progress reports, and implement a management plan. After meeting requirements equivalent to the Signature Program, certification is subject to passing a final on-site audit of the property.

Justin’s family cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Calloway Performance Center. Left to right, Paul Harless, Justin Timberlake, Lynn Harless.

Mirimichi Was the Perfect Fit One of the first projects to show interest in the new Classic Program was a golf course that was undergoing a complete renovation. The project was Big Creek Golf Course in Millington, Tennessee. When the rumor started that the owners would close Big Creek Golf Course and turn it into a subdivision, the news reached the family of singer, songwriter, performer Justin Timberlake. Justin’s mother and stepfather lived near the golf course, and, in fact Big Creek Golf Course was where Justin learned to play golf. After deciding to purchase and upgrade the course, one of the first questions the family asked was “How can we make

Years of Experience

this course as eco-friendly as possible?” Learning that the golf course was already under construction, (and so was not eligible for the Signature Program), Big Creek Golf Course was offered membership in the Classic Program. We felt it would be a perfect fit. Not only did Big Creek Golf Course get an extensive upgrade, it got a new name. It is now called Mirimichi, Cherokee for “place of happy retreat.” Located just north of downtown Memphis, the public golf facility includes a one-mile stretch of the Big Creek which runs along the northwestern side of the project. Based on the ages of the trees lining the banks, Big Creek was likely altered in the 1940s when the Tennessee Valley Authority was formed. The forest types are typical of the region with mixed mesophytic hardwood to the east and south and bottomland hardwoods to the north and west. So protecting the quality of that creek was a priority for Audubon International. The Classic Program concept at Mirimichi was to complete renovation of the existing golf course, to build a ninehole executive course, and build a new maintenance facility by employing Audubon International’s Best Management Practices and innovative techniques. The following are environmental highlights of the renovation: • Turfgrass acreage was reduced from over 200 acres to less than 90 acres. This is an extraordinary change that has resulted in reduced operational costs and resource consumption. • Special management zones were set up and observed to protect the water bodies from runoff from the golf course. All golf course drainage now utilizes infiltration sumps to protect water during chemical applications and from runoff flowing from managed areas. • The new maintenance facility was designed to meet Audubon International’s requirements and includes containment around fuel loading area

The wetland at Mirimichi was designed to protect Big Creek from runoff, but has also become a wildlife hotspot adding to the aesthetic value of the property.

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and storage tank, sealing the entire fueling area surface, and a state-ofthe-art equipment wash and recycling system. Excellent design for chemical storage and for the mix/load center consisting of free standing pesticide storage unit, sealed floors with containment curbing, explosion-proof lighting, and sprayer storage with a contained wash-down area. Aquatic plantings were installed in the newly created littoral shelves in new ponds. The littoral shelf provides for erosion control, wildlife habitat and enhances water quality by filtering runoff. Hundreds of native trees and other plantings were added to the course to reduce excessive water and fertilizer usage. Specimen and culturally significant trees such as the American beech on the Little Mirimichi were protected throughout the construction process. Filtering runoff from the maintenance facility compound through created swales, wetlands, and holding ponds resulted in protection of the water quality of Big Creek and in the creation of wildlife habitat. Creation and enhancement of habitat included 22.65 acres of lakes, 3,547 feet of streams, 7,380 linear feet of shoreline, 2.62 acres of created wetlands, 37.5 acres of preserved meadow/grasslands for a total of

62.77 acres preserved (20%) of the 303.88 total acreage and 168.41 acres of golf (total of 53%). This golf course opened in July 2009 to positive reviews from the Memphis community, from golf professionals, and golf organizations. Based on its environmental accomplishments, it also opened as the first Certified Classic Sanctuary in the United States.

The Second Upgrade Although Mirimichi was received with great warmth and positive feedback, it also revealed several areas where the course needed improvement if it was going to follow through on the vision of being a world-class golf destination and host a major championship. Timberlake initially planned for additional improvements over a three year period while staying open, but made the decision to close down and again upgrade the course. “I felt the Memphis community deserves the best now and shouldn’t have to wait through three years of gradual improvements. So I challenged the Mirimichi team to make all of the changes by our first anniversary,” said Timberlake. So in January 2010, Mirmichi closed down again to get the course in ‘tournament shape’ by July 2010. Bergin Golf Designs and Sanders Golf Construction re-contoured the greens and re-grassed them with Champion Bermuda. In addition to moving four

greens closer to water and adding bunkers, the following was done: • Water filtration and drainage enhancements were added to reduce consumption for irrigation. • By tying course drainage to ponds, water recycling was increased. • Upgrades were made to the recirculating creek and waterfall system for better efficiency. • Additional native trees were added. • Additional wildflower meadows, aquatic plants and other landscaping were added. • Electric golf carts replaced the original fleet. • The Callaway Performance Center was completed. Although scheduled to re-open in July, after a deluge in May, the course re-opening was put off until September 6, 2010. The down-side from the major storm event was the delayed re-opening to the public, but the up-side was that the creek deposited sediment onto the fairways adding much needed organic materials to the soils. Talk about using available resources! How about having Mother Nature deliver them right to your doorstep? Along with the course re-opening, the multi-million dollar Callaway Performance Center was unveiled at the celebration. This state-of-the-art center will offer golf lessons and customized club fitting using the same Callaway Performance Analysis continued on page 11

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Questions About the ACSP for Golf

J e n n i f e r Ba t z a

s the first point of contact for Audubon International program members, I have had to field many confused, frantic, and inquiring phone calls over the years. While the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf, it can, at times, be very overwhelming for program members. As a result, I spend much of my time answering the same questions. Below are the answers to the top twenty most frequently asked questions. I hope you find these answers helpful and please remember that I am here to help and would be happy to talk you through any part of the certification process.

1. How long does certification take? On average most program members achieve certification in one to three years, but the amount of time will depend on how quickly you implement your specific environmental management plan and document your results.

2. How do I get started? Begin the certification process with the Site Assessment and Environmental Plan (SAEP). Completing this section of the handbook only takes about an hour and is vital to developing an environmental management plan. When you are done don’t forget to make a copy and send it in! 3. Should I complete the entire handbook before sending it in? No. Please complete the SAEP first and send that in. Do not try to complete the whole certification handbook. Sending each section separately allows Audubon International

staff to review and provide valuable feedback and education along the way.

4. What is the identification number, (e.g. GC0000) I see on my invoice? The identification number is what Audubon International staff use to identify your golf course. Each golf course has a specific identification number (even if managed by the same company), please refer to this number when calling our office. The identification number is also used as your username for the members-only area.

5. What is the members-only area on

9. Do we need a new maintenance facility? No. All Audubon International requires is that there is a spill containment system in place and resources are being managed efficiently. One of the simplest spill containment systems is to place chemicals in plastic bins on shelves.

10. How do I get a wildlife inventory? A wildlife inventory is easy. All you need to do is record all the wildlife you see on the golf course. You can also enlist the help of golfers for the outreach and education component of certification.

the Audubon International website?

The members-only area is an ever-growing online resource where members can find the certification documents, toolkits and factsheets, Eco-Region information, and much more. Go to http://www.auduboninternational.org/members/acspgolf and use your identification number and password to log in.

6. How do I send in my certification documentation? You can submit all certification documents including photos by uploading them straight to us and save yourself postage. It is very easy to do and instructions can be found on the membersonly area under “Send Us Your Files.”

7. What size should photos be? We prefer that photos are submitted digitally though the members-only area. Photos must be at least 4” x 6” at 300 dpi, digital photos only.

8. How often does a golf course need to test water quality? For the first two years of involvement, we ask that you test water quality four times each year to obtain a baseline, and once every year thereafter.

Saucon Valley Country Club, Pennsylvania

11. Can a fellow superintendent do a site visit for my golf course recertification? No. The site visits for

recertification must be conducted by an independent third-party reviewer. This may include a representative from: a local non-profit environmental organization (e.g., watershed organization, land trust, nature center); a Cooperative Extension staff member; someone from the local government (e.g., conservation district, soil and water district, state wildlife or continued on page 11

Fact Sheet E d u c at i o n a l

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T ear along perforation

American Coot

Coexisting With Coots

small duck-like bird, the American Coot’s black body, red eyes, and white beak makes it one of the more easily identified waterfowl. A flock of coots is sometimes called a “commotion” or a “swarm.” Property managers in the south will recognize the sentiment behind these names as they can be an unwelcome nuisance during the cooler months. Swarms can swell to 1,500 birds resulting in damaged turfgrass from aggressive feeding, digging, and defecation. Native to North and Central America, the American Coot has also been found in parts of Europe. Coots prefer shallow fresh-water ponds and marshes, making them common visitors to urban ponds, but can also be found in coastal waters. Osprey and bald eagle sometimes prey upon adults. A number of animals including raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and snapping turtles will prey on coot eggs and nestlings. Coots are opportunistic feeders and will eat aquatic vegetation and algae,

fish, tadpoles, crustaceans, snails, worms, insects, and eggs of other marsh birds. They will also steal food from other waterfowl, especially diving ducks as they return to the surface with aquatic plants from the bottom of the pond. They also feed on agricultural crops and turfgrass. Because of their adaptability, large numbers, and disregard of most attempts to shift them, there is still much debate over how to best control coot damage. There is one golf

Metropolitan Golf Links, California

course in California, however, that has learned to coexist with the coots for a number of years. continued on reverse

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A flock of coots is known as a “swarm.” Swarms can sometimes swell to 1,500 birds.

Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland, CA Coots use Metropolitan Golf Links as a rest area during their annual migration, with a couple hundred birds stopping each year. Resting in the lakes at night, they spend the day eating grass, digging, and defecating. The 17th green would get so bad that golf course staff would need to clean the green two to three times a day. The coots would also dig holes that needed to be sanded and reseeded daily. Kendra, a goose dog, was very successful in controlling the goose population, but the coots just ran into the water instead of flying away. Something else needed to be done. The first order of business was to set appropriate goals. Recognizing that eliminating coots from the course altogether was not realistic, they decided on the following goals: 1. Reduce damage from coots on green 2. Reduce cost of maintenance on #17 green 3. Improve the enjoyment of golfers while playing golf 4. Allow coots to continue their natural migration process

It was first recommended that they obtain a depredation permit due to the tremendous coot damage. Since CourseCo, the managing company is a very environmentally conscious company, and the superintendent, Gary Ingram, CGCS, believed there must be a less drastic solution, he decided to try installing a fence around the green. He chose a silt fence as it was readily available, somewhat inexpensive, easy to install, and, the correct height and best color for the situation. Three rolls of silt fence are installed outside of water hazard sloping towards the green so if a ball hit the fence there is a chance it would continue towards the green. Fencing is installed to coincide with the beginning of the migration season before the coots become used to visiting the green as not only a place to eat and congregate, but as a natural route to other areas on the course. Fence stakes must be replaced when wind, rain, and golfers loosen or pull them out. Fencing also must be replaced once during the season due to rain, wind, and solar radiation deterioration. Ingram has learned that if repairs and replacement are not done consistently enough, the

coots will go back to visiting the green. Communication and education of the guests is critical to the success of this project. Putting a fence in the way of the golf shots definitely made the hole more difficult and at times required golfers to understand how this fence should be played as per the rules of golf. Golf shop staff is well informed with information on both the counter and breezeway tables. Information was also available on the Metropolitan Golf Links web page through the Superintendents blog. Over the year, fencing costs around $250 and about $600 in labor is spent maintaining the fence. This compares to approximately $4,000 per year cleaning and repairing the coot damaged green. Ingram considers “the cost savings to be incidental to the good will and efforts in doing what was right.” The fencing is adequate in meeting the goals. Coots continue to eat in the roughs and fairways, but the damage is incidental compared the destruction to the green. The owners and guests are happy. Ingram’s only regret is that he wishes he had tried it sooner.

Moving Forward with 20 Years of Experience Continued from page 7

system that is used by professional golfers. This center is one of only nine in the country. Along with the eighteenhole putting course and Callaway Center, the amenities include a nine-hole executive course (dubbed Little Mirimichi) and a large practice facility. But what really sets the stage is the created wetland to the right of the road as one enters through the Mirimichi gate. Designed to address rain event runoff from the maintenance facility compound, the runoff is directed to a system of swales, wetlands and holding ponds at Little Mirimichi. The goal with this system is to protect Big Creek in particular from pollutants but in doing so, outstanding wildlife habitat has been created as well. This whole ecosystem gives visitors and golfers a feel for what is to come. The entrance gate says we are first-class, “top of the line”. The wetland says “we can host major golf events and watch out for the health of the environment at the same time.”

Next Steps The upgrading was done for a bigger reason than just making faster greens. Timberlake has set the goal of having Mirimichi host a major championship by 2020. Along with a great golf experience, it will be an opportunity to show a larger audience the environmental integrity maintained at this facility. So it seems that Mirimichi was a perfect fit for The Classic Program. Membership in the Classic Program is increasing as other “in-between” projects find that this program fits them. But Mirimichi’s continued function is probably best described by Justin himself. “Environmental sustainability is about more than what we do at our course,” Timberlake said. “It is about taking a leadership role and encouraging other golf courses, and organizations of all kinds around the country and around the globe to emulate our commitment toward making a positive impact on the world we live in.” l

Questions About the ACSP for Golf

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16. Can I renew my membership

environmental protection agency, municipal official); a member of a university or college science or turfgrass department, or a member of the Audubon Steward Network.

online? Yes, renewing your membership online is very easy and faster than sending a check. Visit http://shop.auduboninternational.org.

12. What is the toxicity class of a

17. Where can I find examples of

chemical? All chemicals have a class

what other members have done successfully? Stewardship News, our

symbol located on the outside of the bag or container and a cautionary warning. Please remember to read these warnings and know your chemicals.

13. Does Audubon International send out a press release for my golf course? Audubon International creates

member newsletter, is twelve pages of member success stories. You can even get it through email by sending your request to jconway@auduboninternational.org.

18. I want to know more, where can I get more information?

template press releases for program members to send out, but does not send out press releases on behave of golf courses. After certification is obtained, all courses are published in Audubon International’s Recognized Properties list.

http://GolfandEnvironment.com is a great place to get the latest information on our Golf and Environment Initiative. You can also subscribe to our newsletters in the lower left-hand corner of http://www.auduboninternational.org.

14. Do you sell environmental signs?

19. How do I get my invoice by

Yes. Audubon International has a small number of signs available through our online store. Visit http://shop.auduboninternational.org.

email? Let us know on your next invoice. Be sure to provide your email address. You can also email jbatza@auduboninternational.org to sign up for paperless billing.

15. How do I get rid of the lines, colors, and other funky stuff when I work on the certification documents?

In Word 2010, click on the Review tab. Click on the arrow next to Final: Showing Markup and change it to Final. In earlier versions of Word, you need to click on View, scroll down to Toolbars, and click on Reviewing. A toolbar will pop up. Click on the arrow next to Final Showing Markup and change it to Final.

20. The contact information for my golf course has changed. How do I update this information? The easiest

way to update the contact information for your golf course is to use the “Update Your Info” link on the right-hand side of the page on the members-only area. l

Stewardship News

Audubon International publishes Stewardship News four times a year. Inquiries, contributions, or letters to the editor should be addressed to:

Audubon International at the 2011 Golf Industry Show February 7-11

Joshua Conway, Editor Audubon International 46 Rarick Road Selkirk, NY 12158

Orlando, FL We are pleased to be attending the Golf Industry Show in Orlando, FL, February 7-11, 2011. If you are attending, please stop by our booth (#2174) and say hello. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) will be twenty years old in 2011. To celebrate the milestone and the success that organizations and businesses have helped to achieve over the past two decades, Audubon International will host an invitation-only evening reception at the Rosen Centre Hotel on Wednesday, February 9, 2011.

Want to Meet When We’re In Your Neighborhood? Are you interested in having an Audubon International staff person speak at your local community group, Chamber of Commerce, club, or other venue? We may be in your neighborhood soon. Email us at audubon@auduboninternational.org to schedule a talk or meeting.

Or sent via e-mail to: jconway@auduboninternational.org Layout and Design: 2k Design,

Clifton Park, NY

Printing: Benchemark Printing,

Schenectady, NY

Audubon International is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to fostering more sustainable human and natural communities through research, education, and conservation assistance. Programs seek to educate, assist, and inspire millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. Funding is provided by memberships, donations, and program sponsorship. The ACSP Golf Program is sponsored by The United States Golf Association. The newsletter is printed on recycled paper.

Look inside for a tear-out fact sheet! If you have a change of address or contact person, please let us know. Call (518) 767-9051, ext. 110 or E-mail jbatza@auduboninternational.org

Help us to keep up to date! Phone: (518) 767-9051 Web Page: http://www.auduboninternational.org e-mail: acss@auduboninternational.org Audubon International 46 Rarick Road Selkirk, New York 12158

Permit No. 55 Delmar, NY 12054

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