OVER $ 44 0,000 GRANTED A CROSS 29 PROJE C TS GLOBALLY

Ceo Corner

The Post-Pandemic Green Awakening Is Here

As the U.S. federal government prepares to end its three-year-long Covid-19 pandemic emergency declaration this spring, hopefully for good, we at Audubon International are seeing big, beautiful, healthy green shoots of progress on the environmental sustainability front.

Among the many positive cultural changes that have come out of an otherwise dangerous and sometimes deadly health emergency is one that we’ve worked hard to bring about since our founding 35 years ago: people seem now to understand the importance of healthy open spaces near their homes and workplaces. And that understanding has brought about very hopeful trends in how private and public entities — including the golf courses, resorts, parks, and businesses we work with — interact with the environment. This is indeed the only planet we have, and while climate change will continue to challenge us, serious and scientifically sound stewardship efforts across a wide spectrum of human endeavor are now the rule, not the exception. Everywhere I go, it seems everyone is tuned into a “Green Awakening.”

That means the great indoors, too. In one of my favorite “elevator speeches,” I not only highlight the work Audubon International does through its certification and education partnerships, but explain that to bring the natural and built environments into sustainable balance, what we do becomes even more important.

Every day we’re getting more calls from individual courses inquiring about certification as well as other businesses of all kinds looking to better manage the property in their care. For courses that means reducing mowed turf, helping out-of-play areas “go natural,” cutting back on chemical pesticides, developing drought-resistant grasses, constructing bird boxes and other wildlife-friendly zones, and keeping water sources as pristine as possible. For clubhouses, hotels, and office buildings, it means analyzing and replacing outdated HVAC systems, adjusting thermostats, installing energy efficient lights, advanced room control systems and water-saving plumbing fixtures, and improving insulation R factors.

Apply For A Grant From The Fairways Foundation Today

Previous projects funded include wildflower patches, pond restoration, fairway stream daylighting, invasive species removal, bat boxes, youth field trips, canal bank restoration, hedgerow development and so much more.

Aquatrols established The Fairways Foundation with the purpose of funding local and global projects that advance the conservation of our natural resources. These projects will help to preserve the environment we live and work in while encouraging education and stewardship not only within our own industry but also within wider communities.

When a big company like Marriott International — one of the world’s largest hotel operators, and the subject of this issue’s cover feature — puts sustainability at the center of its corporate culture, the effect is earth-shaking (and saving) indeed. They’re also one of Audubon International’s most dedicated partners, working hard each year to achieve ACSP for Golf certification at its golf courses in the United States and abroad. They are employing sustainable practices indoors, too. Whether constructing new vacation clubs or retrofitting existing resorts, Marriott Vacations Worldwide continually strives towards achieving their goal of becoming more sustainable. Other large companies are following their lead and our light-on-the-land footprint continues to grow.

The future of Audubon International and our mission wouldn’t be anywhere near as bright without the dedication and passion of the superintendents, managers and executives we partner with each and every day to make sure the Green Awakening blossoms into a planet-wide Green Revolution. On behalf of everyone at Audubon International, thank you. Here’s to a healthy, sustainable spring.

GRANT SUB M ISSION S ARE OPEN THR O UGH A PRI L 30,

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If you are considering environmentally conscious projects visit TheFairWaysFoundation. co m for more details.

Christine Kane, Chief Executive Officer, Audubon International christine@auduboninternational.org

518.767.9051 | Toll-free 1.844.767.9051 Audubon International Headquarters 120 Defreest Drive, Troy, NY 12180

STAFF

Christine Kane , Chief Executive Officer christine@auduboninternational.org

Fred Realbuto Chief Operating Officer fred@auduboninternational.org

Frank LaVardara, Director, Environmental Programs for Golf frank@auduboninternational.org

Kat Welch Director, Signature Sanctuary Certification kat@auduboninternational.org

Scott Turner Environmental Program Manager scott@auduboninternational.org

Alison Davy Finance and Operations Manager alisond@auduboninternational.org

Tallis Warren, Member Services Manager tallis@auduboninternational.org

Sarah Honan, Environmental Program Specialist sarah@auduboninternational.org

Kelsey King Environmental Program Specialist kelsey@auduboninternational.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Henry DeLozier, Chairman

Rich Katz, Vice Chairman

Matt Ceplo, Treasurer

Marvin Moriarty, Secretary Jennifer Grant, Ph.D.

Dan Murphy

Jake Riekstins

James Singerling, CCM

Randy Winegard

STEWARDSHIP

Vic Williams, Editor | Alissa Theodor, Designer