We have recently decided to get involved in an exciting environmental improvement program for our golf course. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ASCP) provides information, guidance and support to help golf courses conduct proactive environmental projects that benefit people and the environment. We have many sound environmental practices in place already and this program will help us expand upon these and gain recognition for our efforts. I am familiar with this program and implemented it at the club I was at in Indiana prior to moving to Florida.

Audubon International’s premiere education program, The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, educates people about environmental stewardship and motivates them to take action in their daily lives that will enhance and protect wildlife and their habitats and conserve natural resources. Programs for homeowners, businesses, schools, and golf courses tailor information to the unique setting and needs of each member.The program addresses five key environmental quality areas: Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Safety and Reduction, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management and Outreach and Education. Our first step is Environmental Planning. During the next month or so, I’ll be filling out a Site Assessment and Environmental Plan to tell Audubon International staff about our organization and the types of projects we want to pursue. They will then have a better sense of who we are and what our goals are.

Once we have applied a variety of projects in each environmental component, we can apply to become a Certified Audubon Sanctuary. This exemplary distinction is a national recognition of environmental excellence bestowed on organizations that are taking a leadership role in conservation projects. I believe that we could achieve certification within the next year, but I will need input from this committee as well as other members of the club.

As I begin this program and start the planning process, I welcome your input. I will be providing much more specific information in the coming weeks, but in the meantime I encourage you to visit their web-site by clicking on the logo above.

As I digest more of this information, I would like to form a Resource Advisory Committee to help form ideas, develop plans and implement those plans to work towards the goal becoming certified.

Sanctuary Golf Club, Sanibel

Sancuary Golf Club, Sanibel