Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Place Alternating Slideshow Photo Here

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1 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses Place Alternating Slideshow Photo Here

2 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses In 1991, Audubon International, with the support of the United States Golf Association, launched the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP). The program provides educational resources, a structured framework, and a set of environmental standards that help golf courses respond effectively to the challenges of maintaining an environmentally sound golf course.

3 Why Golf Courses? When carefully constructed and managed, golf courses can be successfully blended with the natural environment to preserve natural habitat and provide a community asset.

4 Why Golf Courses? Potential pollution of groundwater and surface waters Use of water resources for irrigation Degradation or loss of natural areas Potential effect of golf course activities on people and wildlife

5 Golf and the Environment Environmentally sound golf course management is essential for maintaining the quality of the environment and continuing the natural heritage of the game of golf. Baltusrol Golf Club: Springfield, NJ Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

6 Benefits of the Program The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program provides a framework for coordinating and expanding your environmental efforts. It will help you document, communicate, and promote what you do. It will help you reduce risks and environmental liabilities. I came into the program very cocky. I grew up on a golf course and thought I knew it all. Audubon showed me how much I didn t know. Patrick Blum, Superintendent at Colonial Acres Golf Course

7 Some of the ACSP s results 2,295 courses in 20 countries There s Strength in Numbers: The more courses involved, the stronger the results for the golf industry as a whole.

8 Audubon Golf Courses in Greater Philly Area Pennsylvania: 153 Courses Enrolled 20 Certified Sanctuaries New Jersey: 127 Courses Enrolled 21 Certified Sanctuaries Delaware: 38 Courses Enrolled 4 Certified Sanctuaries

9 Good for the Environment, Good for the Course ACSP Participant Survey results: 75% reduce pesticide costs 82% reduced pesticide use 89% improved cultural control methods to decrease the need for chemical use 89% conscientiously choose native plants when landscaping 50% increased the amount of shoreline vegetation 99% reported that playing quality has remained the same or improved

10 Good for the Environment, Good for Golfers National Golf Foundation survey results: Among the top five reasons people play golf is: "it puts the golfer in touch with nature" 90% of golfers believe in the need to protect the environment ACSP Participant Survey results: 92% use pesticides with lower toxicity levels Average increase of 22 acres of wildlife habitat per course 66% reported that golfer satisfaction has improved 34% reported that golfer satisfaction has remained the same

11 Good for the Environment, Good for Staff ACSP Participant Survey results: 80% decreased the amount of managed turfgrass 56% increased the width of no-spray zones around water features 99% reported that job satisfaction has improved or has remained the same

12 Reasons To Join The Program Reduce Operational Costs Enhance job satisfaction Improve job skills Improve turf quality Improve golfer and community relations Not to mention: Protect and enhance wildlife habitat Conserve natural resources Protect water quality It s the right thing to do! Michael Sandburg, CGCS

13 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses Goals: Enhance wildlife habitats on existing golf courses Encourage active participation in conservation programs Recognize golf courses as important open spaces and credit those participating in environmental projects Educate the public and golf community about the benefits of golf courses and the role they play relative to the environment and wildlife

14 Six Environmental Focus Areas Environmental Planning Wildlife and Habitat Management Chemical Use Reduction and Safety Water Conservation Water Quality Management Outreach and Education

15 Environmental Planning Keystone Ranch, CO The program assists golf courses in developing an environmental plan that balances the needs of golfers with the course s responsibility to care for the environment.

16 Environmental Planning takes into account: In-play Turfgrass Maintenance facility Irrigation Course landscaping Water features Non-play natural areas McCall Golf & Country Club: Upper Darby, PA

17 Environmental Planning Commit to environmental stewardship Plan projects that ensure overall environmental quality Evaluate progress towards goals and objectives on an annual basis

18 Wildlife and Habitat Management Provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species in non-play and landscaped areas Protect existing native habitats and species

Wildlife and Habitat Conservation: Example Wetlands, threatened and endangered species, rare natural communities, and pristine ecosystems on or near a golf course can require special protection.

19 Wildlife and Habitat Conservation: Example Wetlands, threatened and endangered species, rare natural communities, and pristine ecosystems on or near a golf course can require special protection. Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, which sits within the New Jersey Pinelands environmentally-sensitive area, preserved 40 acres of woodland, protecting valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, Cologne, NJ

20 Wildlife & Habitat Management Example Saucon Valley Country Club, PA 2003 release of 70 native quail Established a Bluebird Trail of 20 bluebird nestboxes Participation in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count Replacement tree program and nursery

21 Wildlife and Habitat Management Example Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club, DE - Before

22 Wildlife and Habitat Management Example Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club, DE - After

23 Wildlife and Habitat Management Example Edgewood Country Club: Riverdale, NJ Before Creation of Naturalized Wildflower Area

24 Wildlife and Habitat Management Example Edgewood Country Club: Riverdale, NJ After Creation of Naturalized Wildflower Area

25 Chemical Use Reduction and Safety Helping golf courses to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as safely use, store, and handle chemicals, is a key environmental priority of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Filter strip and no spray zone- Blue Hills Country Club, KS

and IPM Ensure that chemical products are managed and

26 Chemical Use Reduction and Safety Maintain vigorous and healthy turfgrass through sound cultural practices and IPM Ensure that chemical products are managed and applied in ways that minimize harmful environmental impacts

Chemical Use Reduction and Safety: Example Regular scouting and monitoring help golf course employees become familiar with pests and address problems once threshold levels have been exceeded.

27 Chemical Use Reduction and Safety: Example Regular scouting and monitoring help golf course employees become familiar with pests and address problems once threshold levels have been exceeded. Maintenance staff at Saucon Valley Country Club regularly scout for pests, identify hot spots, and map problem areas as part of their IPM program. Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

28 Water Conservation Limiting water consumption and preventing water pollution have long been critical environmental issues for the golf course industry. Conserving water has a positive effect on water sources, such as creeks, ponds, lakes, and ground water. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program helps golf courses maximize irrigation efficiency and employ water conservation strategies to save water.

29 Water Conservation Maximize efficiency and minimize water waste by proper maintenance of irrigation equipment Maintain soil and turf health that maximizes water absorption and minimizes water loss to evaporation and runoff

30 Water Conservation Examples The Farm, GA Converted five acres of rough to low-maintenance areas and removed 14 sprinkler heads Saves 432 gallons of water per head each water cycle Totals 6,048 gallons saved per cycle Colonial Acres Golf Course, NY Expanded irrigation ponds, which are fed by run-off and rain, by 700,000 gallons to avoid having to drill a well Prairie Dunes Country Club, KS Pump water from air conditioning units into irrigation lake, reusing up to 187 gallons per minute during peak use

31 Water Conservation: ACSP Member Survey Results Golf courses are taking increasing steps to decrease water use. 89% improved their irrigation systems or the ways that water is applied 69% decreased water usage Golf courses saved an estimated 1.9 million gallons of water per year per course since joining 60% reduced water costs

32 Water Conservation: Example Regular inspection and maintenance is important for ensuring optimal irrigation system efficiency. By installing a new irrigation system and incorporating weather data into the irrigation schedule, Saucon Valley Country Club is minimizing its impact on Saucon Creek, its principal source of irrigation water. Saucon Valley Country Club Bethlehem, PA

33 Water Quality Management Monitor the health of water features to detect possible movement of nutrient and chemical inputs into water sources Protect water resources by employing Best Management Practices to eliminate the potential for chemical runoff, nutrient loading, and drift

34 Water Quality Management Governmental agencies, environmental organizations, and the general public continue to raise concerns about the impacts of golf course water and chemical use on the water quality of lakes, streams, and groundwater. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program assists golf courses in ensuring that course maintenance practices don t jeopardize water quality in water sources, such as ponds, lakes, wetlands, and streams.

35 Water Quality Management Vegetative Filter Strips Around Surface Water Features Provide Filtration of Runoff Commonwealth National Golf Club: Horsham, Pennsylvania

36 Water Quality Management Hickory Heights Golf Club: Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

37 Water Quality Management Example Saucon Valley Country Club, PA Saucon Creek Streambank Restoration Project Before: Eroded Shoreline After: Stabilized Streambank

38 Saucon Valley Country Club, PA Saucon Creek at Flood Stage (Post Renovation)

39 Environmental Cost Reduction: Chemicals Hindman Park, AZ $2-3K/year saved Forest Highlands, AZ 50% reduction in chemical use, $5,600/year saved Minikahada Club, MN - $13,000 avoided costs Old Westbury CC, NY $50-60k saved

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program assists golf courses in educating golfers

40 Outreach and Education Member and public awareness, education, and involvement build a broad base of support for environmental stewardship on the golf course. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program assists golf courses in educating golfers and local community members about the benefits of maintaining an environmentally sensitive golf course.

41 Outreach and Education Communicate your commitment to environmental stewardship Educate patrons, staff, decision makers, and community members about environmental projects Provide opportunities for patrons, staff, decision makers, and community members to be involved in environmental projects

42 Lehigh Country Club: Allentown, PA

43 Saucon Valley Country Club, PA

44 Lehigh Country Club: Allentown, PA

45 Outreach and Education Examples

46 Outreach and Education: ACSP Member Survey Results Program participants have been able to integrate environmentally sound maintenance practices effectively without sacrificing golfing priorities. 99% reported playing quality has improved (50%) or been maintained (49%) 99% reported that golfer satisfaction has improved (66%) or been maintained (34%) 99% of superintendents reported their job satisfaction has improved (49.3%) or been maintained (49.3%)

Program Education and Assistance New Member Packet includes: The Guide to Environmental Stewardship on the Golf Course Certification Handbook Native

47 Program Education and Assistance New Member Packet includes: The Guide to Environmental Stewardship on the Golf Course Certification Handbook Native Plant List Technical support Sound information Audubon Stewards Network Promotional opportunities Press releases Case studies Articles Media highlights

48 Getting Started Register your property in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses Fill out a short form Send with $200 annual fee Receive a New Member Packet Receive a subscription to Stewardship News

49 Bonterra Wine Sponsorship 2008 During Ryder Cup Week 2008, Bonterra Wines ( Official Wine of the PGA ) Committed to Paying the Membership Fee for the First 100 U.S. Golf Courses to Enroll in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses Applicable Only To Courses Not Currently Enrolled in the Program Promotion Ends November 10, 2008

50 Participating in the ACSP Sets a positive example Reduces Operation and Maintenance Costs Leads the way for responsible environmental stewardship Reduces risks Makes a significant contribution to the environment Join Today!

51 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System 46 Rarick Road Selkirk, NY (518) ext. 12 Fax: (518)

Understanding Today s Environmental Issues and the Oregon Stewardship Guidelines. David Phipps GCSAA NW Field Staff

Understanding Today s Environmental Issues and the Oregon Stewardship Guidelines David Phipps GCSAA NW Field Staff My Roots Northwest Landscape Industries 1986-1990 The Oregon Golf Club 1990-2000 Stone