Arbutus Ridge Golf Club Joins Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program

Arbutus Ridge Golf Club has received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP), an international program administered by Audubon International designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property. The plan was developed by Ron Olaussen, Superintendent, who is also recognized for his effort to plan for environmental stewardship.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides an advisory service to help existing golf courses develop effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs. This worldwide effort is coordinated by Audubon International and is sponsored in part by the United States Golf Association.

"The open space of a golf course is utilized not only by golfers, but is habitat for a variety of wildlife species," explained Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for Audubon International. "We welcome Arbutus Ridge Golf Club's commitment to the environment and to managing the golf course with wildlife in mind."

By joining and participating in the ACSP, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club will be involved in projects that enhance habitat for wildlife and preserve natural resources for the benefit of the local community. These projects may include: placing nesting boxes for cavity-nesting birds such as bluebirds and swallows, utilizing integrated pest management techniques, conserving water, and maintaining food and cover for wildlife.

"The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program benefits both people and wildlife," said Sluiter. "It's a great way for the managers of developed properties and environmental organizations to work together to become better stewards of land and natural resources."

After the environmental plan is approved, properties in the program may apply for certification in Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, and Outreach and Education by demonstrating that they have met minimum requirements for each category. For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org.

Audubon International is an environmental organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. In addition to businesses, Audubon International also provides programs for golf courses, schools, communities, and new developments. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them at [email protected], or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.

Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, located in the seaside community of Cobble Hill within the Cowichan Valley, was voted the Best Destination Golf Course in British Columbia by readers of Golf Nerve Magazine in 2006 and is owned & operated by the GolfBC Group.

Contact:
Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist
(518) 767-9051, Ext. 16
[email protected]
www.auduboninternational.org