Ridgemark Golf and Country Club has achieved a designation as
a
”
Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
”
through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program for golf
courses, an Audubon International program.
Eric Boyd, the course superintendent, led the effort to obtain
the sanctuary status and is being recognized for environmental
stewardship by Audubon International. The course is the 59th one in
California and the 794 worldwide to receive the distinction.
Ridgemark Golf and Country Club has achieved a designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program for golf courses, an Audubon International program.
Eric Boyd, the course superintendent, led the effort to obtain the sanctuary status and is being recognized for environmental stewardship by Audubon International. The course is the 59th one in California and the 794 worldwide to receive the distinction.
“Ridgemark Golf and Country Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program,” said Jim Sluiter, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs, in a press release. “They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property.”
The news of the certification arrived in November. To be certified, the course has to maintain a high degree of environmental quality in areas such as: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.
“It has been a rewarding experience,” Boyd said, in a press release, “for the maintenance staff, and six members of the ladies’ club who worked together to make it happen. The certification process has taken a total of three years and will be on going. The program has given us the opportunity to learn more about our golf course facility and the wildlife that surrounds it.”
Boyd said the process helped them fine tune the Integrated Pest Management programs and become better environmental stewards.
“We look forward to continuing our practices and outreach programs within the community through the assistance of the Audubon Sanctuary Program,” Boyd said.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources.
