ON COURSE WITH NATURE

Creating an Environmental Road Mapby RONALD DODSONPresident, Audubon Society of New York State, Inc.

A OLD PROVERB professes, "Ajourney of 1,000 miles begins with

one step." Although this is logical,the I,OOO-milejourney will be even morepleasant if you take that first step in thecorrect direction - preferably toward yourultimate goal. Creating an environmental"road map" gives direction to your environ-mental efforts. It helps you figure out whereyou're going and how to most effectivelyget there. It keeps you on course, so to speak.

An environmental road map is more thansimply a method of keeping an inventory ofresources, although that is anexcellent beginning. The pur-pose of an environmental planis to help you:

• Defme goals.• Plan strategies.• Assess what works.• Assess what needs fine-

tuning.• Assess new directions.

It will help to establish writtengoals, detail timeliness, andassign tasks to appropriatepersonnel so that what you wantto accomplish really gets done.

Although your environmen-tal plan can be relatively simpleor very complex, it should becomprehensive and include arange of environmental areassuch as habitat and wildlifeenhancement, water conserva-tion, water quality manage-ment, and integrated pestmanagement (IPM). Yourenvironmental plan might alsoinclude an element of educa-tion. Let's look a little moreclosely at these environmentalareas.

Define Overall ObjectivesAs you consider your en-

vironmental plan, think aboutthe property, its specific charac-teristics, and your human and

fmancial resources. These steps will help youdefine your overall objectives. Start bywriting a paragraph describing the strengths,weaknesses, and unique qualities of yourproperty. Defme in broad terms what youwant to accomplish.

As you consider each of the environ-mental areas, start by simply writing aparagraph or a checklist or chart - whatevermakes it easiest for you to begin. Try todefme what projects you'd like to imple-ment, who will be responsible for imple-menting the projects, and develop a time-

line for when projects will be initiated andcompleted.

Wildlife and Habitat ManagementUse this category to explore the manage-

ment of non-play areas to provide habitatfor wildlife on the golf course. The propertysize and diversity of existing habitats willimpact what you are able to do. The objec-tive is to maximize the available space toprovide the best possible habitat given thelocation, size, layout, and type of property.In order to assess your success over time,

you should also begin andmaintain a wildlife inventory.Consider projects that willenhance the food, cover, andwater sources for birds, mam-mals, and amphibians.

Water Conservation

Having a comprehensivewater conservation program inplace helps to demonstratecommitment to judicious wateruse and environmental steward-ship. It is a key environmentalconcern for golf courses acrossthe country. Consider yourirrigation practices, choice ofturfgrasses and ornamentalplantings, and gardeningpractices.

Water Quality Management

Water quality is an importantissue for governing agencies,environmental groups, and thepublic. Concerns are oftenraised about the impact of golfcourse chemical use on thewater quality of lakes, streams,and groundwater. It is importantto be able to demonstrate thatyou have a strategy in place tomonitor water quality, improveconditions if warranted, anddeal with any problems thatarise. Establishing baseline datafor water quality is a necessary

NOVEMBERIDECEMBER 1995 15

Members of the ResourceCommittee played an invalu-able part in obtaining cer-tification by developing anEnvironmental Plan that estab-lished goals and specificprojects for each category. Theprojects were described in away that was easy to imple-ment, and feasible for coursestaff and volunteers to com-plete. The plan also discussedprojects that had already beencompleted as well as the currentstatus of the course specific toparticular projects.

Outside organizations work-ing with the Resource Commit-tee were a factor in ilie successof many of Fiddler's Elbow'sprojects. Staff from the GreatSwamp National Wildlife

Refuge lent their expertise to help begin aninventory of plants and animals on ilie course.The North American Bluebird Societyassisted the course in designing and imple-menting a bluebird nest box trail. RaptorTrust and Hawk Watch International helpedget the course involved in raptor projects,including adopting injured raptors andreleasing rehabilitated raptors on the course.

With a diverse Resource Advisory Com-mittee, strong support from the communityand local organizations, and a thorough andwell-written environmental plan, Fiddler'sElbow met its goals and developed plansfor the future. The club has taken the initia-tive and provided ilie leadership to visiblydemonstrate its commitment to the environ-ment.

and include others in a joint effort towardenvironmental awareness.

In the SpotlightFiddler's Elbow Country Club is a Charter

Member of ilie Audubon Cooperative Sanc-tuary Program for Golf Courses. They joinedthe program in 1991 and returned theirResource Inventory in 1992. At iliat timethey had very few natural areas, no nestboxes, no vegetative buffers around waterfeatures, and no member or public involve-ment. By June 1995, they became a fullycertified Cooperative Sanctuary wiili over100 acres of natural area, extensive vegeta-tive buffers at all water features, nest boxesfor a variety of birds, and an extensive list ofmember and public involvement projects.

Environmental efforts can result in many satisfied participants.Education

If you want to gain recog-nition and support for your en-vironmental programs, you need to increasegolfer understanding of wildlife and en-vironmental quality on your golf course. Letthe public know that golf courses can bevaluable community assets. You can do thisby setting up a Resource Advisory Com-mittee that includes your own members,members of the community with specialinterests (gardeners, birdwatchers), localuniversity or college faculty, or students.They can help you develop an environmentalplan of action. Youcan publicize your effortsthrough newsletter articles and pressreleases, or by involving your members inhelping you keep a wildlife inventory,inviting scout troops or school children tobuild nest boxes and monitor them. The ideais to develop visibility for what you're doing

Integrated PestManagement

A comprehensive IPM pro-gram will help to ensure ahealthy environment for bothpeople and wildlife, along withgood quality turf for the gameof golf. Your IPM programshould include efforts to man-age turf areas wiili environ-mental sensitivity, educateworkers and members aboutresponsible plant management,and provide a clean and effi-cient maintenance area.

first step in assessing thesuccess of any future projects.

Local environmental organizations worked closely with the Fiddlers Elbow Country Club (New Jersey) ResourceCommittee to successfully develop naturalized areas, buffer zones, and nest boxes throughout the property.

AUDUBONCOOPERATIVE SANCTUARY

Registeredfor Year.- 1995-96

Does the name of your golf course appear on the following list?If not, it should! Why? This list represents facilities that activelyparticipate in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for GolfCourses (ACSP), and have achieved certification in one or more ofits categories.

Registration requires only a modest $100 fee. In return, you'll havethe chance to enhance your course's maintenance program and helpyour facility achieve recognition as an environmental leader in yourcommunity.

Experts from the Audubon Society of New York State will workwith you to formulate strategies designed to complete sixachievement categories:

• environmental planning• public/member involvement• wildlife and habitat management• integrated pest management

• water conservation• water quality managementAnd, if you have plans for a new golf course on the drawing board,

consider the Audubon Signature Program. It helps landowners assessand develop appropriate strategies for natural resource issues duringthe planning and development phases of construction. Two Floridacourses, Colliers Reserve and Summerfield Golf Club, havesuccessfully completed the program.

This list of Audubon participants, while impressive, representsonly a small portion of the golf courses in the United States. Othersmust do their part and join the ranks. Contact the Audubon Societyof New York State at (518) 767-9051 or the USGA Green Section toreceive additional information about these programs. Help your golfcourse start down the path toward becoming a recognized andadmired land steward, both within the game of golf and your localcommunity.

NOVEMBERIDECEMBER 1995 17

AUDUBON COOPERATIVE SANCTUARY PROGRAM FOR GOLF COURSES

Fully Certified Courses RIVERWOOD GOLF CLUB Port Charlotte FLHINDMAN PARK GOLF COURSE Little Rock AR ROYAL PALM COUNTRY CLUB Naples FLFOREST HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB Flagstaff AZ TPC AT EAGLE TRACE Coral Springs FLLINKS AT SPANISH BAY Pebble Beach CA CHICAGO GOLF CLUB Wheaton ILMORRO BAY GOLF COURSE Morro Bay CA COUNTRYSIDE GOLF COURSE Mundelein ILAPPLEWooD GOLF COURSE Golden CO FLOSSMOOR COUNTRY CLUB Flossmoor ILBRECKENRIDGE GOLF CLUB Breckenridge CO NAPERBROOK GOLF COURSE Plainfield ILCASTLE PINES GOLF CLUB Castle Rock CO NORTH SHORE COUNTRY CLUB Glenview ILHOP MEADOW COUNTRY CLUB Simsbury CT OLYMPIA FIELDS COUNTRY CLUB Olympia Fields ILWOODWAY COUNTRY CLUB Darien CT PINECREST GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Huntley ILHOLE-IN-THE-WALL GOLF CLUB Naples FL QUAIL CREEK COUNTRY CLUB Robinson ILLOBLOLLY PINES Hobe Sound FL SILVER LAKE COUNTRY CLUB Orland Park ILTAMPA PALMS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Tampa FL ELCONA COUNTRY CLUB Elkhart INSTANDARD CLUB (THE) Duluth GA SAND CREEK COUNTRY CLUB Chesterton INKAPALUA LAND CO. - BAY COURSE Maui HI HERITAGE PARK GOLF COURSE Olathe KSKAPALUA LAND CO. - PLANTATION COURSE Maui HI TOMAHAWK HILLS GOLF COURSE Wjawmee KSKAPALUA LAND CO. - VILLAGE COURSE Maui HI UNICORN GOLF COURSE Stoneham MAGLYNNS CREEK GOLF COURSE Long Grove IA CAVES VALLEY GOLF CLUB Owings Mills MDAURORA COUNTRY CLUB Aurora IL PORTLAND COUNTRY CLUB Falmouth MECANTIGNY GOLF CLUB Wheaton IL BAY POINTE CLUB West Bloomfield MIEVANSTON GOLF CLUB Skokie IL CADILLAC COUNTRY CLUB Cadillac MIIVANHOE COUNTRY CLUB Mundelein IL GULL LAKE VIEW GOLF COURSE Augusta MIST. CHARLES COUNTRY CLUB St. Charles IL BAKER NATIONAL GOLF COU~ Medina MNVILLAGE LINKS OF GLEN ELLYN Glen Ellyn IL IZATY'S GOLF & YACHT CLUB Onamia MNPRAIRIE DUNES COUNTRY CLUB Hutchinson KS TOWN & COUNTRY CLUB St. Paul MNHYANNISPORT CLUB Hyannisport MA WOODHILL COUNTRY CLUB Wayzata MNEAGLE'S LANDING GOLF COURSE Berlin MD BLUE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Kansas City MOEGYPT VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB Ada MI BILTMORE FOREST COUNTRY CLUB Ashville NCFOX HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Plymouth MI CARMEL COUNTRY CLUB Charlotte NCTPC OF MICHIGAN Dearborn MI LAKE HICKORY COUNTRY CLUB Hickory NCTREETOPS NORTH - SYLVAN RESORT Gaylord MI TPC AT PIPER CLEN Charlotte NCMINIKAHDA CLUB Minneapolis MN BEATRICE COUNTRY CLUB Beatrice NEMINNESOTA VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB Bloomington MN CEDAR CREEK GOLF COURSE Dayville NJAPPLE CREEK COUNTRY CLUB Bismarck ND RIDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Paramus NJFIDDLER'S ELBOW COUNTRY CLUB Far Hills NJ ATLANTIC GOLF CLUB Bridgehampton NYTPC T SUMMERLIN Las Vegas NV MARRIOTTS AT WINDWATCH Hauppauge NYOLD WESTBURY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Old Westbury NY STAFFORD COUNTRY CLUB Batavia NYSCHUYLER MEADOWS CLUB Loudonville NY TWIN HILLS GOLF COURSE I Spencerport NYFOWLER'S MILL GOLF COURSE Chesterland OH WESTCHESTER COUNTRY CLUB Rye NYOREGON GOLF CLUB (THE) West Linn OR DETWILER PARK GOLF COURSE Toledo OHSALISHAN LODGE INC. Gleneden Beach OR HERON LAKES GOLF COURSE Portland ORCHESTER VALLEY GOLF CLUB Malvern PA PUMPKIN RIDGE GOLF CLUB Cornelius ORLAKESIDE COUNTRY CLUB Houston TX QUAIL RUN GOLF COURSE Sunriver ORSEMIAHMoo GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Blaine WA HUNTSVILLE GOLF CLUB Shavertown PAOZAUKEE COUNTRY CLUB Mequon WI LORDS VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB Hawley PACRANBERRY RESORT GOLF COURSE Collingwood Ontario, Canada NORTH HILLS COUNTRY CLUB North Hills PA

PITTSBURGH FIELD CLUB Pittsburgh PACourses Certified in One or More Categories SAND SPRINGS GOLF COMMUNITY Drums PA

MUSGROVE COUNTRY CLUB Jasper AL CHEROKEE COUNTRY CLUB Knoxville TNCHENAL COUNTRY CLUB Little Rock AR SPRINGHOUSE GOLF CLUB Nashville TNDESOTO GOLF COURSE Hot Springs Village AR BENTWATER COUNTRY CLUB Montgomery TXGOLD CANYON RANCH Apache Junction AZ LAKE HOUSTON GOLF COURSE Huffman TXTPC OF SCOTTSDALE Scottsdale AZ RIVERSIDE COUNTRY CLUB Lake Jackson TXCHARDONNAY GOLF CLUB Napa CA ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF CLUB Lake Manassas VADEL PASO COUNTRY CLUB Sacramento CA EQUINOX: GLEN EAGLES GOLF COURSE Manchester Village VTRESORT AT SQUAW CREEK Olympic Valley CA COUNTRY CLUB OF WISCONSIN Grafton WICOUNTRY CLUB OF FARMINGTON Farmington CT MAPLE BLUFF COUNTRY CLUB Madison WIGREENWICH COUNTRY CLUB Greenwich CT MONROE COUNTRY CLUB Monroe WITPC AT RIVER HIGHLANDS Cromwell CT. SENTRYWORLD GOLF COURSE Stevens Point WIBEAR'S PAW COUNTRY CLUB Naples FL EDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Sissonville WVCITY OF COCOA BEACH COUNTRY CLUB City of Cocoa Beach FL KING VALLEY GOLF COURSE King City Ontario, CanadaFOXFIRE COUNTRY CLUB Naples FL OAKDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Downsview Ontario, CanadaOLD MARSH GOLF CLUB Palm Beach Gardens FL PETERBOROUGH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Peterborough Ontario, CanadaOLDE FLORIDA GOLF CLUB Naples FL POINT GREY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Vancouver B.C., CanadaPALM BEACH GARDENS MUNI GOLF CLUB Palm Beach Gardens FL VALDERRAMA GOLF CLUB Cadiz SpainRIVER HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Valrico FL As of October 20, 1995

18 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD