Eagle's Landing and the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for Golf Courses 
Program Overview
Since 1991, Audubon International has been the leading environmental organization to provide comprehensive environmental education and conservation assistance to golf course superintendents and industry professionals. Through collaborative efforts begun in 1991 with the United States Golf Association (USGA), membership in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses has steadily grown to include more than 2,300 courses in all fifty states, Canada, and increasingly, around the world.
Eagle's Landing Golf Course has been an active member of Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) For Golf Courses since 1993 and became the Mid Atlantic region's first Certified Sanctuary in 1995. Joe Perry, Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) is the person in charge of the program "as a long time member of the ACSP I feel that we have a solid and well planned sanctuary program. We are particularly proud of the fact that we were the first golf course in the state of Maryland to reach fully certified status. We have often been referred to, in our area, as a model of environmental correctness in golf course development by the public, the golf industry and governmental agencies. Ours is well balanced program among all the user groups, including birds, fish, animals and of course the golfers. We have always strived to use professional resources and those provided by the federal, state and local agencies whenever possible. This interaction helps these agencies familiarize themselves with the environmental awareness issues that affect the golf industry and the measures we take to manage our facilities in a sound manner. The ACSP very often is mentioned in these meetings and the program is widely recognized for its own merits. Our overall objective is to maintain this high profile and to continue to educate people and agencies about the environmental benefits of the golf course."
Opportunities and Issues
By it's very nature, Eagle's Landing and golf courses in general provide significant open spaces and opportunities to provide needed wildlife habitat in increasingly urbanized communities. At the same time, golf courses are called to address environmental concerns related to the potential and actual impacts of water consumption and chemical use on local water sources, wildlife species, and native habitats. Eagle's Landing, through it's participation in the ACSP for Golf Courses seeks to address golf's environmental concerns while maximizing golf course opportunities to provide open space benefits. This highly-regarded education and assistance program promotes participation in comprehensive environmental management, enhancement and protection of existing wildlife habitats, and recognition for those who are engaged in environmentally-responsible projects.
A flexible program to fit a diversity of needs
Of the estimated 16,000 golf courses in the United States, no two are alike. The ACSP is designed to help a golf course take stock of environmental resources and any potential problems, and then develop a plan that fits its unique setting, goals, staff, budget, and available time. The program has been tailored to a variety of different types of golf course properties, including: private clubs, public and municipal golf courses, PGA sites, 9-hole facilities, resort courses, and golf residential communities. Audubon International provides information to help golf courses with:
- Environmental Planning Wildlife and Habitat Management Chemical Use Reduction and Safety Water Quality Management Water Conservation
- Outreach and Education
By completing projects in each of these components of the program, the golf course member receives national recognition as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Eagle's Landing is proud to have been the first to attain certified status in the region accomplishing that feat in 1995.
Good for the environment; good for golf
The ACSP presents a win-win opportunity for the game of golf and the environment. Here are just a few of the many benefits our members frequently report:
- Enhances the natural beauty of the golf course. Reduces water use and the need for expensive chemical applications. Promotes the course's positive, pro-active environmental achievements. Educates golf course employees about habitat management, Best Management Practices, and public outreach strategies designed especially for golf courses. Provides on-going technical information, support, and guidance for implementing environmental projects. Results in financial savings on course maintenance. Connects superintendents and course personnel with local resource people and organizations that can support the golf course's environmental management programs.
- Improves job satisfaction.
Eagle's Landing Golf Course believes that by working cooperatively with course maintenance staff, club personnel, golfers, and industry associations, we can help golf courses integrate sound environmental management practices and make a valuable contribution to conservation. Together, we are enhancing the game of golf while improving the quality of the environment through stewardship action. Superintendent Perry concludes, "We have woodland, wetland and meadow habitat, we have nest boxes, feeders and hollow trees, we have ponds, lakes and marsh, 'it's just a great place to be if you're a bird!'"
For more information on the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses contact International Audubon at www.audubonintl.org or call them at 518-767-9051
