Highlands Country Club has been certified in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf program since 2003, when we became the 14th golf course in North Carolina (and #200 in the nation) to earn such a designation. More recently, I posted that we just completed our recertification this spring, something we need to do every three years. I'd like to tell you a little more about this program and what is required of it.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP) is a unique initiative that aims to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability in the golf industry. Founded in 1991 by the Audubon Society and the United States Golf Association, the program provides golf course owners and operators with the tools and resources they need to improve their facilities' environmental performance.
One of the key goals of the ACSP is to create healthy habitats for wildlife on golf courses. By implementing conservation practices such as native plantings, water management, and wildlife monitoring, golf course managers can create sanctuaries that support a diverse range of plant and animal species. These practices not only benefit local ecosystems but also enhance the overall beauty and playability of the golf course.
In addition to promoting biodiversity, the ACSP also focuses on water conservation and quality management. Golf courses can be significant water users, so implementing efficient irrigation systems and reducing chemical use can help minimize the impact of golf course operations on local water resources. By monitoring water quality and implementing best management practices, golf course managers can ensure that they are protecting both the environment and the surrounding community.
The ACSP also encourages golf courses to become more energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. By implementing energy-saving practices such as using renewable energy sources, installing energy-efficient lighting, and reducing fuel consumption, golf courses can lower their operating costs and reduce their impact on the environment. In addition, the program encourages golf courses to engage with their local communities through outreach and education programs, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among staff, members, and visitors.
Golf courses that participate in the ACSP can earn certification as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. Certification is based on a set of environmental criteria, including wildlife and habitat management, water conservation, water quality management, and outreach and education. By meeting these criteria and maintaining their certification, golf courses can showcase their dedication to sustainability and attract environmentally-conscious golfers.
Overall, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides a valuable framework for golf course owners and operators to enhance their environmental performance and promote sustainability in the golf industry. By implementing conservation practices, reducing their environmental footprint, and engaging with their local communities, golf courses can play a vital role in protecting the environment and creating healthy habitats for wildlife.
To earn our recertification, we performed a case study on the Highlands CC golf course. Specifically, on #13 in the old dump area, we established a food plot using a mix of different species of grasses that deer and other animals feed on. Several game cameras were mounted on trees in the area and for a period of a month we monitored and documented the number of deer and other mammals we saw visit the area. It's safe to say that the Highlands deer population is growing. There are other recertification periods that require a 3rd party expert to come attest the golf course maintenance operation to ensure our practices align with the stewardship that Audubon requires. In this case, we've hosted State Park Rangers or an expert from the Highlands Biological Station. They always leave here very impressed once they see how sustainable our maintenance practices are.
If you would like any more information on this program and our maintenance practices that keep us certified, I would love to talk with you in more depth. Don't hesitate to reach out to me on this or anything else on the golf course that you are curious about.