On the heels of instituting a mandate program whereby all managed golf properties throughout North America and the Caribbean become Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries in 2008, Marriott Golf announced that Griffin Gate Golf Club in Lexington, Ky., has achieved certification through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses.
Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, which enable golf facilities to protect the environment by enhancing precious natural areas and wildlife habitats, are part of a systemwide commitment by Marriott International, Inc. to promote environmental stewardship.
Featuring 18 holes designed by architect Rees Jones, Griffin Gate Golf Club becomes the 7th Marriott Golf operated facility to achieve Audubon Certification. In order to achieve Audubon Certification, a golf facility is required to demonstrate that maintains the highest degree of environmental quality in several areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation and Water Quality Management.
As part of the property’s environmental stewardship efforts, Griffin Gate has implemented a variety of programs, highlighted by the creation of bat boxes, bluebird houses, and a butterfly garden throughout the property. With the assistance of a local Boy Scouts of America troop, bat boxes were built and placed throughout the property, providing a home for bats, which eat up to 600 insects per hour, and serve as a great pollinator for the property. Additionally, 25 bluebird houses were strategically positioned around the property to encourage bluebirds -- which are becoming rare to the area -- to re-establish their species in the region, while a butterfly habitat was also developed in a native flower garden, encouraging butterflies to nest in a comfortable environment.
Moreover, Griffin Gate worked in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife to build wildlife corridors, ultimately offering wildlife the protection to move freely in specific areas on the property.
“We are excited to join a select group of Marriott Golf properties to achieve Audubon Certification,” said Scott Bender, director of grounds, Griffin Gate Golf Club. “Griffin Gate is committed to promoting environmental stewardship, and the Audubon program has been instrumental in educating our team about the importance of environmental preservation, and its place within the golf industry.
“It was a rewarding experience to work with the local Boy Scouts troop, as their support was invaluable in establishing bluebird houses, bat boxes and the butterfly garden, each a pleasant addition to the property,” Bender added.
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. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.
For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.