The Paris Landing Golf Course, in Buchanan, Tenn., has achieved a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation from Audubon International by demonstrating and maintaining a high degree of environmental quality. Paris Landing successfully met high Audubon standards in areas such as environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reductions, water conservation and water quality management.
Paris Landing Golf Course is the fourth course in Tennessee and only the third Park-affiliated golf course in the nation to receive this honor from Audubon
International. The other state park affiliated courses are the Bethpage Black, Green and Red courses in Bethpage, NY. Audubon certified courses in Tennessee also include The Legacy in Springfield, President’s Reserve at Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory and the Tournament Players Club at Southwind in Memphis.
“Paris Landing Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program,” said Shawn Williams, environmental technician for Audubon International. “They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property.”
“We are proud to be the first Park-affiliated golf course in the Southeastern United States earning this recognition for environmental performance,” noted Nancy Bunton, Tennessee State Parks’ golf and marina manager. “Our goal is to have each of the eight courses on the Tennessee Golf Trail achieving Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification in the future.”
Led by Dwayne Hicks, golf course superintendent, and Jane Burkhart, golf shop assistant, Paris Landing made a range of investments and operational changes to reach Audubon certification. Investments include natural habitat enhancements and the addition of feeders that increased populations of wild turkeys and other animals around the course. Changes in storage and application of chemicals plus adjustments for cart wash procedures are also under way.
“Achieving certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status shows how our golf course puts the department’s stewardship principles into practice,” said Keith Hickman, golf course manager. “Protecting shorelines and improving natural habitat around the course has not only helped our surrounding environment but also provided a more enjoyable experience for all park customers.”
Paris Landing State Park Golf Course is situated on the west bank of Kentucky Lake, is part of the Tennessee Golf Trail and has received Golf Digest’s Four Star Award since 1995.
