Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, FL has once again been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. The program is part of Audubon International, and Sandridge Golf Club has been certified since 1999, under the guidance of International Golf Maintenance (IGM).
“We really appreciate all that you and Sandridge Golf Club have done to minimize their environmental footprint, enhance wildlife habitat and protect environmental quality,” wrote Alexandra Kellam, Environmental Program Specialist, in her notification letter.
Ryan Duffell, Golf Course Superintendent at Sandridge, hosted Kellam for a site visit as part of the recertification process. The site visit “provides an objective verification of some of the more visible aspects of the course’s environmental management activities,” according to the Audubon International program. Duffell also had an opportunity to share actions he and IGM have taken to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them.
Since the last accreditation period, “we have increased the size of some of our lake buffers and cleaned out additional native areas that were overgrown with invasive species,” said Duffell. “We have plans to replant some of these areas with native plants, such as pines and palmettos, in the near future.”
To achieve certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in areas including environmental planning; wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education; chemical use reduction and safety; and water conservation and quality management.
Wildlife on the Sandridge course includes cranes, alligators, turtles, bobcats, coyotes, ducks, ibis, foxes, geese, hawks, herons, wild hogs, scrub-jays, bass, tilapia, and rabbits. Kellam noted positively the native areas specifically supporting the scrub jay and gopher turtle populations, as well as the great habitat resources across the property for all wildlife.
In addition, Kellam took note of expanding acreage of native plants, tall grasses, and pine trees. Turf management practices, water usage and conservation, and chemical reduction and safety practices were also mentioned positively.
“Being environmentally-conscious is a cornerstone of the IGM golf course maintenance business model,” said IGM Vice President of Operations Steve Gano. “It just makes sense, as many of us are in the business because of our love for the outdoors and nature.”
“We continue to try to find the most reasonable balance between providing excellent golfing conditions while promoting healthy natural areas in our surrounding areas,” added Duffell.
IGM is a leading contractor for comprehensive golf course maintenance and management, known for environmental stewardship and agronomic expertise. For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, please contact Greg Plotner, Executive Vice President, 407-589-7200. Additional information may be obtained by visiting IGM’s website at golfmaintenance.com.
