CANAL SHORES GOLF COURSE RECOGNIZED BY AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
Evanston, Ill., March 1, 2017 – The Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association is pleased to announce that it has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.
In making the announcement, Association President Chris Carey said, “Canal Shores is pleased to be recognized for our efforts to be good stewards of the environment. Canal Shores has demonstrated its commitment to providing a natural habitat for wildlife and migrating birds along the North Shore Channel consistent with best practices and guidelines established by Audubon International for environmental management of golf courses. This designation fits closely with our overall ecological strategy and is a significant accomplishment in meeting our overall goals.”
Tom Tully, golf course superintendent, led the effort working with the Grounds Committee to obtain designation. He is being recognized by Audubon International for Environmental Stewardship. “Our work to achieve Audubon Certification tracks closely with our efforts to develop an ecological plan to guide the course into the future, mindful of our responsibility to our environment and serving the needs of our diverse community. Thanks to Tom Tully for his dedication to making Canal Shores a more sustainable environment,” continued Carey.
“Canal Shores Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. The Association is to be commended for efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Tara Donadio, director of Cooperative Sanctuary Programs at Audubon International. “To reach certification, a course must demonstrate it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Donadio.
Canal Shores is one of 53 golf courses in Illinois and 894 in the world to hold the title of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Canal Shores began the process of working towards certification in 2015 recognizing the course’s proximity to migratory birds’ flight paths and the opportunity to enhance valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats. The course has successfully met criteria to qualify for achievement in all Audubon categories – Environmental Planning, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, Outreach and Education, Environmental Case Study and Chemical Use Reduction & Safety.
Canal Shores continues to be a leader demonstrating best practices in environmental sustainability – restoring, installing, maintaining, nurturing and enhancing the natural habitat and working diligently to make the space environmentally friendly through removal of invasive species. The goal is to ensure that this unique green space is well-planned and will serve generations to come by providing access to nature in our urban environment through multiple recreational opportunities.
The ecological master plan, developed for the course by PRI Inc., includes an ecological inventory and history, addresses invasive species management, and provides for outreach opportunities to connect the community with nature. Educating youth on ecology and environment and reconnecting them to nature is a major priority. The course expresses its appreciation to the many neighborhood volunteers who have assisted in this effort and the generous pro bono donations from neighbors and local businesses.
About the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses – The program, 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, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.
About Audubon International – Audubon International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Troy, N.Y. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments with the purpose of delivering high-quality environmental education and facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources. For more information, call Audubon International at 844/767-9051 or visit www.auduboninternational.org.
About Canal Shores Golf Course and the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association – The Association, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, was formed in 1919 to manage the operations of the 18-hole Canal Shores Golf Course. It is established as a charitable organization and qualifies as an exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The course runs along the North Shore Channel from Green Bay Road in Evanston to the Baha’i Temple near Wilmette Harbor. The land that comprises Canal Shores is sub-leased by the Association from the City of Evanston and Village of Wilmette, which lease property from its owner, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Cook County. It offers programs that celebrate the game of golf, with special programs designed for families, youth and the community. Visit www.canalshores.org to learn more about the Association and the golf course and to read our blog.
Canal Shores Golf Course
1030 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60201
847/475-9173