A PROCLAMATION recognizing May 28, 2019, as Canal Shores Day
WHEREAS for 100 years Canal Shores Golf Course has provided recreation, green space, and affordable and accessible golf to everyone, especially children; and
WHEREAS since its founding by Peter N. Jans in 1919, Canal Shores has always remained open, unfenced and welcoming to all; and
WHEREAS the golf course has grown to be seamlessly integrated with its neighborhood and its community; and
WHEREAS through personal involvement and fundraising, the community is working together to improve it and its ecology so future generations can enjoy it; and
WHEREAS Canal Shores celebrates its 100th year of operation in 2019; and
WHEREAS stewards of the course have developed the CS 100 strategic plan to assure that this unique golf experience, historic land, ecologic vitality, and recreational use is preserved for the next 100 years,
Now, Therefore, I, ROBERT T. BIELINSKI, VILLAGE PRESIDENT OF THE VILLAGE OF WILMETTE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM May 28, 2019 as CANAL SHORES DAY, and welcome citizens of Wilmette and beyond to utilize and celebrate this community treasure.
A Message From The President
One hundred years ago, Canal Shores started its journey along the banks of the North Shore Channel in Evanston and Wilmette. In the most recent leg of that journey, Canal Shores has become a unique combination of golf, ecology and community. Canal Shores needs your help to continue its journey into its next century.
From being the subject of a Wall Street Journal story for its innovative approach for making golf more popular to winning awards and certifications for its ecological stewardship, Canal Shores is becoming the success story that makes all of us proud. But our story still has important chapters to be written. We need your financial support, volunteer time, and enthusiasm for our events to sustain our success.
Help Fund Canal Shores
To fulfill its mission of being a community resource, providing affordable golf, and maintaining 82-acres of green space, Canal Shores needs your financial contributions. Without donations, Canal Shores cannot operate. Despite its responsibility for taking care of public land, Canal Shores receives no tax money. Because Canal Shores is a non-profit with 501(c)(3) status, your contributions are tax deductible. To make a donation, please visit https://canalshores.org/donate/.
Volunteer at Canal Shores
Canal Shores heavily relies on volunteers to make progress towards its goals. No matter which skill sets you have, we can put them to good use. Canal Shores is leanly staffed and needs time and effort from volunteers for events and committees. To volunteer, please contact me at president@canalshores.org.
With your funding and volunteerism, Canal Shores can continue to serve the local communities in numerous ways, including the following:
- Hosting a dynamic youth golf program that annually attracts over 500 youth and teaches golf along with important values such as sportsmanship and dedication.
- Fully implementing Canal Shores’ Ecological Master Plan, including the removal of invasive species, development of pocket parks, and sustaining natural habitats.
- Maintaining our grounds for the benefit of joggers, cross-country teams, dog walkers, birders, cross-country skiers, and numerous other community members.
- Offering greens fees lower than other courses, so families and golfers of all skill levels can golf at affordable rates.
- Offering five and ten-hole golf loops to accommodate golfers with limited time.
- Hosting music concerts produced by Evanston’s SPACE.
- Hosting charitable golf outings to raise funds for important causes.
- Continuing to improve the quality of our tees, fairways and greens.
As Canal Shores celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019, we look towards a bright future with your support. To learn more about Canal Shores, please visit www.canalshores.org.
Yours truly,
Karl Leinberger
President, Canal Shores
- Board and officers
- 1919 Golf Chicago Tribune article from 1919 on the launch of the course
- Evanston Review article from 1946 on the history of the course by C.M. Cartwright (PDF)
- Shop Evanston article from 2012
A message from the President
Welcome!
As President of the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association for 2017-18, I want to invite you to be part of the Canal Shores community. Since we reorganized the Association several years ago, our volunteer Board has made great progress – making improvements to the course; engaging in environmentally friendly approaches to preserve and protect (and enhance) this gem in our community; and in creating a forum for discussion of issues facing the course in coming years.
For nearly 100 years, the land that winds through the Evanston and Wilmette communities along both sides of the North Shore Channel from Green Bay Road to the Baha’i Temple near Wilmette Harbor has been a setting for golf. Canal Shores is known as a welcoming venue, a fun and challenging golf facility and as a habitat for native species and wildlife.
The Board of Directors is dedicated to continuing the tradition of making Canal Shores an integral part of the community. Our guiding principles are: to ensure economic and environmental sustainability for the course; to provide golf and golf instruction to a wide range of golfers; and to connect individuals, families and the community-at-large to the outdoors and nature through multi-use recreational facilities. It is our goal to provide an outstanding golf facility that focuses on youth and family golf and that provides value – as well as options and challenges for seasoned golfers. We want all our stakeholders to enjoy and benefit from exposure to nature and the beauty of this unique space with updated design features and improvements.
Canal Shores is managed by a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit charitable organization of neighbors from Evanston and Wilmette. The course receives NO public funds or taxpayer monies. We depend on revenues from golfers and generous donations from our supporters – and the sweat equity of committed volunteers. Canal Shores is part of the fabric of our community.The course is here for golf and other outdoor activities on a year-round basis – a welcome respite from our busy lives. We offer walking paths; we welcome dog walkers and joggers; and encourage nature enthusiasts and bird-watchers. In the winter, there is cross country skiing, sledding, and quiet time to enjoy the beauty.
To make improvements and meet the needs of golfers in a challenging environment, we need your help! We must raise the necessary funds to continue and improve the operations of the course, as well as build a welcoming environment to provide for a satisfying golf experience.
In 2017, we will be re-engaging our neighbors and supporters so that they have a meaningful role in our efforts. We plan to complete our ecological study and develop a plan that will support the environmental health of the property long term.
We are committed to rededicating our effort to work with neighbors, community leaders, and professionals in the golf world to reimagine Canal Shores so that it can continue to serve all our stakeholders.
It is not our intent to change the character of this special space, but rather to make it better! We welcome input from all quarters and we continue to listen and learn from the past and apply lessons learned to the future.
We have faced many challenges in past years. But dedicated members of the community stepped up to the plate. Over the next few years, we hope to broaden our base to fulfill our mission – with the support of the community, generous benefactors and the hard work of our staff and volunteers.
We are looking at new options for meaningful participation by community members in the Association. We hope you will support our efforts and join the conversation. Visit the course. Purchase a season pass. Bring your friends. Try us out. Let us know what you think and what we can do to make the course better. Please make a donation to assure that Canal Shores thrives, and survives.
Thank you,
Chris Carey, President
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.
- Board and officers
- 1919 Golf Chicago Tribune article from 1919 on the launch of the course
- Evanston Review article from 1946 on the history of the course by C.M. Cartwright (PDF)
- Shop Evanston article from 2012
Preserving The Future Of Golf In Our Community
In January 2016, the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association, which runs and maintains Canal Shores Golf Course, received a planning grant from IDNR’s Coastal Management Program. This grant is to enable Canal Shores to “hire a design engineering firm to develop a comprehensive habitat restoration and land use plan.” This is a $20,000 matching grant, and the Association is tasked with raising $20,000 for the match. In April 2016, Canal Shores issued an RFP, received nine proposals, and selected PRI, Planning Resources, Inc. for the job. PRI utilized this three-step approach:
- conduct natural resource inventories, including delineation of wetlands, an inventory of trees, and mapping of the general habitat across the property
- identify restoration and green infrastructure opportunities; and
- develop an Ecological Master Plan that provides a clear understanding of the site’s goals and tangible direction on how to achieve those goals.
Click here for the Eco-plan exec summary
Click here for the Canal Shores Tree Survey
Canal Shores signed the PRI contract and raised the $20,000 needed for its part of the matching grant. PRI’s work took approximately 9 months. The Grounds Committee provided oversight for this planning process and invited neighbors to work with the committee.
A look back: steps Canal Shores has taken to bring the course back and improve its ecological health:
- Hiring an experienced golf course supervisor;
- Seeking advice from local sustainability groups (Talking Farm, Evanston TreeKeepers);
- Building a berm at the north end of the course at Sheridan Road and planting it with native species — an area now certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife habitat;
- Working towards certification from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf
- Partnering in the Natural Habitat Evanston initiative to achieve NWF certification for Evanston as a community habitat for birds and pollinators.
With the continued support of all our community partners, the Canal Shores restoration effort continues to create a beautiful green space for generations to come.
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
CANAL SHORES ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION EFFORTS HONORED BY FRIENDS OF THE CHICAGO RIVER
Evanston, June 26, 2018 – Canal Shores Golf Course received the 2018 Silver Ribbon Award from the Friends of the Chicago River for its ecological restoration work that aids in the improvement of the Chicago River system. Chris Carey, president of the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association, and Steve Neumann, chair of the Grounds Committee, accepted the award at the Friends’ annual gala earlier this month.
The Golf Course, set on 82 acres along the North Shore Channel, is led by the all-volunteer non-profit Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association which developed the Ecological Restoration Master Plan to provide a framework for improvements to wetlands, wildlife habitats and plant and tree species along the river banks and identifies areas for enhancement and potential restoration.
“Canal Shores has taken a big step forward with the completion of a plan which will ensure a sustainable environment, foster habitat restoration and inform future land use and golf planning,” Carey said. “I thank the Friends for their confidence in us and recognize the dedicated neighbors and volunteers who worked diligently with guidance from the environmental consulting firm Planning Resources Inc. to develop a plan to protect and nurture the course into the next century. This award truly demonstrates the value of the community coming together for a good cause.”
“Friends is thrilled to recognize the award winners for their investments in habitat, public open space, stormwater management and engagement with the Chicago River system,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “There is terrific opportunity to develop the river for people while continuing to invest in its ecological health. The award winners demonstrate how.”
The Chicago River Blue awards recognize the work of developers, architects, municipalities, planners and others for their creative and river-sensitive approaches to projects within the Chicago River watershed. Other recipients this year include Studio Gang for the Eleanor Street Boathouse; Argyle Shared Streets; River Point; the Eugene Field Park Riffle; and the Rockwell Taproom and Brewery.
“We are in good company with some amazing projects that have been recognized for their efforts to make the Chicago River a prime recreational waterway benefitting numerous communities throughout the area. Canal Shores is committed to implementing much-needed improvements that will benefit future generations of our community mindful of our responsibility to this unique space,” said Steve Neumann, Grounds Committee chair.
The plan, developed over the last three years by a subcommittee of the Association, was funded with a Coastal Management Planning Grant administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management.
Canal Shores is embarking on an ambitious effort to redevelop and improve the golf experience and will implement elements of the ecological plan to incorporate multi-use recreational opportunities and facilities with a focus on ecological and habitat renovation and restoration. This is an important milestone for Canal Shores, the first comprehensive effort to adopt a long-term plan for the course in its’ 100-year history of golf along the channel. Working with the community, Canal Shores will strive to undertake a process that will improve the course and preserve the natural beauty and habitat of the land that runs along the banks of the North Shore Channel – a prime nesting area for migratory birds, and a dedicated recreational open space in the community.
About Canal Shores Golf Course and the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association – The Golf Course Association, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, was formed in 1919 to manage the operations of the 18-hole Canal Shores Golf Course. 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 the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. It offers programs that celebrate the game of golf, with a focus on special efforts designed for families, youth and the community. Canal Shores is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and is a certified wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. The plan can be found here. The Association is embarking on a multi-year strategic planning effort to improve and renovate the golf course to ensure economic and environmental sustainability; provide for a better and more challenging golf experience; and serve to connect families and the community to the outdoors with multi-recreational opportunities. Learn more at Canal Shores website.
About Friends of the Chicago River – Friends of the Chicago River is the only organization solely dedicated to the Chicago River. Since 1979, Friends has been working to improve the health of the Chicago River system for the benefit of people, plants and animals; and by doing so, has laid the foundation for the river to be a beautiful, continuous, and easily accessible corridor of open space in the Chicago region. Friends’ work spans the entire 156-mile Chicago River system and its surrounding watershed. We focus on a greener river with healthy habitat, an accessible river that people can use and enjoy, and a river cared for by a broad group of supporters. Friends works in partnership with municipalities, businesses, community groups, schools, peer organizations, government agencies and individuals on projects that benefit the river. Learn more about the Friends of the Chicago River here. Learn more about the Chicago River Blue Awards at this link.
Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association
1030 Central Street – Evanston, IL, 60201 – 847/475-9173
Email: info@canalshores.org Online: www.canalshores.org
The Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association is established as a charitable organization and qualifies as an exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It offers programs that celebrate the game of golf, with special programs designed for families, youth and the community.
A SPACE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
AT CANAL SHORES
On Friday, July 27, Grammy-winning singer and Chicago civil rights icon Mavis Staples will perform with special guest Marc Broussard at Canal Shores welcomed by 93XRT, a media partner on all the Out of Space summer events. Staples, who rose to prominence in the 1960s alongside The Staple Singers, won a Grammy for her album You Are Not Alone, produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.
Out of SPACE will take place on the lush greens of the course’s first hole. The American Legion Hall (Evanston Post 42), located above the Canal Shores Pro Shop, will host unique aftershows and a full bar for patrons looking to continue the evening after the outdoor performances have ended.
TICKETS GO ON SALE APRIL 6TH.
SPACE, the renowned music venue just minutes north of Chicago, celebrates 10 years of live music with Out of Space, a full summer of outdoor concerts, from June 21–Aug. 26, in some of the most beloved locations in the City of Evanston. For a complete schedule click here.
Click here for an FAQ.
By Evanston Now on November 17, 2017 – 11:58am
http://evanstonnow.com/story/business/evanston-now/2017-11-17/78740/early-holiday-gift-idea-from-canal-shores
Canal shores 12th hole photo courtesy Jon Cavalier from Geekedongolf
It’s not often that the price of something goes down, but that’s what’s happening at Canal Shores Golf Course.
Dan Bulf
Business Manager Dan Bulf says the pre-season price for a 2018 season pass will be $499 starting Dec. 1, less than last year’s price and only for a limited time.
“We want to make sure our golf course is affordable for everyone. The Season Pass is a great holiday gift and a great contribution to the community,” Bulf says.
View of the 15th hole.
He says that with a new emphasis on groundskeeping and hole design, Canal Shores is not the same course people remember from ten or even five years ago. “It’s remarkable what this small group of staff and volunteers have been able to accomplish in the last few years — golfers tell us the course is in the best shape they’ve ever seen.”
A view of the course from Colfax Street.
The course is working its way back into the green and is hoping a robust membership drive and a fundraising effort will help keep the course on track for the future. “Canal Shores has made the turn and is halfway to its goal of raising $100,000 in a hundred days. We may need to extend the campaign to achieve our goal,” Bulf said.
There are still a few more days to get in a round as the course usually closes for the season around Thanksgiving.
Jim Ryan and his dog on the 15th hole after a recent snowfall.
Canal Shores is operated by the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization formed in 1919.
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 the property from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Canal Shores offers several programs, with an emphasis on golf for families, youth, and the community. Canal Shores is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and is a certified wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
For Immediate Release
Nov. 21, 2017
Contact: Pro Shop – 847/475-9173 or info@canalshores.org
The Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association has announced the election of new Board members for 2018. The election was held Nov. 16 at a meeting of the Board of Directors.
Newly elected from Evanston is David Fenn; re-elected are Steve Neumann, Tim Pretzsch and Debbie Weixl. Continuing to serve from Evanston are Carl Bova, Chris Carey, Tom Mann, Mike O’Connor, Joe Rickard, Ray Tobin, and Perry Weinberg. Re-elected to represent Wilmette on the Board are: Larry Mages and Todd Ricketts. They join current Wilmette members Kevin Kane, Karl Leinberger, Don Olson, John Powers, Rudy Van Loon and Dan Wikel. Board members serve two-year terms.
Continuing as officers of the Association through 2018 are: President Chris Carey of Evanston; Larry Mages of Wilmette, vice president; Treasurer Kevin Kane of Wilmette; and Debbie Weixl, Evanston, secretary. The Executive Committee includes the officers and the Chair of the Grounds Committee, Steve Neumann of Evanston.
The Board has elected two new Associate Directors, Brad Drake and Sonja Nordahl of Evanston. Six Associate Directors serve two year-terms and participate in the Board, but do not vote. Current Associates include Sherry McAuliffe, David McPherson and Jason Way of Evanston and Frank Candioto of Wilmette. To expand its effort to reach out to the community, the Association also has a large number of additional volunteers who serve as advisers and bring skills and experience in marketing, financial services, business operations, golf management and youth golf programming. The Board also includes designated representatives of the City of Evanston Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services and the Wilmette Park District.
In a special presentation made by Former President Perry Weinberg, the Board recognized Mark McCarthy of Evanston for his years of service to the golf course and Association and elected him to emeritus status. He joins a distinguished number of emeritus members including Chuck Logan, John LoSasso, Mike Matchen, Jerry Murphy, Jack Page, Jack Richards, Nancy Ross and Greg Wilson; former officers and board members and leaders also include Bill Andersen, Jay Ryan and Jeff Stewart.
The 19-member Board is comprised of representatives of the community surrounding the golf course known as Canal Shores that runs through Evanston and Wilmette along the north shore channel. The Board is responsible for the management and operations of the course. More information on the course and activities can be found at www.canalshores.org or on the course’s Facebook page.
The EWGCA Board of Directors meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., except December, in the meeting room in the American Legion Hall, second floor of the golf association building at 1030 Central Street. All members of the community are welcome to attend. Other committee and special meetings are posted on the Association website. The Association invites all residents to join our email list to receive periodic news about the golf course. To join, contact info@canalshores.org or visit www.canalshores.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.
Canal Shores Golf Course
1030 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60201