Through extensive work by Dan Brickley, Golf Course Superintendent, Lebanon Country Club has been awarded the designation of “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for golf courses. The ACSP is endorsed by the United States Golf Association (USGA), and provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, along with protecting natural resources. In 2007 when LCC was initially certified by the Audubon Society, they were the first golf club in Central PA to achieve this certification. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, Mexico, and Southeast Asia have all achieved certification in the ACSP program. Today there are over 1000 clubs who have been certified.
Dan began the lengthy certification process in 2006 with the support of the Greens Committee at LCC. Here is a list of the work that had to be done…
Wildlife and Habitat Management – Bird boxes, brush piles and wildlife corridors were added to the course to fulfill the requirements. The brush piles, visible on some holes, are intentionally left for a natural habitat.
Chemical Reduction and Safety – Every pesticide and fertilizer used on the course was analyzed and economic thresholds were set for every disease and insect the club battles. Signal words on labels were also reviewed to ensure the person applying the chemical is not at risk by using chemicals that are more toxic than they need to be.
Water Conservation and Quality – Irrigation sources and equipment were reviewed and inspected. Leaks and malfunctions were repaired. Timing of irrigation was changed to make sure the water that was applied was being absorbed and not evaporated. Water quality studies were completed not only on the irrigation water, but on Beck Creek to ensure that the golf course was not contributing to water pollution. Due to the extensive care in creating filtering landscape, water leaving the golf course had been measured at better quality than that entering the golf course.
Case Studies – Individual project monitoring and result analysis.
Outreach – There has been tv and newspaper coverage, along with a continuing commitment to carry the environmental conservation message beyond LCC. Today Dan Brickley is involved with advising other facilities in Lebanon area with conservation practices, as well as providing guided tours to members and groups of the LCC conservation features.
Audubon International is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization based in Troy, NY. 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, visit www.auduboninternational.org/acspgolf-member-benefits