City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Golf Department

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Gardner Golf Course:
CERTIFIED AUDUBON COOPERATIVE SANCTUARY

Jones Park Golf Course has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), the educational division of Audubon International. Victor Kies, Superintendent and Chad Bildstein, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent have led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Jones Park Golf Course is the 9th course in Iowa and the 528th in the world to receive the honor.

"Jones Park Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Shawn Williams, Environmental Technician for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Williams. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

"My staff and I are committed to the belief that our golf course and environment should go hand in hand," states Kies. "We realize this is not just a benefit to us, but to our children and their children as well."

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, 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, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program. Audubon certified courses in Ontario also include: Amana Colonies Golf Course in Amana, Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls, Brooks Golf Club in Okoboji, Donald K. Gardner Memorial Golf Course in Marion, Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids, Glynns Creek Golf Course in Long Grove, Jester Park Golf Course in Granger, and Twin Pines Municipal Golf Course in Cedar Rapids.

In addition to golf courses, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System also provides programs for schools, individuals and businesses.

For more information, contact:

Audubon International
46 Rarick Road
Selkirk, New York 12158
phone: (518) 767-9051
e-mail: acss@audubonintl.org
website: www.audubonintl.org