Audubon Certification Update

It has been awhile since I posted my initial blog entry discussing the Audubon program. I feel now is a good time to provide an update on our certification progress and some of the projects we have going on.

A couple of Scaups on 10 pond

I often find it difficult to describe in writing how we are progressing with this program. It would take me several pages to describe here in full what we need to accomplish and what has already been done. Instead, I have made a spreadsheet containing the various goals we need to accomplish if we want to become Audubon certified as a golf course. If you click this link, it will take you to the spreadsheet. Hopefully this document will provide insight into what this program practically means for this golf course and how far we have to go. If you have any questions about the program, either give me a call here at the office (433-9666) or send an email to Wade (wpeckham@mayfair.ca).

Here are a couple highlights of current and future projects:

-          Continued monitoring of on-course pheasants (yes, there is still a pheasant or two out there and they are doing very well)

-          Use of a trail cam on the course to catch close-up pictures of wildlife (see below)

-          Future expansion of our butterfly garden on #8 (more on this in another update)

-          Creation of a brochure to hand out at the CN LPGA Canadian Women’s Open advertising our environmental efforts

-     Create a display in the clubhouse to advertise our environmental program to the membership

-          Maureen and I will be writing an article for the Edmonton Horticultural Society about the unique horticultural challenges on a golf course. A link will be posted when it is published

-          More native and naturalized species of perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs will be used on the course

An up-close shot of a coyote taken by our trail cam

If you are interested in getting involved, then I encourage you to become a part of the Environmental Improvement Committee (formerly called the Resource Advisory Group). This group meets to discuss current environmental progress and how to improve upon our current plan. It has been a great help to me to get ideas from members who are concerned for the property beyond its use as a golf course. We share this land with a wide array of wildlife, and we continue to find new ways to respect that wildlife while providing quality turf and playing conditions.

David Smith

2nd Assistant Superintendent

Royal Mayfair Golf Club