Aurora's Phillips Park Golf Course has again earned "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" status through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.
To achieve re-certification, Phillips Park superintendent Todd Schmitz organized an on-site tour with Audubon representative Charles Anfield, who serves as superintendent at Heritage Bluffs Golf Course in Channahon, just 30 miles to the south.
Noted for its numerous trees planted over the years in conjunction with the sanctuary program — more than 200 native specimens, many installed with the assistance of area Boy Scouts — the course at 1001 Hill Avenue first achieved the status in 2009 and has been re-certified every three years thereafter.
Through its sanctuary program, Audubon International supports golf courses striving to include environmentally responsible practices into daily maintenance by offering the unique certification opportunity and giving golf course organizations an opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources and wildlife habitats.
According to Audubon International, certified facilities enjoy better environmental upkeep and community relationships; diminish on-site liability; cut operating costs, and help the environment, the organization stated on its website.
Headquartered in Troy, New York, with an additional office in Henderson, Kentucky, Audubon International strives for sustainable natural resource management.
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