The St. Andrews and Overland Park golf courses have joined the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP), a program designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property.

The ACSP provides an advisory service to help golf courses develop effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs. Audubon International coordinates this worldwide effort, and the golf program is sponsored in part by the United States Golf Association.

By joining the ACSP, the golf courses will be involved in projects that enhance habitat for wildlife and preserve natural resources for the benefit of the local community. Some of the projects the courses will be involved in may include: nesting boxes for cavity-nesting birds, such as the bluebird, and establishing areas for cover and food.

To be a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the courses must meet several criteria to be certified in six different categories. St. Andrews and Overland Park golf courses have received certification in Environmental Planning.

Categories remaining are:

• Outreach and Education
• Wildlife and Habitat Management
• Integrated Pest Management
• Water Conservation
• Water Quality

The Golf Division is seeking individuals to assist with certification in the remaining categories. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact:

• Terry Rodenberg, St. Andrews Golf Club, 913/897-3806
• Doug Melchior, OP Golf Club, 913/897-3805