A Catalyst for Change: Audubon International

Today's fairways are getting greener, thanks in part to the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, administered by Audubon International and sponsored by the United States Golf Association. Audubon International, it should be noted, is not associated with the National Audubon Society, which does not certify golf courses.

Founded in 1991, the program enrolls golf courses and encourages them to develop a comprehensive environmental plan that addresses wildlife and habitat management, public education, integrated pest management, water conservation, and water quality management.

Twenty percent of all courses in Illinois participate in the Audubon program, compared to 12 percent nationwide. Twenty-two golf courses within Chicago Wilderness have achieved Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status. To involve more courses, Audubon International has an ambitious program to enroll at least 50 percent of all U.S. courses by 2008.

To learn more about its programs, see the Audubon International Web site.