ENVIRONMENTAL OUTREACH

Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program

In 2005 I completed the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Certification for Stone Creek Golf Club. It was a natural progression from the Oregon Golf Course Superintendents Environmental Stewardship Guidelines which I had completed during the construction of the golf course. I found the process to be vigorous and extremely rewarding. Since then, Stone Creek Golf Club has been recognized as a leader in the industry for Environmental Stewardship.



Community Outreach and Education

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is sharing with others, especially children, the wonderful benefits golf courses provide, like wildlife habitat and the contribution to the communities green space. Part of the Audubon International program is community outreach and with that I enjoy hosting local schools out to the course for bird watching trips and science projects. This has been a great way to demonstrate the value of golf, not only as a sport, but as a valuable resource for outdoor education. 


Wildlife Habitat 

Working on a golf course and with the environment, provides many opportunities to view nature at its best. If its not the most beautiful sunrise ever seen, it is surprising a young fawn in the tall grass or watching an osprey feed on a fresh caught fish. I enjoy catching those moments with my camera. I have developed a passion for photography since becoming a superintendent and now share the hobby with my son Adam. Through photography, I can now use my talent to promote my passion of the game of golf and how it is entwined with our environment. 

I am grateful that I have been able to share some of my photographs to help tell the story. So far my photos have made the pages of two text books, a USGA publication, many industry publications including Golf Course Management, Golfdom, Golf Course Industry, and Superintendent Magazine.