Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. James Bentley led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. The course is now one of over 900 properties in the world to hold certification from Audubon International.

 

“Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Kane. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. The club’s accomplishments include:

  • Producing large, beneficial green spaces
  • Promoting and protecting quality wildlife habitat
  • Conducting maintenance practices responsibly
  • Ensuring surface water is protected from pollutants

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

Director of Golf Maintenance James Bentley and his staff began the process in early 2022 with a full site assessment of the course and recommendations from Audubon International. This process aligned with the Town’s “Sustainable Land Care Management Program” and golf staff decided to pursue official Audubon certification.  Golf staff, with assistance from volunteers Bruce McIntyre and James Rahilly, expanded naturalized areas and planted natural pollinator plants including Milkweed and other species, installed numerous birdhouses, a screech owl box, and an osprey nest adjacent to the pond on the third hole. Additionally, we replaced outdated irrigation sprinklers with modernized sprinklers that are more efficient and provide the capability to regulate their pattern. Golf staff also perform testing of ground water and surface water four times annually. We have reduced the quantity of fertilizer applications and utilize organic and carbon-based products in place of synthetic options. Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds is just the third golf course on Cape Cod to achieve this designation, and the first one in 16 years.

Audubon International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Troy, NY. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments with the purpose of delivering high-quality environmental education and facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources. For more information, call Audubon International at 1-844-767-9051 or visit www.auduboninternational.org.