For the Love of Birds
Club Pelican Bay was recognized for our environmental excellence in April 2016 when we achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.
Just 111 golf courses in Florida and 905 in the world hold this title.
“Club Pelican Bay is very proud to have received certification from Audubon International,” says Dave Mangan, General Manager. “For the last 36 years, we have carefully and thoughtfully worked to keep the natural beauty of the area intact, so it made perfect sense for us to become involved with Audubon. It is an honor for us.”
Bob Bittner, Director of Golf Course Operations and a Certified Golf Course Superintendent, added, “Our Members understand the importance of protecting wildlife and the environment. They support environmental stewardship, which enhances our unique lifestyle and beautiful community.” Bob led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation and was also recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International.
“Club Pelican Bay 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 Tara Donadio, Director of Cooperative Sanctuary Programs at Audubon International.
Wildlife frequently found on the course include Warblers, Snowy Egrets, Fox Squirrels, Ospreys, Screech Owls, Alligators, Eastern Bluebirds, Purple Martins, Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Blue Herons, Green Herons, Great Egrets, White Pelicans and Wood Ducks.
To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that it maintains a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas. These include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.
Club Pelican Bay has two butterfly gardens, numerous Osprey platforms for nesting, and Purple Martin habitats. Most recently, we added ten Bee Boxes and are already producing our own honey!
