Katie McGrath, Stewardship Coordinator, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. RiverBend Golf Community is the 2nd course in London, 32nd in Ontario, 60th in Canada, and the 610th in the world to receive this honour.

“RiverBend Golf Community 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 Shawn Williams, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. “What truly impressed me about this property was how the residents embraced the golf courses decision to practice land stewardship”.

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

A rare parcel of Carolinian forest surrounds RiverBend Golf Club and protecting its natural heritage has been a priority from the beginning for Ms. McGrath and parent company Sifton Properties Limited. “Educating staff and members of the importance of environmental stewardship has been a focus since the start of development,” she states. “Residents and members have been instrumental in the success of our programs which have included the Audubon Green Golfer pledge drive, photograph contests and art groups. The grounds staff has made every effort to follow a maintenance program designed to maximize turf health and minimize the impact on our surroundings and have been key in monitoring the wildlife that shares the property. Their support not only makes this program possible but hugely successful.”

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides guidance to help golf course preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Audubon certified courses in the London area include St. Thomas Golf & Country Club in St. Thomas, and Sunningdale Golf & Country Club in London.

Audubon International is a not-for-profit environmental education organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. By helping make sound environmental decisions and actions, and building from individual to organizational, and eventually, community-wide involvement, Audubon International seeks to foster more sustainable human and natural communities. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs were created to provide information and guidance to help people preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources where they live, work, and play. Currently, Audubon International has programs throughout the United States, and in over two-dozen countries.

For more information, please contact:
RiverBend Golf Community
Katie McGrath, Stewardship Coordinator
Telephone: (519) 657-4153
Email: kmcgrath@riverbendgolf.com

OR

Audubon International
Telephone: (518) 767-9051
Email: acss@auduboninternational.org
Website: www.auduboninternational.org

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