Niakwa CC Commits to Obtaining Audubon Certification

The Niakwa Country Club Turf Team is working toward certification of the Course under the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf. The ACSP is “an environmental education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment, preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf, and gain recognition for their efforts. “

Certification under the program reflects Niakwa Country Club’s recognition of the golf course as an important green space in an urban environment. The program involves preserving and enhancing habitat for native plants and animals and practicing sound environmental stewardship in all management practices.

To date 100 of the top golf courses in Canada are certified under the ACSP program. The Turf Team, led by Jon McMorris, Shane Bell, and Daphne Stapley, with support from our Course Superintendent Shawn Major, hopes to attain Certification in time for Niakwa’s Centennial in 2023.

The Turf Team has already achieved certification from the Audubon Society in several key Categories. These include: Chemical Use Reduction and Safety; Water Conservation; and Environmental Case Study. The remaining Certification categories include: Water Quality Management; Wildlife and Habitat Management; and Outreach and Education.

To support the Turf Team in its efforts to obtain Certification in these Categories, a group of Niakwa Members has formed a support committee. The Support Committee is chaired by Rob Sproule, with Members, Al Kowalec, Karen Yamada, Cory Frank, and Dave McMillan.

The Committee will be assisting the Turf Team with Member liaison and communications, community outreach and education, fundraising, project assistance, and tracking, and recording wildlife.

To date, the Committee has created a website, www.NatureOfNiakwa.ca , started construction of cavity bird boxes and bat boxes, developed a partnership with Save our Seine, and has begun fundraising with a $2500 profit from fundraising for a bench in memory of Dave Farlinger.

Audubon Certification will be a significant achievement for Niakwa. Enjoying the game of golf in harmony with the natural environment enhances the experience for all.