Manhattan Woods Golf Club Recognized for Environmental Excellence

Online, January 17, 2014 (Newswire.com) - The Manhattan Woods Golf Club has retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

Participation is designed to help course personnel plan, organize, implement, and document a comprehensive environmental management program and receive recognition for their efforts. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

"Staff at the Manhattan Woods Golf Club have 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 Laura Karosic, Associate Director of Environmental Programs at Audubon International.

The course is among the 873 courses in the world to receive the honor. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Central America, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program. The golf course was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2008. After designation, courses go through a recertification process every two years.

This year the recertification process, coordinated by Jesse Shannon, Superintendent of Manhattan Woods Golf Club, required a visit by a local community representative. Matthew Ceplo, Chair of Rockland County Water Committee, was given a tour of the course and sent his observations to Audubon International. He stated that the Manhattan Woods Golf Club is "a perfect example of how a facility can enhance the environment and provide a beautiful, functional, and professional golf course."

Four additional reviewers accompanied Ceplo on the site visit, including County Legislator Harriet Cornell and Raymond Cywinski, Manager of Water and Environmental Resources at United Water New Jersey. The team reviewed all aspects of the course management and confirmed they are managing the course to Audubon International's strict standards.

"Manhattan Woods is an exceptionally beautiful golf course where the natural environment is integrated into the whole experience," said Cornell. "The management team should be commended for its stewardship and appreciation for environmental protection."

"The owner has gone above and beyond in preserving and expanding natural areas within the ground of the golf course," Cywinski added. "This includes no-mow zones, wetland areas and buffers, selective tree thinning, and a wildflower garden. Both the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent are committed to this goal."

About Audubon International
Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities.
For more information, contact Audubon International at 120 Defreest Drive, Troy, NY 12180, (518) 767-9051, e-mail at acsp@auduboninternational.org, or visit the website at www.auduboninternational.org.