Audubon-Certified Golf

To achieve the first U.S. gold-level certification from the Audubon Signature Cooperative Sanctuary Program, WCI Communities agreed to let Audubon International take responsibility for preparing and integrating an environmental master plan at its Raptor Bay Golf Club in Florida. Details include:

• eliminating sand bunkers in favor of native sand and vegetation areas.
• setting aside 200 acres of native vegetation and 22 acres of lakes.
• birdhouses throughout the property.
• the introduction of phytozones (natural storm-water wetland areas) to clean course runoff.
• aquatic plants to attract wading birds and other wildlife.
• an eagle management plan.
• a golf maintenance facility designed and operated with environmentally friendly principles.

Raptor Bay is "an exemplar of environmental awareness and stewardship," says Nancy Richardson, who oversees the program for Audubon.