Canmore Golf & Curling Club has achieved designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the society’s program for golf courses.
Reid Solodan, golf course superintendent, led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation and is being recognized for environmental stewardship by Audubon International. Canmore Golf & Curling Club is one of 19 golf courses in Alberta and 896 in the world to hold the title.
“Canmore Golf & Curling Club 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 Christine Kane, executive director at Audubon International.
“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” said Kane. These categories include: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.
“It has been a great learning experience and we will continue to strive to be environmental stewards within the Bow Valley corridor,” said Solodan. “It was a team effort, along with Pete Dall who helped gather all the data and submit information.”
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.
The Canmore club was established in 1926 and constructed by the residents of Canmore. The curling club amalgamated with the golf club in 1988 and the facility became the Canmore Golf & Curling Club. The club’s mission is to provide and maintain the best quality golf and curling opportunities for members, residents and visitors at a reasonable and affordable cost.
Audubon International is a nonprofit organization based in Troy, NY. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities and new developments with the purpose of delivering high-quality environmental education and facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources.
