HERITAGE OAKS has been open all year for the first time in three years, it’s renovation and rebranding has been attracting golfers all year long. So visit HeritageOaksGC.com
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Heritage Oaks Director of Golf Greg Baron at the grand Reopening in August of 2021.
HERITAGE OAKS in Northbrook and part of the Northbrook Park District, has retained it’s designation of being a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary”, through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.
This program is an international program
Bill Meyer Parks Division Manager led the effort for Heritage Oaks to maintain it’s Audubon status. Because it was first awarded this prestigious honor in 2015. So It’s one of only 900 courses worldwide to hold the distinction from Audubon International.
The Audubon Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, is endorsed by the United States Golf Association. So it does provide leadership in helping golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, while protecting natural resources.
The sun rises on the 18th hole at Heritage Oaks on the Classic 18 course.
Golf courses from several countries and multiple continents have received their certification in the Audubon Sanctuary Program.
“Heritage Oaks Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. So they are commended for preserving the natural heritage of the area, and providing a sanctuary for wildlife,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.”
“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Kane. ” These categories include Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitant Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Courses go through a recertification every three years.”
“As the Director of the Golf Division. I am elated to share that our golf maintenance staff takes tremendous pride in maintaining the certification standards and education required to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” said Greg Baron. “Enhancing wildlife habitats and natural areas while minimizing harmful impacts of the golf course maintenance programs. Is a high-level goal while trying to provide the best possible public golf experience we can. Being certified for the third successive time in a row is truly an honor.”
But the recent renovation of the golf course saw environmental concerns addressed at every decision making session. So these sessions led to the creation of enlarged ponds to better manage storm-water after heavy rains.
“A large part of our mission is to practice environmental stewardship,” said Molly Hammer, Executive Director of the Northbrook Park District. “So the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation is a testament to our talented staff members who maintain and preserve our golf course and additional park assets in an environmentally responsible manner. But the amazing byproduct of this work is a stunning golf course. That features 27 holes of golf for the community.”
Audubon International is located in Troy, New York. Heritage Oaks Golf Course is located on Dundee Road in Northbrook. So for more details see HertiageOaksGC.com or call (847)-291-2351.