Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – has partnered with the Diploma in Turfgrass Management (DTM) program at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada this fall to provide assistance training students in the areas of environmental sustainability, ethical land stewardship and stakeholder communications.
As part of the partnership, Audubon International, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, will provide the University access to its newly released 3rd edition of “A Guide to Environmental Stewardship on the Golf Course” for students enrolled in classes titled “Turf Environmental Management” and “Turf Case Studies” during the fall and winter semesters.
“We are pleased to help train the next generation of golf course superintendents and turfgrass managers,” said Frank LaVardera, Director of Environmental Programs for Golf for Audubon International. “With this training, these individuals will better understand the relationship between turf management and the environment, ensuring best management practices are utilized, which will result in environmental sustainability wherever they may work.”
DTM is a 20-month program at the University of Guelph that provides students with hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experience for a wide array of career opportunities, including golf course management, lawn care, sports field management, parks management, sod production and related supply and service businesses.
“Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program core philosophies and success stories have proven to be valuable teaching tools in our classroom,” said Cameron Shaw, Manager of University of Guelph’s DTM Program. “We are particularly excited about Audubon International making its newly updated guide accessible to our students as it will not only help them identify key principles in sustainability, but allow them to observe case studies and real-world stories being implemented successfully by current industry leaders.”
DTM requires a minimum 15-week industry co-op/internship and students have historically landed internships at golf courses and other turfgrass-based enterprises across Canada as well as in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Germany and the Caribbean. Graduates of the program are in high demand within the turfgrass industry across Canada and internationally.
To learn more about how your local golf course, community or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051.
