Legends on the Niagara 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 and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.
“Legends on the Niagara 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.
“The Niagara Parks Commission is pleased that Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex has received its recertification,” stated Niagara Parks Chair, Janice Thomson. “This prestigious designation is a true reflection of the ongoing stewardship and preservation responsibilities, which have helped define our organization and I want to congratulate our staff for their ongoing commitment to the environment and for their continued care and devotion to the lands at Legends on the Niagara.”
Legends on the Niagara is one of 53 courses in Ontario and 911 courses in the world to hold 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 2014. After designation, courses go through a recertification process every three years.
In commenting on the recertification process, Niagara Parks Senior Superintendent of Golf Courses, Tom Newton remarked, “Our aim at Legends on the Niagara is not only to provide a great golfing experience, but also to sustain and enhance the important ecosystems and wildlife that make Legends their home.”
This year the recertification process, coordinated by Gillian Biggar, Environmental Technician at Legends, required a visit by a local community representative. Joyce Sankey, Conservation Director at the Niagara Falls Nature Club, was given a tour of the course and sent her observations to Audubon International. “As long time nature club members, we are pleased to see how much effort is being put into limiting pesticide use, preserving water quality, and especially on improving wildlife habitat, including plans to restore 50 hectares of fields adjacent to the course providing additional habitat for grassland birds,” Sankey reported.
“We see the site visit as an important component of a course’s recertification,” stated Kane. “It provides an objective verification of some of the more visible aspects of the course’s environmental management activities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for golf course representatives to share publicly some of the voluntary actions they have taken to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them.”
