After three years of hard work, Laurel Creek Country Club golf course has won a victory for itself, for golfers and for the environment by earning sanctuary designation from Audubon International.
The sanctuary label is given in recognition of the Moorestown course's engagement in environmentally responsible projects, according to the nonprofit group's Web site. But the benefits will be felt as much by golfers, homeowners and the country club as by the snapping turtles, blue heron and freshwater clams.
As part of the program, Audubon International provides information to help with water conservation, wildlife and habitat management and reduction of chemical usage, all of which should combine to create savings on course maintenance.
And even if those savings aren't passed directly to golfers, the beautified course and laudable union of commerce and open-space preservation are sure to benefit local homeowners and those who use the course.
Laurel Acres should be congratulated for joining Pine Valley Golf Club in Pine Valley, Camden County, and 13 other Jersey courses in winning the sanctuary designation.
But it doesn't have to end there. Audubon International insists this program could be in place at "every golf course in the country." It all depends on the courses making the effort.
Courier-Post - 9/12/2002
