Categories: Golf CourseNews

Audubon International expands staff, names Frank LaVardera as Director of Environmental Programs for Golf

Frank LaVardera has been named the Director of Environmental Programs for Golf (ACSP) at Audubon International, the trusted name in environmental stewardship and certification on the world’s golf courses.

In this new role, LaVardera will oversee AI’s highly regarded Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf as well as the Signature and Classic Sanctuary programs for new and renovating golf courses. His department will also include the organization’s newest programs – Monarchs in the Rough and the Raptor Relocation Network.

LaVardera brings extensive experience as an environmental consultant working on a wide range of projects. This experience includes preparation of environmental resource plans, stormwater management plans, best management practices plans, and wildlife habitat assessments. His past experience also includes working on several golf course improvement projects for the U.S. Navy.  He holds a Master of Science degree in Urban and Environmental Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Land & Water Resources from Ramapo College of New Jersey.

An avid golfer, LaVardera is a long-time member of the Edison Club in Rexford, New York.

Christine Kane, Chief Executive Officer

“We’re excited about the unique combination of environmental knowledge, field experience and program management skills that Frank is bringing to the organization,” says Audubon International CEO Christine Kane. “We’re very happy that he’s joined our staff.”

Related: Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses: More Relevant than Ever

Audubon International is a not-for-profit organization which works with over 2,500 golf courses, businesses, parks, cemeteries, hotels, resorts, residential communities, and business facilities to encourage ecological management of natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, technical assistance, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, single properties, new developments, and entire communities. For more information, visit www.auduboninternational.org .

“I’m looking forward to the challenges of this position and to helping our members take proactive environmental actions and achieve positive impacts to enhance the game of golf and improve the quality of the environment” said LaVardera.

Golf Course Trades

Recent Posts

Chad Braun wins GCSAA’s 2026 Edwin Budding Award

Chad Braun, the equipment director at Town & Country Club in St. Paul, Minn., is…

21 hours ago

Random Links – Making the Rounds #48

This column features recollections of the author’s 38 years as a golf writer. These installments…

22 hours ago

CityGolf USA Partners with Architect Tom Fazio for Golf Course Designs

Renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, who counts nine original course designs among Golf Digest’s ranking…

2 days ago

Red Mountain Golf Club’s Bold New Chapter in Phuket Thailand

Major redevelopment at one of Thailand’s most iconic golf courses is reshaping six holes through…

2 days ago

Superintendents Online Turf Directory – EVERYTHING TURF

Our online directory, directory.GolfCourseTrades.com is the go-to resource for the busy superintendent. It is your opportunity…

3 days ago

Turf Responds to Two Environments: Why Soil and Weather Data Matter

Every day, your turf is responding to two environments. The first is below the surface, where…

1 week ago