Florida Golf Club Seeks World’s First Audubon Platinum Sanctuary Status

The pursuit of a never-before-achieved level of environmental excellence in global golf is the subject of a new episode of Syngenta’s YouTube docuseries, The Green Report.

Collier’s Reserve Country Club in Southwest Florida, is vying to become the first ever facility to be recognized with Audubon Platinum Signature Sanctuary certification. The status represents the highest possible acknowledgment of a club’s community-wide commitment to sustainable practices and biodiversity.

In 1994, Collier’s Reserve made history as the first-ever Audubon Signature Sanctuary. Over 30 years later, the club is attempting to break new ground again. The episode follows Superintendent Ken Kleinedler who describes a passion for environmental stewardship that has seen the club become a safe haven for the native Gopher Tortoise.

“At one stage they were on the endangered species list,” Ken explains to host Gary Firkins. Now, Gopher Tortoises and their burrows are a common sight across the golf course, as the club works actively to help the population thrive.

“We teamed up with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and whenever they need to rehome a local Gopher Tortoise they give us a call. We do that multiple times throughout the year,” Ken explains.

Elsewhere, host Gary Firkins explores the property-wide pollinator program and meets resident bird expert, Brian Beckner, to see how the club ensures native, diverse bird populations flourish.

Lastly, Gary speaks with Club Association Manager, Greg Anderson, who describes the sympathetic development of the club and residential community – and what makes it different.

Mark Birchmore, Global Head of Marketing, Turf & Landscape for Syngenta, said: “Collier’s Reserve is a pioneering example of how residential golf developments can support biodiversity and encourage wildlife to flourish. 

“More than that, it demonstrates the role golf courses can play in providing essential safe havens for endangered species and working in partnership with local organizations to make a positive contribution.”

The new episode will be released at 12PM ET / 5PM CET today, and will be free-to-watch for all golf industry professionals and stakeholders on YouTube.

To watch all episodes of The Green Report and for more news, features, videos and case studies on sustainable golf, as well as links to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast, visit Syngenta Golf.