The Peninsula Golf & Country Club earns Audubon certification

The Peninsula Golf & Country Club golf course has achieved designation as a certified Audubon Cooperative sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. The Peninsula is the sixth course in Delaware and the 793rd in the world to receive the honor.

Soon after acquiring 800 acres of farmland adjacent to the Indian River Bay in Delaware’s Long Neck area, The Peninsula Golf & Country Club launched into a proactive environmental program to improve the way the course manages its effect on its surroundings.

“Troon Golf manages The Peninsula’s amenities, and we pride ourselves on setting rigorous performance goals under our environmental management system, long-established agronomy standards and the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program,” said Peninsula General Manager Laura Scrivner.

To reach certification, a course must demonstrate it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas. The Peninsula completed certification in the necessary six categories: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservancy and Water Quality Management.

“The property is surrounded by 4 miles of waterfront, containing 32 acres of woodlands, 14 miles of nature trails and 26 acres of lakes. This jewel deserves to continue to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources,” said Scrivner.

Craig Werline, course superintendent, has been on site since its metamorphosis from farmland to resort haven, watching Jack Nicklaus design the course, leaving acres and acres of pristine woodlands and beachfront intact for nature trails, wildlife habitat and bird refuge.

“The golf community is committed to sustainable solutions and environmental enhancement,’’ said Werline, during a recent gathering of members and guests participating in a bluebird house-building workshop. “This is just one step in the myriad of accomplishments and steps necessary for our certification by Audubon International.”

In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also approves programs for businesses, schools, communities and new developments. For more information, visit auduboninternational.org