Leisure World’s golf course has been officially designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” (CACS) through Audubon International, a high renowned non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources.
“[The] golf course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International. “They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property.”
In addition to providing this sanctuary, the golf course has shown throughout the multi-year certification process its commitment to environmental stewardship by expanding its native vegetation, removing invasive plant species, and conducting water quality testing.
Audubon International’s environmental program manager, Scott Turner, stated in the certification site visit report, “It is truly remarkable to see so many likeminded people come together to make the environment a more sustainable place for the community and wildlife alike.”
He added, “We at Audubon International will be referencing Leisure World’s success to future clubs for years to come.”
Golf Superintendent Frank McLaughlin and Golf and Greens Committee Certification Project Manager Alan Nelson led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. The golf course is now one of only 19 of the 160 courses in Maryland and 900 courses in the world to hold certification from Audubon International.
Leisure World’s beautiful, heavily wooded 18-hole, Par 70 championship golf course boasts Bermuda grass fairways and well-maintained greens. “Planned renovations by McDonald & Sons are expected to be completed this summer which will further the course’s beauty and efficiency,” states an April 2023 press release from Audubon International.