PCC first received its “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” designation by Audubon International in 1997 and has retained this distinction every year since. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation and Water Quality Management.
“Portland Country Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Jeremy Taylor, Audubon International Staff Ecologist, during PCC’s last certification visit.
PCC is the only private course in Maine and one of only 672 courses in the world to receive the honor. Golf courses from the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program. The golf course joined the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses in 1993 and was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 1997. After designation, courses go through a recertification process every two years.
“Many of the environmentally friendly management practices PCC has adopted are simple and cost nothing to implement. It would be great to see more golf courses in Maine follow Portland Country Club’s lead and become involved in the Program. The course is beautiful and James Christie and his staff are able to keep it that way while using fewer chemicals and less water, and the birds seemed thrilled!” commented Cheryl Rich, Horticulture Department Chair at SMCC in her report to Audubon International after her site visit.
In addition, JB Christie and Linda Lewis are two of about 100 persons nationwide who are members of the Audubon Steward Network and the only ones in Maine. Audubon Stewards serve as a source of knowledge, good advice, enthusiasm and encouragement to others who wish to become involved. They provide invaluable, on-the-ground assistance to members of the ACSP and others interested in protecting and improving the environment in their region.
Our Course Superintendent, JB Christie and the Grounds staff are to be applauded. It takes a lot of planning and hard work to maintain the balance between giving our members the best golf course in the state while looking out for the interests of the wildlife and vegetation that flourish here.