Aurora’s Phillips Park Golf Course has once again been recognized for environmental excellence by Audubon International.

Audubon International recently announced that Phillips Park Golf Course has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

“Phillips Park Golf Course 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 Tara Donadio, Director of Cooperative Sanctuary Programs at Audubon International.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program helps golf courses implement a comprehensive environmental management program aimed at making golf courses more environmentally friendly. 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.

This year the re-certification process, coordinated by Golf Course Superintendent Todd Schmitz, required a visit by a local community representative. Charles Anfield, golf course superintendent at Heritage Bluffs Golf Course, was given a tour of the course and sent his observations to Audubon International. Anfield is a part of the Audubon Steward Network and provides invaluable, first-hand assistance to members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program and others interested in protecting and improving the environment in their region.

One of the many noted examples of Phillips Park Golf Course’s commitment to environmental excellence is the more than 200 native trees that have been replanted at the course since its involvement with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, often with the help of local Boy Scout troops.

The Phillips Park Golf Course was first designated a Certified Audubon Sanctuary in 2009, and completed the re-certification process every three years. It is one of 52 courses in Illinois and 892 courses in the world to hold the honor.

For more information on the Phillips Park Golf Course visit www.phillipsparkaurora.com.

ABOUT AUDUBON INTERNATIONAL

Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities. Learn more at www.auduboninternational.org.

ABOUT THE CITY OF AURORA

Located 35 miles west of Chicago, Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a population of 200,456.  Aurora is known as the “City of Lights” because it was one of the first in the nation to illuminate its streets with electric lights.  Situated along the Fox River and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88), the city extends 46 square miles encompassing Kane, DuPage, Kendall and Will counties.  Aurora also is home to six public school districts and seven townships.  For the latest news, access to an archive of past news releases or to follow the city on Facebook or Twitter, visit the city’s website at www.aurora-il.org.