Audubon International Partners with Waterford Press

(Troy, NY) - Audubon International announces a new and exciting partnership with Waterford Press, the leading publisher of folding reference guides to wildlife identification, outdoor recreation, and travel and safety skills worldwide. The two organizations are collaborating to develop unique custom products available to golf courses in North America and around the world— designed to engage golfers with the natural setting and wildlife they encounter while playing on the course. This project will align with Audubon International’s work in generating awareness of responsible environmental management practices on recreational lands, parks, resorts and golf courses which conserve and protect water and habitat.

“Establishing Waterford Press as our publishing partner lets us develop products that further engage golfers (at all skill levels) with the natural world,” says Joseph Madeira, Director of Advancement for Audubon International. “Following on the incredible results of our BioBlitz on golf courses this spring, we now have evidence that golfers are increasingly active in wildlife identification and seek to understand the various habitats and eco-systems that golf courses can provide. We believe that for many golfers, it is both the game and an appreciation for nature that draws them to their favorite courses.”

This partnership will explore the publication of course-specific guides with customized maps and information on how the natural elements on a course (ecology, habitat, water, and species) intersect with the playing of the game. “We are entering an era in which the most respected golfers are 'green golfers' — those who not only value the natural environment, but understand how much work it takes to preserve it,” Madeira adds.

“We are excited about this partnership,” said Jill Smith, CEO of Waterford Press. “Collaborating with Audubon International furthers our mission of educating and inspiring people to care for the natural world around us. Golfers represent an important audience when you take into consideration the fact that in many settings, golf courses are often some of the largest remaining urban greenspaces and wildlife habitats.”

As the country’s leading publisher of guides for wildlife, recreation, travel and safety, Waterford Press already has a significant reach, positively impacting environmental awareness. The guides are specifically designed as multi-use publications; clubs and courses can utilize them as new member gift, souvenirs for tournament attendees, sponsor recognition vehicles, and items for ongoing sales in pro-shops. The main purpose, however, is to strengthen the facility’s brand as an environmental advocate.

For more information about the Audubon International/Waterford Press custom guide project, contact Joe Madeira at Audubon International at 518-767-9051 or via e-mail joe@auduboninternational.org.