Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay receives its Audubon Certification

(THORNBURY, Ontario, Canada) - The Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

Chris Lecour, course superintendent, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. The Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay is the 40th course in Ontario and the 674th in the world to receive the honor.

"The Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay 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 Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. "To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas."

These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

"We would like to thank everyone involved in this tremendous achievement. Audubon Certification for the golf course compliments our vision for the entire community at Lora Bay. Our deer yards, wildlife corridors and extensive natural park space are further enhanced by this renowned Environmental Stewardship Program ensuring that Lora Bay will always be a naturally beautiful place to live," says Jim Wilkinson, President and CEO of the Lora Bay Corporation.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments.