Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

The dedicated individuals of Bayville Golf Club's Agronomy Team are making waves in the turf management and golf industry with our innovative and sustainable practices, which have transformed the golf course into a beautiful and thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife and promotes biodiversity.

Cormorants preparing to take a plunge in the lake on hole #15

One of the key aspects of Bayville Golf Club's success lies in our carefully curated agronomy practices. By utilizing sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology, the agronomy team has been able to maintain the health and vibrancy of the turf while minimizing the use of pesticides and conserving resources. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment, but also enhances the overall playing experience for members.

In 2023, the Bayville Agronomy Team proudly achieved Certification from Audubon International. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf (ACSP) is an environmental education and certification program that helps golf courses protect and promote environmental sustainability and gain recognition for their efforts. It is a lengthy process that required we collect information regarding habitat and wildlife management, water conservation and quality management, and chemical use reduction and safety.

To ensure the quality of our integrated pond system, we tested our water four times in an 8-month period to establish a baseline. Each result demonstrated that our numbers are within the normal parameters and are, in fact, healthier where the water exits the property than where it enters the property. Further, we collaborated with members of the community to implement ecological restoration projects throughout the property, such as the installation of several new bluebird boxes and the construction of a new osprey platform. By working with local beekeepers, we have introduced several honeybee hives, which have elicited a lot of curiosity amongst members and been a great indication of the health of our course. The project also gave us the incentive to create a solid wildlife inventory, for which we collaborated with sources from the Brock Environmental Center of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Starting from the display gardens at our clubhouse and performance center, we went hole-by-hole and created a plant inventory, too.

Achieving ACSP certification not only serves as a testament to the Team's dedication to environmental stewardship, but also highlights our ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.