Cape Cod Golf Courses Earns Environmental Excellence Recognition

MARSTONS MILLS, MA — A golf course on Cape Cod has earned recognition for its environmental efforts.

Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

James Bentley led the effort to obtain a sanctuary designation on the property. The course is now one of over 900 properties in the world to hold certification from Audubon International.

“Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds 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 Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.

Recognition categories include environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and water quality management.

Audobon officials said the Barnstable course showed accomplishments in:

• Producing large, beneficial green spaces
• Promoting and protecting quality wildlife habitat
• Conducting maintenance practices responsibly
• Ensuring surface water is protected from pollutants

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, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

Director of Golf Maintenance James Bentley and his staff began the process in early 2022 with a full site assessment of the course and recommendations from Audubon International. This process aligned with the Town’s “Sustainable Land Care Management Program” and the golf staff decided to pursue official Audubon certification, officials said, in a news release.

Golf staff, with assistance from volunteers Bruce McIntyre and James Rahilly, expanded naturalized areas and planted natural pollinator plants, including Milkweed and other species, installed numerous birdhouses, a screech owl box and an osprey nest adjacent to the pond on the third hole.

Additionally, staff replaced outdated irrigation sprinklers with modernized sprinklers that are more efficient and provide the capability to regulate their pattern. Groundwater and surface water are also tested four times annually.

Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds is just the third golf course on Cape Cod to achieve this designation, and the first one in 16 years.