Press Release – March 13, 2020

CASTINE, ME – Castine Golf Club has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon  Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf  Courses. Marty Tenney, Board Secretary, completed the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. Castine Golf Club is one of over 900 courses in the world to  hold the title of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. 

“Castine Golf Club 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. 

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree  of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Kane. These categories include:  Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality  Management. Castine Golf Club accomplishments include: 

• Reducing water consumption on the course
• Removal of exotic vegetation and replacement with native species
• Reduction in the use of fertilizer and pesticides

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. 

Golf has been played in Castine since the 1890s and the Castine Golf Club’s present 9  holes were designed by Scottish architect Willie Park, Jr. and opened in 1924. Mr. Park  considered it one of his finest courses, and it remains today one of the truest unspoiled  examples of Mr. Park’s design. The course is open to the public, call 207-326-8844 or go  

to castinegolfclub.com for more information. 

Audubon International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Troy, NY. In addition  to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments with the purpose of delivering high-quality environmental education and facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources. For more information, call Audubon International at 1-844-767-9051 or visit www.auduboninternational.org. 

An Audubon consultant spent 3 days walking the course in October 2012 and has  identified all native and invasive plant species, as well as inventorying bird and wildlife  populations. A copy of his report, along with suggestions for improvements, is available in  the pro shop and in the members only section of this website. 

Four bluebird houses were placed on the course in 2012. Tree swallows nested in two of  the boxes. Bluebirds have been seen on the course and at surrounding properties during  the summer. A purple martin house was added in 2013. 

Ten elm trees were planted in October 2012 along the Battle Ave curve, 4 along the right side by the 7th tee and 2nd green, and 6 along the right side of the 3rd fairway. The Club received an anonymous donation for these trees. In September 2013, 16 dying white spruce trees were cut down along the street side of the 3rd fairway, and thanks to another  anonymous donation, 8 small elm trees were planted. The Club also received a donation  of a red maple tree that has been planted between the 2nd fairway and the practice range. The gardening committee has planted a bird- and butterfly-friendly native garden next to  the first tee. 

In 2018, the Club joined Audubon International’s “Monarchs in the Rough” program. A  small area on the right side of the 5th fairway has been planted with milkweed in order to  attract monarch butterflies, and there are plans to expand the plantings to other areas.