 Rick Broome Golf Course Superintendent |
A New Assistant, Audubon Sanctuary Designation, Exceptional Course Conditions - It's Been a Great Start For 2004!
The 2004 golf season is well underway, and considering that the weather has been kind to us this spring, the golf course is in great shape. There is big news from the Grounds Department at Harbor Pines, and that is I would like to personally welcome Jason Jackson, the new Assistant Golf Course Superintendent.
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Jason Jackson |
Jason hails from Huntington Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania where he was one of the assistants on the 27-hole private club. Like me, Jason has been around golf his entire life, working previously for his father at Chester River Yacht and Country Club in Maryland. I am pleased to have Jason on board and his passion for the game shows in his work ethic. So, if you get a chance, please say hello and make him feel welcome.
If you haven't heard, Harbor Pines Golf Club has been designated and fully certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses as environmentally friendly. The process took a little over six years to complete but the hard work has paid off and we are very proud of our accomplishments.
Harbor Pines is one of only 17 in New Jersey with the certification, and there are only 102 in the entire country. When you play the course please take the time to look at the surroundings: natural areas, birdhouses, bat houses and wild flowers. This was done intentionally to promote wildlife populations at Harbor Pines. In fact, there has also been a substantial increase of endangered species of eastern gray tree frogs too.
You will also see blue birds, turtles, ospreys and red tail hawks among many other types of animals calling Harbor Pines their home. To become fully certified by the Audubon organization, Harbor Pines had to meet certain criteria including reduction of water, fertilizer and pesticide usage. Harbor Pines was also involved with public education programs, having the local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops helping to build and put up different styles of birdhouses along the course.
Now that Harbor Pines is Audubon Certified, the process does not stop here… we must re-qualify every two years to keep the distinction, which is an on-going process as we continue to promote the wildlife. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the ownership at Harbor Pines. Without their unconditional support in this process, this certification would not have been possible.
So please enjoy your round at Harbor Pines, and, as always, help us to help you in making the course better for everyone by fixing ball marks, replacing or filling divots and raking the bunkers.
Hit
'em straight!
If you have any comments or suggestions,
please feel free to email me at rtbgolfsupt
@comcast.net.