The Westin Kierland Golf Club recognized by Audubon International for environmental excellence

The Westin Kierland Golf Club – managed by Troon Golf and nestled on The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s 250 acres in North Scottsdale – has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Initially designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2010, The Westin Kierland Golf Club is one of 904 courses in the world to presently hold the prestigious designation.

“We take great care in upholding an unwavering commitment to enhancing the wildlife habitat in which our course resides, while also fiercely protecting environmental quality,” said The Westin Kierland Golf Club’s Director of Agronomy Dan Figueras. “We are thrilled our beloved course maintains sanctuary status, and we take great pride in our continued efforts toward contributing to not only habitat and environmental protection but also outreach and educational efforts in the hopes of increasing conservation awareness in the community.”

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, Mexico, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

“Westin Kierland Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for preserving the natural heritage of the area by protecting the local watershed and providing a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Christine Kane, Executive Director 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. Courses go through a recertification process every three years.

For more information, call Audubon International at 1.844.767.9051 or visit www.auduboninternational.org.

For more information on The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, visit www.kierlandresort.com.