Course of Nature

While some people think reeds and cattails around lagoons on a golf course look unkempt, Rich Maxfield prides himself on thinking more like an animal.

The golf course superintendent at Tradition National Golf Club points out that these native grasses and other plants provide habitat, shelter, camouflage and a place for prey to hide.

"Out here on the course I've seen deer, wild turkey, bob cats, river otters and tons of bird species," he said.

Maxfield learned to look at native vegetation from an animal's point of view while preparing the Tradition golf course for certification by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program.

The course received the environmental designation last month, said Martin Sauls of Core Communities, Tradition Hilton Head's developer.

The program, sponsored by Audubon International of New York, promotes responsible environmental stewardship by the golf industry, which traditionally hasn't been known for eco-friendly policies.

Tradition National Golf Club is the 25th course

in South

Carolina and the 774th in the world to receive the honor.

"Tradition 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 Jim Sluiter, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

Programs.

Maxfield said the plants around the lagoons' edges are "rescued plants" that otherwise would have been destroyed during development.

Two signs with the Audubon logo have been installed on the Tradition golf course.

To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in environmental planning; wildlife and habitat management; outreach and education; chemical use reduction and safety; water conservation and

water quality management.

"It comes down to a commitment by the developer, and we have it," Maxfield said.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides

information and guidance to help courses meet the requirements in each of these areas.

Prior to receiving this certification, Tradition announced a partnership with Beaufort-Jasper Water Sewer Authority, which will supply reclaimed water for all of the community's irrigation, including on the golf course, residential lots, common areas and landscaped medians.

Tradition National was designed by Tommy Fazio, who set the par 72 course against natural wetlands throughout more than 250 acres. The golf course and club includes a practice area, full-service pro shop and grill. Tradition residents have priority access, with no equity membership fee required. The public can play the course for $45, Maxfield said.

Tradition Hilton Head is a 5,300-acre master planned community near Hardeeville. About half of the land still is undeveloped. Locals call the area the "Great Swamp." The property's history includes use for pine silviculture. The new community eventually will include residential areas, commercial development, and a schools campus.