The Reserve at Lake Keowee Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

Audubon International has awarded the development with an Environmental Stewardship Award

Sunset, S.C.—Audubon International has certified The Reserve at Lake Keowee as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and presented the development with an Environmental Stewardship Award for its golf course. The Reserve has been recognized for maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction/safety, water conservation and water quality management.

“What a tremendous honor to have our golf product recognized in this manner,” Tim Boeve, The Reserve’s Head Golf Professional, said. “We are humbled to join an elite group that shares a passion in environmental stewardship and sustainability. This certification mirrors our club’s deep rooted values in enjoyment of the outdoor pursuits.”

Chris Vincent, The Reserve’s Golf Course Superintendent, led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. The Reserve has managed its wildlife and habitats by removing exotic, invasive vegetation, landscaped with native vegetation, provided extensive habitats along streams and lakes to provide food and shelter for wildlife and educated golfers about the importance of the course’s natural areas. Images of The Reserve’s golf course may be found here.

"The Reserve at Lake Keowee has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program,” Christine Kane, Executive Director at Audubon International, said. “They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property.”

Additionally, The Reserve has managed its water quality through extensive vegetative buffer plantings throughout the course, utilized a water quality-testing program, protected the lake’s water quality and stored and mixed/loaded pesticides in a manner that protects ground and surface water. The Reserve at Lake Keowee is one of 25 certified golf courses in South Carolina and 911th in the world to hold designation as a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” Kane said. “These categories include: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.

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.

About Audubon International
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.

About The Reserve at Lake Keowee
Created in 2000 by Greenwood Communities and Resorts, The Reserve at Lake Keowee is an award-winning residential community that spans 3,900 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with 30 miles of shoreline on Lake Keowee and convenient access to nationally recognized commercial and cultural centers that include Greenville, S.C.; Asheville, N.C.; and Clemson and Furman Universities. A 200-slip Marina, Village Center, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and more than 1,400 acres of parks, preserves, trails, and green spaces highlight more than $100 million in completed family amenities at The Reserve. The Reserve has approximately 700 members from 30 different states. Homesites at The Reserve are available from $100,000 to $950,000; homes from $500,000 to $3+ million. To learn more, call 877-922-LAKE (5253), visit www.ReserveAtLakeKeowee.com.