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Our Mission Statement

Educate and motivate residents to embrace an active commitment to our natural environment including native plants, waterways and wildlife, especially birds and butterflies.

Our Vision 

Sustain Grand Harbor as a thriving Certified Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary​.

Grand Harbor Audubon, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 2007 by a group of concerned residents to ensure that Grand Harbor retains its unique certification as an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary.  We have since developed into a 400+ member organization. Throughout Grand Harbor, wherever you venture and admire the beauty of nature, remember that your Audubon team has had an important role in creating and maintaining what you see. 

"Audubon International is a non profit organization started in 1987. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. By helping people enhance the valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf course operations." There are currently 1,000 certified ACSP golf courses worldwide and Grand Harbor is one of those.

We are committed more than ever to our continuing mission and invite you to visit our numerous projects around the community such as our Nature Garden or join us at the informative programs and field trips we facilitate.

Detailed information on the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf can be found at: https://www.auduboninternational.org/acsp-for-golf

Grand Harbor Receives
Audubon International Certification

September 2024

Last month, Grand Harbor received word that it is again being recognized for environmental excellence by Audubon International. The community will continue to be a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” This designation is highly coveted and is granted to those golfing communities that demonstrate a commitment to minimizing their environmental footprint, enhancing wildlife habitat and promoting environmental quality and education.

The process of recertification consists initially of the submittal of a significant number of documents and property photographs, followed by a one day site visit by an Audubon International (AI) inspector. This year the inspection took place on September 10th. The Grand Harbor contingent during the visit included Club Management, golf course maintenance personnel, a Grand Harbor Club Board member and GH Audubon representatives. Upon completion of the visit, the inspector filled out a lengthy AI Form for submittal to the headquarters for review. He also submitted 120 photographs that he took during the tour.

In addition to their interest in the environmental practices employed on the property, AI is interested in the wildlife habitat enhancement and educational opportunities provided in the community. The inspector’s report was glowing in its description of Grand Harbor. Here are some of the quotes from the report: “the Native and Butterfly Gardens are Amazing”, “Exceptional aquatics in the littoral areas”, “floating rocks, the first time I have seen these”, “Amazing bridges built through mangrove habitat to the Indian River – Fascinating Habitat!”

Brian Beckner, the AI inspector was also impressed with the new water saving irrigation systems on the golf courses, Purple Martin housing, raptor platforms, and the lake enhancements being done now, and contemplated for the future. He also was impressed, and highlighted in his report, the demonstrated collaboration between the Club, the Community, and GH Audubon.

On the education front, Brian was provided with the 2024-2025 Audubon events calendar highlighting the Grand Harbor Audubon sponsored activities.  In addition, his report pointed to the “Birds of Grand Harbor” bird guide, the wildlife signage throughout the property, Audubon Gardens, and all the wonderful wildlife photos throughout the Clubhouse. Brian even highlighted that fact that the food venue was named “Spoonbills” by vote of the membership.

Audubon International Headquarters must have been pleased with what they saw as they are encouraging Grand Harbor to use the Audubon Logo as part of our materials.

Special thanks are due for Leslie Laplant, Josh Breda and all of his team for all the work they put in to make this a reality. Brian was impressed with what he observed in how the team members worked, and we all know how much preparatory work that Leslie did to “pull this off.”

By Curt Strom

Oct 2024 

A few photos that were taken by the Audubon International (AI) inspector

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