Who we Are

Our name is a result of our affilitation with Audubon International, the originator 20 years ago of a certification program for golf courses. Fewer than 5% of the golf courses in the U.S. are Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, a rigorous multi-pronged program that this organization oversees, “designed to help golf courses protect our natural environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game.” Even among the 1900 golf courses participating in the program, only 38% have reached certification. (You can find details about the program at The Landings Club under Golf.)

All six courses of The Landings Club have been certified since 2002; however the process does not end with certification. Each course must be recertified every two years. Certification is a cooperative effort of the leadership of The Landings Club, spearheaded by Tyson Helsel, Director of Golf Course Maintenance North, and Skidaway Audubon Committee volunteers Caryl Warner, George Word and Chuck Smith.

We are sometimes confused with the Audubon Society, which is Ogeechee Audubon in our area. We greatly esteem this affiliate of the national society and are pleased when our paths and purposes cross, but we are a separate organization

• Our Mission is to enhance and conserve Skidaway Island’s natural environment and resources.
• Promote environmental awareness throughout Skidaway Island through publicity, education and outreach, working with The Landings Association, The Landings Club, the Landings Company, the Skidaway Island State Park, University of Georgia Marine Education Center, and others.
• Encourage and assist in the continued certification of the golf courses through the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program.
• Continue to recommend and initiate natural landscaping and wildlife enhancement projects on the Landings Club’s Golf Courses, working with the Grounds Maintenance Department
• Recommend and initiate natural landscaping at the Landings, working with the Association’s Public Works Department and the Landings Association’s Island Beautification Committee.
• Coordinate and work with other organizations in the Community, such as the Birdwatchers of the Landings, the Skidaway Island Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association, The Landings Garden Club, Green Thumb Garden Club, Landings Landlovers and Ogeechee Audubon on environmental endeavors.
• Provide on-going support to such projects as the Nature and Native Plant Trails, Bottle Brigade, Recycling Program, Dave Scott Bluebird Trail, Sparrow Field, Lagoon Beautification, Chinese Tallow Tree Removal, Water Conservation, and Skidaway Farms.
• Raise funds for specific projects through such efforts as the annual Audubon Golf Tournament
• Develop a Skidaway Audubon Community Sustainability Certification Program.