Since 1991, Audubon International has been the leading environmental organization to provide comprehensive environmental education and conservation assistance to golf course superintendents and industry professionals. Currently, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses has more than 2,300 member courses in all fifty states, Canada, and increasingly, around the world, with over 230 members having gone through the program to become Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.

Of the estimated 17,000 golf courses in the United States, no two are alike. The ACSP is designed to help a golf course take stock of environmental resources and any potential problems, and then develop a plan that fits its unique setting, goals, staff, budget, and available time. The program has been tailored to a variety of different types of golf course properties, including: private clubs, public and municipal golf courses, PGA sites, 9-hole facilities, resort courses, and golf residential communities.

Audubon International provides information to help golf courses with:

• Environmental Planning

• Wildlife and Habitat Management

• Chemical Use Reduction and Safety

• Water Conservation

• Water Quality Management

• Outreach and Education.

By completing projects in each of these components of the program, the golf course member receives national recognition as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

To become fully certified under the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program, a cooperative effort between the golf course and Audubon International to complete projects in each of the areas described above is required. This overall effort requires a commitment from golf course owners, managers, golf course members, and golf course superintendents. This commitment includes optimizing the operations of the golf course to promote environmental sustainability and enhancement, and to provide community education regarding sound environmental practices occurring at golf courses. This effort is normally coordinated by the golf course superintendent who is responsible for the direction of the completion of these projects. The OGCSA recognizes and salutes the "above and beyond" accomplishments of the OGCSA superintendents responsible for obtaining and maintaining full certification through the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program.