In April 2016, Club Pelican Bay was recognized for its environmental excellence achieving designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Only 111 golf courses in Florida, and 905 in the world hold this title.

To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that it maintains a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas. These include Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Bob Bittner, Director of Golf Course Operations, led the effort to obtain Sanctuary designation and was also recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International.

“Club Pelican Bay 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,” states Tara Donadio, Director of Cooperative Sanctuary Programs at Audubon International.

Wildlife frequently found on the course include Warblers, Snowy Egrets, Fox Squirrels, Ospreys, Screech Owls, Alligators, Eastern Bluebirds, Purple Martins, Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Blue Herons, Green Herons, Great Egrets, White Pelicans and Wood Ducks.