The City of Bettendorf has announced that Palmer Hills Golf Course has been designated a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.
This achievement places Palmer Hills among more than 900 properties worldwide to hold this certification. The honor comes as the city course celebrates its 50-year anniversary.
Jon Waddell, PGA head golf professional, expressed pride in the accomplishment. “It’s an honor for Palmer Hills to receive this certification,” Mr. Waddell said. “This did not happen overnight. Our Golf Maintenance Manager Brian Hickey and his staff have worked tirelessly to make our golf course an environmentally responsible one.”
Mr. Hickey led the effort to secure the designation. “My goal has been to make Palmer Hills a leader in the community through ecological restoration, regenerative turf management, education and outreach, and providing the highest quality of golf experience to our guests,” he said in a news release.
Mr. Hickey also recently discussed the initiative as a guest on Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher’s weekly Mayor’s Message.
Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International, applauded Palmer Hills for its “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.”
To achieve certification, courses must demonstrate high environmental quality across several categories, including Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.
Palmer Hills’ accomplishments include:
- Reducing chemical use through improved cultural and best management practices.
- Promoting and protecting quality wildlife habitat.
- Conducting responsible maintenance practices.
- Engaging with local stakeholders and youth groups.
Audubon International highlighted the course’s multifaceted approach. “Palmer Hills exemplifies how environmental stewardship, innovative turf management, and community programming can converge to create a climate-resilient golf facility,” the organization stated in announcing the winners. “Located within city boundaries and bordered by homes and businesses, Palmer Hills is both an ecological green space and a critical site of climate adaptation. The course’s transformation, rooted in soil regeneration, water conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and education, illustrates a nuanced and place-based approach.”
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides guidance to help golf courses preserve wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification.
