Mike Maney, golf course superintendent, led the effort to maintain sanctuary status on the course. Rehoboth Beach Country Club is one of 798 courses in the world to receive the honor.

The program, endorsed by the U.S. Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, Mexico and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

“Rehoboth Beach Country Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Jim Sluiter, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary programs.

To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas. These categories include environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and water quality management. Courses go through a recertification process every two years.

For more information on golf and the environment visit golfandenvironment.org. For more information on Audubon International visit auduboninternational.org.