Embracing the natural landscape, golf courses provide not only challenging opportunities for golfers, but habitats rich in local plants and wildlife. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System is designed to "Link Together" cooperative sanctuary areas, to form a nation wide system that will benefit wildlife and the environment during all seasons of the year. RiverRidge is the 210th golf course in the world to receive this designation.

Environment

From the inception of RiverRidge, the overriding goal was to present a visual canvas to be appreciated by guests while being sound in the planning and implementation of an environmental strategy. RiverRidge looks at different areas of environmental interest to measure the effectiveness of that planning.

Design

One of the guiding “laws” of golf course include …water on, water off. The water off part sends any minimal run off to completely vegetated holding areas planted with hybrid poplar trees that act as a natural filter for any contaminants in the ground water.

Water Management

This most precious resource is managed daily both visually as well as through the software system of Rainbird with input by their weather station on sight. Drip irrigation is used extensively in planting areas for efficiency. Fountains for aerification of ponds keep water systems healthy.

Trees

From a farm to a golf course…trees have been added. Mixing over 120 varieties of trees for different colors, textures and shapes, the 1300 additional plantings over the 14 years of existence of RiverRidge makes it a unique property…golf course or arboretum. The trees were planted in clumps or groves (natures way) as opposed to straight lines.

Wildlife Habitat

Nesting platforms, bat houses, birdhouses as well as returning to nature areas of minimal play all contribute to “natures housing plan” for wildlife. RiverRidge is the recipient of an Audubon Wildlife Certification. This certification takes up to 5 years to achieve and RiverRidge is the 210th golf course in the world to receive the designation. It encompasses most of what RiverRidge does on a regular basis regarding turf management, water management and integrated pest control.

Turf Management

Less than 5% of the entire property is extensively managed…putting greens. Greens are a controlled and artificial environment. The balance of the ground is managed with no encroachment on any environmental standards. Harvesting 3 times per week (mowing) assures uptake and processing of amendments used.

The beauty of a golf course is in the way it touches the senses. The contours for drainage provide a rolling terrain. The trees create a backdrop that looks as if the course was cut out of a natural setting. The sounds of birds and water splashing help complete the experience. It’s all done by natures environment. RiverRidge just embellished and managed it to some degree…successfully too.