A northwestern Indiana golf course is leaving sections of land alongside its greens unkempt and boosting recycling in an effort to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Grass clippings are spread in the rough at the Briar Ridge Country Club, and tall plant life surrounds water hazards to act as filters and deter Canada geese. Water used to wash vehicles is filtered and returned to a nearby ditch.
Golf operations director Erwin McKone says the goal is for the golf course to be seen as a valuable green space. The Audubon designation includes wildlife and habitat management, water conservation and environmental planning.
McKone says he hopes students take field trips to the course to study the plant life, animal habitats and conservation methods.