Palm Beach County Golf Course Wins Annual Species-Counting Competition

For the second straight year, a Palm Beach County golf course has earned the award for most participants in Audubon International’s BioBlitz, a free species-counting competition designed to showcase the environmental value of the natural habitats found on golf courses.

242 people participated in this worldwide competition at Southwinds Golf Course in Boca Raton, which ran from April 21 to May 13, 2018. Junior golfers counted species of animals, plants, fungi, and insects living on the golf course, took a tour of the maintenance facility to learn about the golf course’s commitment to using eco-friendly golf course maintenance practices and their bi-weekly Ladies’ Night Out event also offered BioBlitz themed cocktails to teams that participated.

All five Palm Beach County golf courses are certified Audubon International courses, a distinction that is given to golf courses that employ environmental-friendly practices in maintaining their facilities.

Okeeheelee Golf Course, located in Okeeheelee Park, west of West Palm Beach, was also awarded the runner-up distinction in the photo contest for a stunning image of a sandhill crane that was taken and submitted by one of the golf course’s avid golfers.

Now in its fourth year, Audubon International’s BioBlitz creates an opportunity for school children, community members, golfers, and more to take a closer look at the habitats provided on golf courses. In addition to demonstrating the large diversity of species on golf courses, the competition also engages local interest and support of the green space and recreational opportunities they provide to their towns. Participants competed for three awards for most species counted, most participants, and best photo.

Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources, thus leading to more sustainable communities. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities.

Junior Golfers helped stage a BioBlitz drone photo, which was used by Audubon as the main image in their announcement of annual winners.

About the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and is committed to making the quality of life for Palm Beach County residents and visitors better by providing diverse, safe and affordable recreation services, welcoming parks, and enriching social and cultural experiences by promoting wellness, fostering environmental stewardship, contributing economic value, and by improving the community every day for this and future generations. For more information about recreational opportunities and healthy, happy living, visit www.pbcparks.com and follow @pbcparks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and WordPress.

Southwinds Golf Course and Okeeheelee Golf Course are operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information on county-operated golf courses, visit www.pbcgolf.com.