Audubon Coooperative Sanctuary

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program began at Huntsville Golf Club in 1994. Huntsville needed to fulfill six categories before receiving certification in the Program. Those categories include Environmental Planning, Integrated Pest Management, Water Conservation, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Public & Member Involvement, and Water Quality. Huntsville Golf Club officially became a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary on October 25, 1996. It continues to maintain its high standards in each category and must apply for re-certification to Audubon every two years. Huntsville is one of the few golf courses in this region to attain the distinction of being a certified Audubon Sanctuary.

Public & Member Involvement

An important category in maintaining our certification is Public & Member Involvement. Huntsville needs to maintain a relationship with both the club members and the public, such as schools or scouting organizations.

We have given course tours and nature trail walks to several groups. We have had school groups participate in building bird boxes for our course, and hope to soon have another group of children help us build some osprey nest platforms. Bird Walks and Wildflower Walks are held periodically, along with a hayride in October to see the fall foliage.

The children at Huntsville have been treated to such programs as the “Butterfly Man,” the “Reptile Man,” and a petting zoo. Huntsville participates in the yearly Audubon Bird Count which takes place in May. The course has many bluebird and butterfly boxes scattered throughout, which are monitored by both members and our horticulturist.

Nature Trail

Huntsville has accomplished many projects on the golf course, one of which is to build a Nature Trail. This is a 1.38 mile hike that starts on an old logging road, descends 150 feet into an old growth area, and traverses a spring-fed pond thriving with wetland plants. Wildlife, such as deer, wild turkey, and many different species of birds has been noted not only on the trail, but all through the golf course. Several trees along the trail have been designated with a plaque giving the name of the tree in both common name and botanical name. If you should need a rest, there are wooden benches placed throughout the walk. Maps of the Nature Trail can be obtained in the Clubhouse. Be sure to wear your hiking boots!

The Nature Trail

The Nature Trail can be accessed by turning at the Halfway House and continuing down the road by the range. On your left you will pass hayfields which are often filled with Bobolinks. As you approach the Pro Tees, an arrow will direct you to the head of the trail.

The trail begins on an old logging road and descends 150 feet. It curves around to the base near #2 Green. The trail then turns off the logging road and goes directly into an old growth area. Owl signs, such as nests and pellets, have been seen in this area. This portion of the trail brings you out to an old spring and pump house. A history of the pump and its use is posted at the site. This area has benches for you to rest before continuing on. The spring has become a water supply for our deer population, as you will see by the many tracks and even some sightings.

At this point the trail turns again to skirt wetlands. There is a place to walk down and sit to watch the activity there. This portion of the trail is woodland and takes you directly through another old growth area.

As you depart the old growth area, you will pass through an old stone wall. Beyond the wall lies a spring-fed pond. Once again benches will be available to stop and rest. A fact sheet that includes how the pond was formed and wetland plants that now thrive there will be posted. Signs and sightings of wild Turkey are often seen in this area.

When you are finished enjoying the pond you will be directed back to an old logging road. This road will climb back up the hill to the head of the trail. Benches will be provided at the halfway point of the hill, and again at the top. Once at the top, you can follow the road back to the Halfway House to end your 1.38 mile hike.

EDUCATIONAL

Our Nature Trails will teach you to identify some of our common tree species here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Look for signs identifying both common and Latin names for each species. At the “Spring” you will receive a history lesson. At the “Pond” you will be learning about the native wetland species that exist there, as well as some amphibians that have been seen there.

RECREATIONAL/FITNESS

A walk on the trail makes for a great afternoon that can be enjoyed by the entire family. And what better way to stay fit and enjoy the day than to take a hike! Use the map shown here to help you find your way along the trail or pick up a brochure in the clubhouse.