FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Which came first, the golf course or the wildlife sanctuary?

At Fort Bragg, NC, the answer is easy. The installation's Ryder Golf Course dates back to the 1930s, but the idea of a golf course sanctuary is practically newborn.

This summer, Ryder became a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the first such honor for an Army golf course.

"Only 18 other clubs in North Carolina are Audubon-certified," noted Col. Al Aycock, installation commander. "Most are private or exclusive and they are among the best in the state."

Aycock was golfing at one of those courses, when he noticed a sign indicating that it was an Audubon sanctuary. He called his environmental management staff, setting off a yearlong pursuit of certification.

"What's exciting about golf courses ... as a wildlife conservationist," said Joellen Zeh, program manager for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, "is that they combine the four aspects of wildlife habitat - food, water, shelter and space - often missing from developed areas."

This sentiment has spread across the country, as the program has certified more than 500 courses, including Fort Bragg.

The program required golf course managers at Fort Bragg to establish procedures and document efforts in six areas: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, water quality management and outreach and education. This has produced noticeable impacts to the banks of water traps and streams, as well as to the wildlife population.

"Now it's a real habitat," said Julia Love, the Fort Bragg Environmental Specialist assigned to the golf course project.

And behind it all, is a golf course staff educated in a new way to operate. "It's a case of trying to do the best thing for the plant life, the wildlife and the community," said Robert Taylor, the golf pro at Ryder. "Overall, it makes the golf course a better place to play."

USAEC is the Army's point organization for supporting the implementation of environmental programs that facilitate sustainable Army training and operations while protecting the environment. We provide environmental program management and technical support products and services in support of Army training operations, acquisition and sound stewardship.

"Sustaining the Environment for a Secure Future"

For more information on the U.S. Army Environmental Center, visit http://aec.army.mil