GlenArbor Wins MGA Environmental Award
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (March 3, 2010) – The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation has named GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, N.Y., as the recipient of the 2010 Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. The award recognizes an MGA member club that has demonstrated environmental stewardship through golf course maintenance, construction, education, and research. The award will be presented at the 2010 MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series and Award Luncheon on Wednesday, March 24, at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, N.Y.
There has been a golf course on the GlenArbor site since 1955, and the former Lakeover National underwent a reconstruction in 2000 in preparation for its reopening as GlenArbor Golf Club. Since its founding in 2001, GlenArbor has led the way in establishing an environmental policy to reduce the club’s carbon footprint. As noted in their application for the award: “Our environmental policy at GlenArbor is part of our larger social responsibility, which we take very seriously.”
GlenArbor’s environmental leadership begins with its wildlife and habitat preservation program. Through this program, the club has planted more than 3,000 trees and shrubs, five acres of wild flowers and more than 20,000 daffodil bulbs. The cornerstone of GlenArbor’s wildlife preservation efforts is an award-winning bluebird program. Since the program began in 2002, the club has fledged 730 bluebirds and has expanded the program to include bluebird nesting boxes at two local elementary schools. The North American Bluebird Society honored GlenArbor in 2003 with its Award for Environmental Stewardship.
“As one of the leaders when it comes to environmental responsibility, GlenArbor’s successful initiatives prove why the club is such a deserving recipient of this award,” said MGA President Al Small. “Between their wildlife preservation and integrity in reducing their carbon footprint, GlenArbor is a model facility for our member clubs and golf courses around the country.” GlenArbor will host the 2010 MGA Mid-Amateur Championship in October, and was the site of U.S. Amateur Qualifying in 2009.
Other aspects of the club’s environmental policies include an integrated pest management program that operates under the concept that healthy turf will require fewer chemical applications during stressful periods. The club achieves healthy turf through a variety of practices, including disciplined watering, proper and accurate fertilization habits, and selective tree pruning and removal. The club’s water quality management is also a critical component of its environmental policy. GlenArbor monitors their water levels and has consistently remained within the Town of Bedford’s strict threshold levels.
The MGA Environmental Award is named in honor of past MGA President Arthur P. Weber, who died in 2008. Weber wrote an Environmental Code of Conduct for golf course maintenance at his home club nearly two decades ago that courses still use as a model. Weber was a long-time member of the USGA Green Section and received the prestigious Piper and Oakley Award in 1998 for meritorious service to its activities and programs. He also helped found the MGA Green Committee and the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation, and was a founding member of Old Westbury Golf & Country Club in Old Westbury, N.Y.
The 2010 MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series is part of a month-long program of educational forums that are designed to educate club leaders and the golfing public about a wide range of issues affecting Met Area clubs and golfers. Topics include the Rules of Golf, handicapping procedures, new technology and MGA and MGA Foundation services and programs.
About the MGA: The Metropolitan Golf Association was founded in 1897 and is one of the nation’s oldest and largest amateur golf associations representing more than 500 clubs in the tri-state Metropolitan Area. Through a network of more than 300 volunteers, and a full-time staff operating out of its “Golf Central” headquarters in Elmsford, N.Y., the Association fulfills its role as a true non-profit service organization. Through a variety of unique, relevant, and innovative services for member clubs and area golfers, the MGA has established itself as a leader among local and national golf organizations.
