New London, NC - The Old North State Club has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), the educational division of Audubon International. The Old North State Club is the eighth course in North Carolina and the 263rd in the world to receive the honor.

"The Old North State Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Joellen Zeh, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Zeh. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Integrated Pest Management, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Canada, and Europe have also achieved certification in the program. Audubon certified courses in North Carolina also include: Carolina National Golf Club located in Bolivia, Carmel Country Club and TPC at Piper Glen, both located in Charlotte; Kinston Country Club in Kinston; St. James Plantation: The Gauntlet Club and the Members Club in Southport, and Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers.