ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AT LADIES’

Golf courses, with their manicured fairways and greens, might seem like unlikely habitats for wildlife, but they can actually support a surprising amount of biodiversity, including various plant species and wildlife. The club’s landscape is literally alive - bursting with the colors, textures, and scents of more than 400 plant and animal species. Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto is one of over 2100 in the world to hold the title of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This urban oasis is a welcome escape from the bustling city, only minutes away.

Here’s a glimpse into the plant and wildlife communities commonly found on Ladies’ golf course:

FLOWERS & FOLIAGE

Our property features a diverse array of flowers and foliage, adding beauty and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the landscape. These include native species - wildflowers not only add splashes of colour but also provide important habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies. The careful selection and placement of flowers and foliage contribute to creating visually appealing and ecologically sustainable landscape, enriching the experience for both golfers and nature enthusiasts alike.

WILDLIFE

Our wetlands and ponds support diverse aquatic plant and animal life. Fish, frogs, turtles, and various aquatic insects inhabit these water bodies. Over half an acre of the course has been turned into naturalized areas, which are monitored for invasive species and provide critical food and habitat to bee and butterfly species. “These areas, and the vast gardens on the course, are vital to important pollinators,” said Daron Blake, Manager of Communications for Audubon International.

BIRDS & BEES

Our golf course attracts a wide range of bird species, from small songbirds like robins and sparrows to larger birds like geese, ducks, and even birds of prey such as hawks and owls. The open grassy areas mimic natural grasslands, while water features provide habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. Our course also supports a wide array of insect life, including bees, butterflies, beetles, and grasshoppers. These insects play crucial roles in pollination, nutrient cycling, and providing food for other wildlife.

MONARCHS IN THE ROUGH

In 2024, Ladies' joined Monarchs in the Rough, taking a meaningful step toward supporting pollinator conservation on golf courses around the world. This initiative contributes to sustaining biodiversity, enhancing the beauty of courses, and protecting these important species—making each round of golf not just enjoyable but impactful for nature as well. To learn more about this initiative please go to their website, HERE. Monarchs in the Rough is a program under Audubon International.