Press Releases

Dated Press Release
NOTICE: This press release was released 380 days ago!
(Release Date: Jul-15-2009)

Thanks to the efforts of the City of Fort Collins Parks Department, Rolland Moore Park and Edora Community Park recently received official Audubon Cooperation Sanctuary certification from Audubon International, Selkirk, New York. To achieve Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, an organization must demonstrate that it can maintain a high degree of environmental quality in five, distinct categories, including Environmental Planning, Wildlife Habitat Management, Resource Conservation, Waste Management, and Outreach/Education. Both Rolland Moore Park and Edora Park share the Cooperative Sanctuary distinction with City Park which earned its certification in 2007.

The low maintenance turf areas, wildflower medians, SolarBee pond aerator, and expanded wildlife habitats featured at Rolland Moore Park, 2201 South Shields Street, emphasize the Parks Department’s strong commitment to the environment. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification would not have been possible without the partnership between Rolland Moore staff and community volunteers, including Eagle Scout, Arthur Squassabia, from Boy Scouts of America Troop 286, and local Audubon Society member, Lynne Hull. Arthur, Lynne, and many other volunteers contributed to the research, planning, and installation of the bird garden, located northwest of the park’s pond. As the bird garden shrub plantings mature, they will provide a habitat for wildlife to flourish, offering food sources as well as protection. Jim Sluiter of Audubon International commends the City’s progress and dedication, “The City of Fort Collins has demonstrated its commitment to sound environmental practices and sustainability with this effort.” Parks Crew Chief, Robert Burkhardt, added, “We’re very pleased to be a part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, and [we] look forward to pursuing the ongoing sustainability goals for Rolland Moore Park.”

The Parks Department’s dedication to the environment is also on display at Edora Park, 1420 East Stuart Street. Approximately 30% of the trees found in the park are native, and the park’s flower beds contain a percentage of native perennials. As part of the Audubon certification process, parks staff converted the irrigation system that services nine acres of the park to utilize raw water from the pond. Among other improvements, a wildlife habitat was established along Spring Creek and the park’s pond, and the number of recycling waste bins were increased throughout the park. Parks staff partnered with a 5th grade class from Putnam Elementary to create a display documenting the Audubon certification process and highlighting staff’s accomplishments.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program provides information and guidance to help businesses and organizations preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Businesses, schools, golf courses, and backyards from the United States, Canada, Central America, Europe, Mexico, and Southeast Asia have achieved program certification. In addition to City Park, Edora Park, and Rolland Moore Park in Fort Collins, other Audubon certified properties in Colorado include Aurora Sports Park, Roselawn Cemetery in Pueblo, Fox Hollow at Lakewood Golf Course, and Castle Pines Gold Club. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Road, Selkirk, NY 12158, 518.767.9051 extension 12, , or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.