NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE RECOGNIZED AS A
“GROUNDWATER GUARDIAN”
The Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course, located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, has received another recognition for environmental stewardship, earning the status as a “Groundwater Guardian Green Site” by The Groundwater Foundation. This honor follows the recent certification as an “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon International program and recognition as a “River-Friendly Golf Course” by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA).
The Groundwater Guardian (GG) Green Site program was developed to recognize the efforts of stewards of green spaces to implement, measure, and document groundwater-friendly practices. The program monitors practices related to pesticide and fertilizer use, water use, pollution prevention, water quality, and environmental stewardship.
The recognition is earned after careful documentation of the environmental impact of groundwater friendly practices including pounds of fertilizer saved annually by using lower input, gallons of water saved annually by using low water/maintenance plant materials, amounts of toxic substances disposed of properly, and other related items.
“This is another well-earned recognition for Neshanic Valley, proving that we can maintain the highest quality golfing experience while still protecting the environment around us,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “It is a tribute to our staff and the leadership and direction provided by the Park Commissioners.”
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary recognizes Neshanic Valley for preservation and enhancement of the wildlife habitat and protection of natural resources. To reach certification, a golf course must demonstrate a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.
The “River-Friendly” designation was based on operational and maintenance practices recommended by the NJWSA “River Friendly” program. Actions at Neshanic Valley resulted in the reduction of the contribution to non-point source pollution and improvement of the wildlife habitat on and near the course. In addition, the golf course has been recognized for its Environmental Stewardship by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Neshanic Valley Golf Course, named the 36th Best Municipal Golf Course in the United States by Golfweek magazine, is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station and provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center.
The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.
The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley, the only facility of its kind on the east coast, offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.
Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org
