Old Tabby Links at Spring Island has retained its designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Jay Gratton, director of golf course maintenance, led the effort to maintain the sanctuary status on the course.
Old Tabby Links at Spring Island was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 1999 and is one of 913 courses in the world to currently hold the designation. The program provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining 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. Courses go through a recertification process every three years.
