Cranberry Highlands Golf Course has retained its designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through a program for golf courses created by Audubon International. Golf courses holding that designation need to be recertified every other year. To do so, they have to demonstrate continued high-quality environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and water quality management.
Cranberry Highlands, which opened in 2002, originally attained certification in 2009 under the direction of Golf Course Superintendant Dave Barber.
There are currently more than 800 golf courses worldwide which have received Audubon certification. While a number of them participate in the program because of its environmental benefits, there is also a business case for voluntary environmental action, including reduced costs for fertilizer, pesticides and water. A number of courses also report attracting new golfers or club members because of their involvement in the certification program.
Free group tours of a nature trail on the grounds of Cranberry Highlands showcasing its wildlife maintenance efforts are available with advance reservation by calling 724-776-4806 x1129.