Las Positas Golf Course

Las Positas Insider // 2021 Edition A t Las Positas Golf Course, environmental responsi- bility and stewardship are always top of mind. Golf Course Superintendent Mark Condos and his team consistently work to up- hold and improve maintenance practices and offer programming that focuses on sustainability to en- sure that the property is a positive influence on the community. As part of that ongoing effort by the city of Livermore and CourseCo, Las Positas received re-certification with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf last fall. To be certified, courses are eval- uated on chemical use reduction, water conservation, water quality management, wildlife habitat, safe handling of chemicals and other practices. The efforts at Las Positas are part of a company focus on en- vironmental standards that makes CourseCo a leader in the space. "We have a great group of su- perintendents who are committed to the success of the environmental programs at their courses and others in the CourseCo family," Condos said. "There are several nationally recognized, award-win- ning environmental leaders and innovative programs within our organization. We share these ideals as a core value and put them into practical use at our facilities." In addition to Audubon certifi- cation dating back to 2014, Las Positas has been recognized multi- ple times with Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards. Condos and his team also have partnered with Living Arroyos to host volun- teer planting events in wetlands on the property and hold trash clean- ups in Cottonwood Creek. Condos also serves as a site captain for the Adopt a Creek program. Other environmental efforts in- clude an owl breeding box pro- gram and Monarchs in the Rough, which provides a habitat for the omnipresent butterflies. "We always strive to keep the environment in the forefront of planning our maintenance prac- tices, for the health and safety of our patrons, guests, our staff and our wildlife," Condos said. While COVID-19 has restricted the course from holding its usual events for now, Las Positas plans to resume programs such as First Green, creek clean-ups, and the Las Positas College Field Trip. "Inviting people other than golfers to Las Positas enhances the value of the property to the com- munity, and provides a good learn- ing experience for children and others interested in the natural asset," Condos said. LEAN AND GREEN Las Positas Golf Course earns Audubon re-certification as part of ongoing environmental efforts ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP Wildlife habitat factors into certification criteria. "We strive to keep the environment in the forefront of our maintenance practices." – Mark Condos, Golf Course Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > C L I C K H E R E TO L E A R N M O R E A B O U T C O U R S E C O ' S E N V I R O N M E N TA L S TA N DA R D S

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