Harbour Ridge Yacht Club Champions Environmental Sustainability

News Summary

Harbour Ridge Yacht Club has been recognized for its unyielding commitment to environmental sustainability, earning recertification from Audubon International. The club’s innovative practices, including advanced irrigation systems and community involvement, showcase its dedication to preserving nature. With diverse wildlife habitats and eco-friendly initiatives, Harbour Ridge not only provides a stunning retreat but also sets an industry standard for sustainable operations. The club demonstrates how luxury living can coexist harmoniously with the environment.

Harbour Ridge Yacht Club: A Beacon of Environmental Sustainability

It’s no secret that the Harbour Ridge Yacht Club is proud of its commitment to environmental stewardship. Nestled along the southeast coast of Florida, this exclusive club not only offers breathtaking views but has made a name for itself as a shining example of sustainability in action. The club recently achieved a significant milestone by earning its recertification for environmental sustainability, an accolade it has held since 2000 through its membership with the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary.

Keeping Nature Thriving

This recertification, completed in November 2024 under the scrutiny of experts, is a testament to the club’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty. The review process was led by a professional from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, emphasizing the thoroughness of their approach. The club’s two golf courses, River Ridge and Golden Marsh, have become some of the finest examples of how golf can harmonize with nature.

Eco-Friendly Practices in Full Swing

Tim Cann, the club’s director of golf course maintenance, has been a part of Harbour Ridge since day one. He has overseen numerous sustainability efforts, ensuring that every nook and cranny is well taken care of. Cann’s pride is evident as he mentions the impressive state of the property, highlighting the thriving littoral plantings and untouched natural areas. This isn’t just a golf course; it’s a sanctuary for wildlife.

A Community that Cares

One of the standout features of Harbour Ridge is its highly engaged membership. Residents aren’t just passive observers; they are active participants in various sustainability initiatives. Take the BioBlitz event, for example. This wildlife census project invites members to help catalog all the fantastic creatures that call the club home. From majestic blue herons and wily raccoons to playful otters and stealthy bobcats, the wildlife diversity is astonishing.

Supporting Our Winged Friends

Among its many initiatives, Harbour Ridge contributes to the Monarchs in the Rough program. This project is all about planting milkweed to support migrating butterflies, adding yet another layer of biodiversity to the area. Such efforts illustrate the club’s broader mission of creating a welcoming environment for all forms of life.

Innovation Meets Conservation

Latest technology plays a big role in the club’s sustainability strategy. By employing an upgraded computer-driven irrigation system, Harbour Ridge has increased its unirrigated area by a whopping 20%. This cutting-edge technology ensures that water resources are used wisely and efficiently, highlighting their commitment to sustainable water management.

A Local Focus on Water Conservation

The club’s dedication to the environment also extends to its homeowners. Together, they’ve implemented water conservation tactics, including a system that collects runoff. The natural landscape of the club is designed to channel water into seven sloughs leading to the nearby North Fork of the St. Lucie River, where they utilize slow-release organic fertilizers to prevent runoff issues.

A Creative Approach to Water Ecology