Thursday, July 23, 2009

IGM Superintendent Tray Maltby Connects Golf Maintenance with Nature


Golf and the environment go hand in hand. Each of the IGM Golf Course Superintendents takes their role as stewards of the environment very seriously.

Recently, IGM Superintendent Tray Maltby had an opportunity to share how our team works to provide great course conditions while still maintaining our commitment to the conservation of our natural resources.

During a tour of the golf course with the Nature Group at Brays Island Plantation, Tray was able to share how utilizing techniques such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are important. He also outlined with the group the process involved with having the course certified in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP). The course was recently enrolled in the program by IGM as part of our commitment to have all of our maintained properties participate in and complete the program.

Bruce Lampright the Naturalist for Brays Island organized the tour and has been a huge supporter of the golf course initiatives and the ACSP program. Bruce explained one the goals of this process, “With participation in the ACSP we hope to change the perception of our owners and guests that a golf course can coexist with and support nature. Educated property owners will soon come to realize what a rich sanctuary for plants and animals a golf course can become.”
Tray went on to add, "With the help of Bruce and others at the plantation, we are currently working to complete the Audubon Site Assessment. It is helping us to identify what areas we are achieving our goals and also where our efforts should be focused in the future. Brays Island is a preserve by design and helping to ensure that it continues to be one is a very rewarding feeling for all of us".

About Brays Island Plantation
Brays Island Plantation is a private 5,500 acre plantation with only 325 home sites and 3,500 acres set aside as a nature and hunting preserve, Brays Island is committed to protecting the surrounding environment while maintaining the sporting lifestyle of a traditional Lowcountry plantation. Amenities include world class horseback riding, hunting, shooting sports, fishing and a Ron Garl designed links style golf course.