Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International, joined Rob Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Club + Resort Business, on The Club Resort Talks Podcast to discuss the organization’s mission, recent growth, and the increasing importance of sustainability across industries.

Audubon International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping property managers and owners implement sustainable practices. “We use education, technical assistance, and voluntary certifications to help people start their sustainability journey and keep moving forward,” Kane explained. The organization’s programs span golf courses, hotels, resorts, and even municipalities, offering a range of certifications tailored to the unique needs of each sector.

Also on this episode of the podcast … Thomas shares news about Vineyards Country Club completing a renovation of its North Course. Led by architect Kipp Schulties, the Naples, Fla., club expanded yardage from the professional tees to bring the course up to championship level, re-turfed with Bimini Bermudagrass on tees, fairways and roughs, complemented by TifEagle greens for optimal playability and resilience, and more.

A Florida resort marked its first milestone in an expansive $92 million revitalization. Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla., unveiled its new 13-acre driving range. The facility features a double-sided driving range, two TifEagle bermudagrass putting greens, and three short game areas complete with greenside bunkers.

Lastly, Kawonu Golf Club appointed a clubhouse architect. Joel Newman, a partner in Thomas and Denzinger Architects, has been named to design the clubhouse, lodging, training center, and comfort stations. Kawonu Golf Club is the first private golf course to be built in Greenville, S.C., in more than 30 years.