Mule Deer

As part of our new Audublog we will be profiling a number of the wildlife that we see around the golf course. I thought it would be best to start with what is probably the most common animal seen around the property, the Mule Deer.

The Mule Deer, pictured above with twin fawns, are usually seen on a daily basis at D'Arcy Ranch. This animal is commonly found all over Alberta in open forests and wooded river valleys. Its coat is tan in the summer and gray in the winter. Key field marks include large ears and a black-tipped tail. Mule deer feed mostly on shrubs, twigs, and grasses. Males shed horns between January and March. They are essentialy a solitary species, but often form herds during mating season and over the winter. They are not a very aggresive species, but like any wild animal should be given their space when you come into contact with one, especially if they have young.

Michael Roberts
Assistant Superintendent

Credits: Kavanagh; Nature Alberta - An Illistrated Guide to Common Plants and Animals

Audubon Certification

We are well into the month of February and the weather has been relatively mild for this time of year. In our quest to become a Certified Audubon Sanctuary I mentioned in an earlier posting that we needed to fulfil the requirements for one more category which was "Outreach and Education" to achieve this goal. We were notified by Audubon International and told that we have met all the requirement and are now certified. This has been a very rewarding and educational experience and we are extremely excited to have accomplished this achievement. The 6 categories that are required for certification are:

• Water quality management
• Water conservation
• Environmental Planning
• Chemical use reduction and safety
• Wildlife management
• Outreach and education

We will continually work towards improving our procedures, policies and practises in all of these categories to make sure we meet the requirements for re-certification in 2015.

Welcome

D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club is located just minutes south of Calgary, and is a must play course if your in the area.  This pristine 18 hole public course provides tree-lined ravines, escarpments, slopes and water - a style and presence of national stature with unending challenges.

The 2013 season is upon us as the grass is getting greener by the day and the maintenance crew has been hard at work in preparation for golfers.