Golfers invited to take part in wildlife count

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites golfers at Maple Meadows and Green Meadows golf courses to record their wildlife sightings as part of Audubon International's second annual BioBlitz.

During their rounds Monday and Tuesday, May 9 and 10, golfers can record their findings on a wildlife score card and are encouraged to take photos as well, which also could be used to help identify species.

Audubon International has invited golf courses worldwide to participate, and awards will be given in categories of Most Species, Most Participants and Best Photo. Following the BioBlitz, Audubon International will compile lists of plant and animal species recorded and report on the findings.

Maple Meadows in Wood Dale and Green Meadows in Westmont will be offering special golf rates May 9 and 10 in honor of the BioBlitz, and participants who complete the wildlife score card will be rewarded with a discount toward a future round of golf.

"In addition to providing outstanding recreational opportunities for area residents, our golf courses provide critical habitat for many native wildlife species," said Joe Cantore, forest district president.

The species-counting competition is designed to increase awareness of the environmental value of the habitats supported by golf courses.

"It's very helpful and enlightening to take an inventory every once in a while of the wildlife in our preserves," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Marsha Murphy, District 1.

Worldwide last year, Audubon's participants recorded 3,560 total species, representing 1,592 plants and fungi and 638 wildlife species, for a total of 2,230 unique species identified.

"I think DuPage residents will be amazed at the diversity of wildlife on our golf courses," said Ed Stevenson, director of business enterprises at the district.

Maple Meadows is an 18-hole course at 272 S. Addison Road, Wood Dale, and Green Meadows is a nine-hole course at 18W201 W. 63rd St., Westmont.

The district's 18-hole Oak Meadows Golf Preserve in Addison is closed for the 2016 season for renovations that will restore natural habitat and improve flood control along Salt Creek while creating flood-resistant golf operations.