The UAW’s new Black Lake Golf Club has applied for and received certification in environmental planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System.

By joining the ACSS, Black Lake Golf Club will participate in a six-step program to protect the wildlife and preserve natural resources for the benefit of the community.

"We’ve already built a couple of brush piles for the rabbits," says Doug Kendziorski, superintendent of the course, "and we’ve left buffer zones along the wetlands."

Working to protect the environment also means careful use of pesticides.

"If you time applications properly, you can use less chemicals," he says.

Kendziorski, who worked as superintendent of the Bear at Grand Traverse Resort in upper Michigan before coming to Black Lake, says the UAW facility was developed around forty-six acres of wetlands and twenty acres of natural prairie. And the course does not include housing developments.

In the initial resource inventory for the Audubon certification, Kendziorski listed the mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and major trees and shrubs found on the property.

They include raccoons, foxes, coyotes, deer, muskrats, beavers, otters, skunks, cormorants, herons, cranes, hawks, eagles, owls, maples, firs, oaks, black walnuts, and many other species.

Environmental plans include mounting an osprey nesting structure, not mowing prairie areas until after nesting by ground birds, and protecting streams from erosion.

The UAW’s Black Lake Golf Course will be offering free ten-minute golf lessons in May.

"We are participating in the PGA Free Lesson Month promoted by the Professional Golfers Association of American and Golf Digest," says course director Pam Phipps, a PGA master professional.

The lessons will be given by Phipps and assistant professional Jeff Boughey on May 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on a space available basis for the rest of the month.

In addition, every Saturday beginning on May 20 Black Lake will offer free clinics to new golfers at 9 a.m.

"Teaching will be kept simple," says Phipps. "Emphasis will be on enjoyment."

Anyone interested in participating should call 517-733-GOLF. The course is located at the UAW’s Reuther Educational Center on Black Lake near Onaway, Mich.