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Audubon Sanctuary Program |
Fox Hills has been certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through Audubon International since 1996 and was the third course in Michigan to receive this achievement. Certification was obtained by completing certification in the following categories; Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, Outreach and Education.
Environmental Projects
Successful environmental projects completed during the past 12 years include:
- Over 28 acres of turf have been converted to natural areas or native prairie grasses.
- Over 10 years of water testing
- 78 nest boxes for bluebirds, tree swallows, and nuthatches.
- Native tree and shrub plantings to reduce pesticides.
- Wetland plantings to improve water quality.
- Buffer Zones to reduce chemical and fertilizer runoff
- Installation of Bat Houses to biologically control insects.
- ¼ mile nature trail
Nesting Boxes
The nest box program generates over 150 desirable bird specialties such as bluebirds, tree swallows, and nuthatches which consume insects. The nest box program helped fledge 109 bluebirds and 143 tree swallows.
Wildlife
A partial listing of wildlife sightings at Fox Hills includes a variety of birds such as herons, orioles, red tailed hawks, pheasants, woodpeckers and cedar wax wings. In addition, other animals such as fox, mink, muskrats, rabbits, frogs and turtles are commonly seen. Over 100 species of wildlife/birds have been observed on our property.
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