Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation funds Audubon Monarch in the Rough initiative

For the second time, Audubon International has received a significant grant from Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation to support its Monarchs in the Rough program. The organization’s first such grant was in 2019. 

Monarchs in the Rough promotes the conservation of monarch butterflies by transforming out-of-bounds and other underutilized areas on golf courses into vibrant pollinator habitats. Audubon International provides technical guidance and other resources to plant milkweed and nectar plants essential for monarch survival, restoration of monarch populations and biodiversity and enhancement of the natural beauty of golf courses. 

“Monarchs in the Rough aligns with our mission of serving fellow golf industry collaborators and stewarding the environment,” said Doug Myslinski, director of Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, which is dedicated to improving communities through the embodiment of the moral, ethical and cultural codes of the game of golf. “Each year, we are incredibly impressed by the way Audubon International conducts Monarchs in the Rough and a vast array of other eco-friendly initiatives.  

“Audubon International is honored by the faith Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation bestows on us,” said Ken Benoit, interim CEO of Audubon International.  “Saving the monarch butterfly by growing vital habitats, breeding and migration patterns on golf courses is sustainability as its finest.” 

Through Audubon International, more than 1,000 golf courses, country clubs and communities of public, private and semi-private varieties have participated in Monarchs in the Rough, helping revive a monarch butterfly population that has declined more than 90 percent the past two decades.  Roughly 125 golf course superintendents enrolled in the program for the first time last year alone. 

Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation follows a growing legion of corporate contributors of funds supporting Audubon International’s mission to help golf courses, country clubs and communities achieve environmental stewardship certifications for protecting areas where we all live, work and play. 

Individuals and businesses can donate to Monarchs in the Rough habitat creation here. 

Owners and operators of golf courses, country clubs and resorts can view a Monarchs in the Rough webinar here and register here.