Oki Golf, a collection of golf clubs in Washington state, is following a landmark program for ecologically conscious golf courses in an effort to sustain and foster its natural surroundings.

Its Golf Club at Newcastle is leading the effort by subscribing to standards in pursuit of certification from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP-Golf) in the coming months.

Across its 350 acres, The Golf Club at Newcastle stewards 22 acres of native grassland, 12.5 acres of freshwater wetlands, ponds and lakes, and 102 additional acres of undisturbed areas that include shrubs, conifer forests and mixed grassland/treed areas. The courses border a state park and have many levels of perennial plant growth, from low-lying blackberry shrubs to mature, deciduous and conifer forests that surround a majority of out-of-play areas. Wildlife observed include more than 70 bird species, black-tail deer, raccoons, red tail foxes, coyotes, rabbits, frogs, and much more.

The public can experience Newcastle’s natural stewardship March 22-24, with the following activities:

* March 22: Bird House Installations by BSA Troop 499, Seattle Council. The Boy Scouts will install approximately 25 bird houses that Newcastle provided materials for. The Boy Scouts may have some extra help from a 5th grade cub scouts troop.

* March 22: Course walk (limited to Coal Creek) will be available for birding, nature and wildlife observation over its 18 holes. Planting will take place in the demonstration bee and butterfly garden, which will also be open for self-guided touring.

* March 23: Course walk, birding (both courses), demonstration garden display. Hugh Jennings with Eastside Audubon will be out with five volunteer assistants conducting a bird count and inventory.

* March 24: Course walk (limited to China Creek will be available for birding, nature and wildlife observation over its 18 holes. The demonstration bee and butterfly garden, with planting in progress, will also be open for self-guided touring.