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CONTACT: Pro Shop 847/475-9173
EMAIL: info@canalshores.org
ONLINE: www.canalshores.org
DONATION FROM THE GARDEN CLUB OF EVANSTON SUPPORTS ECOLOGICAL PLANNING AT CANAL SHORES GOLF COURSE
Evanston, Aug. 9, 2017 – Canal Shores Golf Course has received a generous donation from The Garden Club of Evanston for the development of its Ecological Master Plan. The $6,000 donation helps ensure that the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association, which oversees the course, can develop a robust plan that will serve the course and the community into the future with a focus on protecting and preserving the natural environment and its ecosystem.
Golf Association President Chris Carey said, “It is truly an honor to receive the support of The Garden Club of Evanston. I was personally delighted when I got the news. This donation will help Canal Shores continue our mission of restoring this special green space along the North Shore Channel consistent with best practices for nurturing a sustainable ecosystem as we continue to work to enhance the golf course property for multiple recreational activities and community enjoyment.”
The Garden Club of Evanston’s President Fern Allison said, “The Garden Club of Evanston is impressed by Canal Shores’ efforts and commitment to protecting the habitat and ecological health of the golf course and ensuring that this unique property will continue serving our community into the next 100 years. The golf course association is providing valuable stewardship of the property’s planted environment, consistent with our goals.”
The mission of The Garden Club of Evanston includes aiding in the protection of native plants and birds and encouraging civic planting. Among the cooperative projects undertaken to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2015 are the creation of an arboretum on the grounds of Evanston Township High School and the renovation of the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University. More information on The Garden Club of Evanston can be found at its website, www.thegardenclubofevanston.org.
The Canal Shores Ecological Master Plan will be the foundation for a multi-year strategic planning effort to improve and renovate the golf course to ensure economic and environmental sustainability; provide for a better and more challenging golf experience; and serve to connect families and the community to the outdoors with multi-recreational opportunities.
A presentation about the ecological plan will be made to the community at a special ward meeting on Thursday, Aug. 17 at the American Legion Hall meeting room at Canal Shores from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information on this meeting, visit the City of Evanston and Canal Shores websites. The meeting will include a review of data collected and preliminary design concepts for implementation. Attendees will be invited to provide feedback. There will also be an update on the North Shore Channel Habitat Project.
Members of the community are encouraged to participate in the ward meeting and other community meetings about the efforts underway at Canal Shores and to visit the course to see first-hand some of the changes underway, including removal of buckthorn and other invasive plants as well as the creation of two small native plant areas – all done through the effort of dedicated volunteers.
About Canal Shores and the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association
The Golf Course Association, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, was formed in 1919 to manage the operations of the 18-hole Canal Shores Golf Course. The course runs along the North Shore Channel from Green Bay Road in Evanston to the Baha’i Temple near Wilmette Harbor. The land that comprises Canal Shores is sub-leased by the Association from the City of Evanston and Village of Wilmette, which lease property from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. It offers programs that celebrate the game of golf, with special efforts designed for families, youth and the community. Canal Shores is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and is a certified wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.canalshores.org.***
The Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association is established as a charitable organization and qualifies as an exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
***Donations may also be made at Canal Shores website earmarked for the ecological project or by check made to Canal Shores Golf Course, with memo line indicating Ecological Master Plan, at 1030 Central St., Evanston IL 60201
