Justin Timberlake’s $16 Million Eco-Revamp Of Tennessee Links

Vivi Gorman
Posted on Monday 20th July 2009

The first Audubon International Classic Sanctuary-certified golf course is set to open July 25 just outside downtown Memphis, Tenn. Mirimichi is the vision of Justin Timberlake, who rescued the golf course of his youth from commercial development.

After buying the 300-acre property in 2007, Timberlake plunged $16 million into redesigning and remodeling every hole and implementing environmentally responsible measures into the grounds and the clubhouse. The development of the new course includes irrigation and drainage systems that reuse rainwater and maximize water management efficiency, a circulating stream system that supports wildlife and water quality and a natural resource management center featuring biodegradable treatment of rinse water. To reduce maintenance that typically involves fertilizers, weed control and water usage, native grasses were used; in fact, 100 acres of managed turf was converted to native grasslands. Also, buffers were added to streams and ponds on the property and the property was designed to include a natural filter for cleaning storm water.

The clubhouse was built to U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and the maintenance building has been designed to reduce potential spills and prevent pollution of soil, surface water or groundwater. According to Mirimichi, Justin’s favorite feature is that the course gives 20 percent of the energy produced back to the Tennessee Energy Grid.

Audubon International is a non-profit environmental education organization geared toward encouraging the public to protect and sustain land, water, wildlife and other natural resources by making environmentally responsible decisions. The group works with more than 3,000 properties and communities in 27 different countries. The Audubon Classic Sanctuary Program is a program created in January 2008 to designate properties undergoing remodeling or restoration.

Signature and Classic Program Director for Audubon International Nancy E. Richardson complimented Mirimichi for “set[ting] the bar very high with their strong commitment to environmental stewardship and the ingenuity they have employed during this process.”

According to Mirimichi’s website, the staff worked with sustainability consultants from Audubon Environmental, a firm that has been advising on golf course development around the world for over 20 years. Audubon’s experts provided input on water quality, wildlife habitat, water and energy consumption, and making construction and golf maintenance environmentally responsible. The team crafted a long-term plan for the staff so that maintenance of the golf course and facilities protect the natural resources on and around the property. Audubon Environmental’s guidance typically includes pest management, natural resource management, waste and energy management, water quality, water efficiency, green certifications, turf selection and environmental monitoring.

Audubon Environmental lists several other golf courses for which it has provided environmental expertise and Audubon International lists numerous courses involved in its golf course program – a good thing given the many concerns that have arisen in connection with algal overgrowth and destruction of reefs in waterways near golf courses due to the use of large amounts of fertilizer. The impact of golf courses on the environment has been debated for years. While many have already taken steps to be environmentally responsible, Mirimichi, is thankfully, one more.

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