The Landings Joins Audubon International's Sustainable Communities Program

SAVANNAH, Ga. - June 21, 2013 - PRLog -- The private community of The Landings on Savannah’s Skidaway Island recently became the first community in Georgia to join Audubon International’s Sustainable Communities Program.  

"As a representative of The Landings Association, we are very pleased that this group of staff, residents and community organizations is undertaking the process to have The Landings certified under the Sustainable Communities Program of Audubon International," said Millie Pitts-DiCicco, Association President. "While we value the sensitivity with which this coastal community was established 40 years ago and appreciate that we are living in a nature preserve, it is the moment to look at what more we can do. Building and implementing a strategic plan for sustainability and health is important to the cost of living on our island, directly and indirectly to our real estate values, and as a reflection of our values as residents. We were pleased to have recently welcomed representatives from Audubon International and look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship."

The Sustainable Communities Program serves as a framework to merge economic and social considerations with the protection and enhancement of a community’s environmental characteristics.  Audubon International serves as a catalyst for citizen-driven planning and community actions and facilitates partnerships with governmental agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and other organizations that provide local support and assistance to reach the goals envisioned in the community. Working in this way, The Landings will take a big picture approach to community growth and environmental protection.  

“Every community faces challenges, and over time, all communities undergo change. At the same time, there are aspects of life and assets in each community that make it a great place to live,” said Sustainable Communities Program Manager, Joanna Nadeau. “The Sustainable Communities Program helps communities tackle those challenges and plan for change in a way that fosters a vibrant local economy while maintaining a healthy environment and high quality of life. This is the concept of sustainability, which Audubon International views as the foundation for quality communities of today and tomorrow. We want to harness the best of what The Landings at Skidaway Island is today, and plan for the best of what The Landings can be tomorrow.”

The Landings, located just thirty minutes from Savannah, GA, has a vibrant community of more than 8,500 active residents drawn from all over the country. The development’s popularity is due to its golf and boating access and the thousands of acres of island property surrounded by water with hundreds of moss-draped live oaks. Forty miles of walking and biking trails give residents access to two deep-water marinas on the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, 150 lagoons and wetlands. The Landings’ 4,566 acres stands as a reminder of the natural Georgia barrier islands. In addition to the natural landscape, residents and guests can also enjoy six golf courses (by Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills and Willard Byrd), which are all members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, fitness and tennis facilities, five swimming pools, dining, and many other world-class amenities.

By joining and participating in the Sustainable Communities Program, The Landings at Skidaway Island becomes one of the private sector member of the program. There are three stages in the multi-year certification process, during which The Landings will complete an assessment, define a long-term community vision, choose sustainability indicators as a mechanism for fostering action and measuring success, and implement its plan. The plan covers 15 focus areas, and members must choose timelines and measurable goals. After completing a vision plan and reporting progress on chosen goals, members of Audubon International’s Sustainable Communities Program are eligible for certification and designation as an Audubon International Sustainable Community, which recognizes dedication to the process of becoming a sustainable community.

About Audubon International

Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources, thus leading to more sustainable communities. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities. Through the Sustainable Communities and Green Neighborhoods Programs, Audubon International works to help community leaders and stakeholders embrace environmental stewardship and sustainability as a central element of planning, policies, and practices.

For more information, contact Joanna at Audubon International, 120 Defreest Drive, Troy, NY 12180, (518) 767-9051, ext. 124, e-mail at joanna@auduboninternational.org, or visit the website at www.auduboninternational.org.