Cranes Pond Community Earns Groundbreaking Audubon Sanctuary Certification

Southwest Michigan community earns first Silver Signature Certification for residential development.

Richland, Michigan – 11/12/07 – Cranes Pond, a golf course community development in Southwest Michigan, today announces their official certification by Audubon International as a Silver Signature Sanctuary. Cranes Pond is the first residential community to receive the prestigious Audubon Silver certification. The Audubon Signature programs provide environmental guidance and planning for new developments, helping developers create environmentally sustainable projects throughout the world.

Cranes Pond is a 250-acre, open space development located in the beautiful lake region of Southwest Michigan. A full 140 acres of the project (56%) are designated as open space, leaving plenty of natural space for residents and wildlife, alike. A 54-acre spring-fed lake stands as the centerpiece of the community and the focus of the Audubon Signature Sanctuary program.

Considerable and careful planning was done prior to design to assure the environmental qualities of the lake and surrounding land were not destroyed by construction of roads and houses. An extensive habitat and biological survey of the property was also maintained for an entire year as part of the design process. This glacial lake provides a pristine habitat for species like Northern Pike, Bass, Bluegills, perch and crappy. It’s also a favorite landing place for several Trumpeter Swans. In all, Audubon documented 333 plant species, 93 bird species, 18 mammals, 16 dragonflies and 25 species of butterfly.

Cranes Pond will ultimately consist of three phases, each with 30-50 homesites. The first phase, which was awarded the Audubon certification, features just 36 homesites and a collection of beautiful Adirondack-style homes that capture the essence of the natural setting. Community amenities include hike and bike trails, community piers and barbeque areas. Among the nearby attractions, Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort features five award-winning golf courses just minutes from the community. Residents at Cranes Pond can enjoy the benefits of secluded nature and a world-class Michigan golf course right in their own backyard.

“We’re thrilled to be the very first residential development to receive Audubon’s prestigious Silver Signature Sanctuary certification,” said Jack Kosin, Director of Sales & Marketing at Cranes Pond. “We are firmly committed to protecting and enhancing this rare habitat, and their guidance has been essential in maintaining that goal. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Audubon International.”

About Cranes Pond

Cranes Pond is a 250-acre open space community designed around a pristine, 54-acre glacial lake. With beautiful Adirondack-style homes and exciting community amenities, residents can reconnect with family and nature in a peaceful setting. Just minutes from all five award-winning courses at Gull Lake View Golf Course & Resort, Cranes Pond is conveniently located just 2 hours from Detroit & Toledo, 2 1⁄2 hours from Chicago & Canada, and an hour from Grand Rapids, Lansing and Fort Wayne.

For more information, contact:

  Jack Kosin

  Director of Sales & Marketing

  269-731-5915

  www.CranesPond.com

About Audubon International

  Audubon International is a not-for-profit environmental education organization dedicated to educating, assisting and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife and natural resources around them.  By helping people make sound environmental decisions and actions, and building from individual to organizational, and eventually, community-wide involvement, Audubon International seeks to foster more sustainable human and natural communities.  The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs were created to provide information and guidance to help people preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources where they live, work and play.  Currently, Audubon International has program members throughout the United States, and in over two-dozen countries. 

For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY, USA (518) 767-9051, visit www.auduboninternational.org.