"It's going to be gorgeous, come July," said Keith Miller, general manager of Harbor Links Golf Course. He is referring to many of the areas of both the executive and champion golf courses that look newly denuded. Weed trees and other invasive plants have been removed so native grasses and plants can be planted in their place, such as native fescues and tall grasses called blue stem and broom sedge. The familiar green and white stakes will also be back to protect wildlife habitats.

Run by the town of North Hempstead, the golf course uses Audubon International-approved fertilizers and pesticides that are often organic. Audubon International, under the direction of Nancy Richardson, recertified both golf courses this past summer, a process Harbor Links goes through every two years. Audubon International also dictates safety measures for employees and other management practices.

One goal of this overseeing organization is to promote wildlife such as birds. In fact, there are so many bird species that Miller hopes to produce a bird checklist for interested golfers with an indication on which holes they might be seen or heard. Other animals that inhabit the grasses are mice that are food for hawks and rabbits.

Another goal is to improve the courses asthetically. The turf where the golfers play will be improved because of better air circulation, claim Miller and Peter Cash, superintendent. Also, these removed weedy areas, often entangled with poison ivy vines, will look much better with the new grass plantings, the way a links course is supposed to look.