Elcona's golf course was constructed in 1956, and is a William Diddle design. In the mid 1990's, the club retained famed golf course architect Arthur Hills to design a Master Renovation Plan, which was completed in 2006.
Elcona’s total property is 339 acres and consists of:
132 acres mowed turf
4 pond/stream areas totaling 2.75 acres in size
47 acres natural grassland
116 acres of mixed forest and various other habitats
41 acres of farmland
Elcona’s involvement in ACSP is dated back to the early 1990’s,
when then-superintendent Tom Zimmerman first registered Elcona with the Audubon
Sanctuary program. In 2012, Elcona became the 8th golf course in the state of
Indiana and the 930th in the world recognized by Audubon International as a
Certified Golf Course Sanctuary. In 2016, Elcona earned recertification which reaffirms its commitment as stewards of our community's ecosystem.
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Naturalized areas have increased in size over the last 5 years to
further develop habitat areas for wildlife. Elcona’s efforts have been
noticeable specifically in the observed increase in wild turkey and whitetail
deer populations.
Throughout the property are
nesting boxes for bats, bluebirds, purple martin, and other aviary species.
These boxes were possible with the grounds staff working with a local Eagle
Scout on collection and monitoring in 2013. Future efforts will be directed
toward increasing nesting boxes for wood and Mallard duck species.
On the outer fringes of the Elcona property are many diverse habitats
for wildlife. The hiking trails are available for members to enjoy a nice walk
and observe differing bird and animal species. Member nature hikes are
scheduled on a regular basis to educate people on the diversity on the
property.
Elcona has multiple landscape
beds that provide aesthetic beauty to the golf course, as well as serve a vital
role with the pollinators that inhabit the property.
