KINDRED SPIRIT

A BLOG MESSAGE BOARD FOR
BRUNSWICK PLANTATION & GOLF RESORT
CALABASH NC

On a dune at Bird Island, a few miles from Brunswick Plantation, right off the western end of Sunset Beach NC, is an isolated mailbox with the inscription "Kindred Spirit" on its side.  Inside the mailbox are notebooks and a pencil for passing beachcombers and joggers to record their thoughts and feelings. A handy bench is nearby to sit and contemplate the beauty of the surroundings and read the notations made by others who take the time to fully appreciate how lucky they are to be in such a wonderful place.  Think of this BLOG as a place to meet "Kindred Spirits", to enjoy reading about activities  and happenings at the Plantation as well as the surrounding area.  This southeastern corner of North Carolina is a special paradise of sun, sea, and sand.  My name is Phyllis Billingsley, a homeowner here, and I welcome you to comment and/or ask questions about Brunswick Plantation.  Think of this as an opportunity for you to REKINDLE YOUR SPIRIT!

--Stay Where You Play, Live Where You Play--

Golf Packages:
www.BrunswickVillas.com
1-800-332-8576

Real Estate Information:
www.BrunswickPlantation.com
1-800-835-4533 Ext. 6928

ResortsandLodges.com, a comprehensive online travel guide for resort and lodge vacations, has listed Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort in Calabash NC as one of the TOP 10 GOLF RESORTS on the Grand Strand of North and South Carolina. Myrtle Beach and golf have long been synonymous—the natural landscape with sand, wetlands, lakes, and woodlands is a golfer’s dream. The best part is that Brunswick Plantation is not only a golf resort, it is a golf community. Last week all the economists agreed that tough economic times are almost over. There has never been a better time to buy.

The coastal lifestyle comes through very clearly here, blending the sun and fun of Myrtle Beach with a casual, elegant resort atmosphere. That means indoor/outdoor pools, tennis courts, and plenty of fitness-related facilities and activities, all meant to be enjoyed at your pace.

The Magnolia, Azalea, and Dogwood courses at Brunswick Plantation form a 27-hole playground for golfers, including the exquisite challenge of Scottish links, the beauty of Carolina woodlands, and open freedom among water and hardwood trees. There is a practice green, too, along with chipping green and driving range. This is the best of Grand Strand golf.

Things to know:

If you’d like to stay for a while Brunswick Plantation also offers homes and condominiums for sale across its 1,750 beautiful acres.

Highlight of course: The island green signature hole on the Azalea course is surrounded by oyster shells—beautiful and dangerous at the same time!

Interested in real estate: We have a great mini-vacation getaway for those interested in living where they play.

SUMMER GETAWAY PROPERTY PREVIEW VISIT
3 days/2 nights for $20
5 days/4 nights for $70

Golf for $40.50 per person, per round

Some restrictions and qualifications apply, so call today for more information. While you are here, one of our property owner-sales agents will show you our extensive amenities, wooded homesites, golf villas (with a leaseback option), lakeside condominiums, and townhomes.

Why not plan now to see what golf course living is all about.

Audubon International Society is helping golf courses protect the environment and preserve the nature of the game of golf. Its programs can demonstrate clear, on-the-ground accomplishments that benefit the environment and successfully change people's attitudes.

Some years ago Caw Caw Land Development Corporation granted a conservation easement on the footprint of the Brunswick Plantation Golf Course that precludes development of this property into lots or condominiums. The easement was to a Land Trust whose duty is to monitor the operation of the course in keeping with terms of the easement.

A recent review of the course by the Trust found we are in full compliance; however, recommendations were made which will express a positive attitude to environmental care. They include:

-Reduce chemical use as much as possible.
-Allow herbaceous vegetation in rough areas to grow to flowering height when practicable.
-Protect wetlands from sedimentation.

Here at Brunswick Plantation we have a diversity of plants, fowl, and animals; we also have a large number of lakes and ponds, with a need to protect both the quality of water and the amount of water needed in dry times. With this in mind, we have decided to become an "Audubon Certified Course" and participate in their "Committed to Green" program.

We are proud to announce our commitment to helping the natural environment. We recognize that respect for the environment goes hand in hand with human well being and sporting excellence. In golf, harmonious integration with nature and the wise use of natural resources are the proper goals of all responsible managers. Our policy has three tangible directions:

-Good housekeeping--to manage the course, clubhouse, and facilities in ways to minimize deleterious environmental impact and use of natural resources.
-Conservation of biodiversity--to maximize the ecological potential of the golf course.
-Communication and education--to ensure the public accurately perceives our environmental attitude, policies, and practices.

To implement our "Committed to Green" policy our goals include:

-Naturalizing some out of play areas, mainly along the tree areas and pond banks. The tree line areas will be allowed to grow to their vegetative flowering height.
-Monitoring of the natural vegetation to see what grows best.
-Out of play areas will be planted in native grasses and/or wildflowers, adding beauty to the course and providing food and nesting for wildlife.
-Adding nesting boxes for Blue Birds and Purple Martins.

All of these things will have a positive impact on the golf course and on Brunswick Plantation as a whole. Lakes will be cleaner and have better water quality. Fish and waterfowl will increase. Aesthetics of the course will improve and the views will be natural. Less water will be used in critical water usage months. These areas will become no-mow and chemical free zones to protect our community.

Audubon International Society is a good fit for our community. We will be working closely with them. This partnership will enhance the beauty and sustainability of our golf course for the future.

Golfers:  A Golf Fitness Seminar has been scheduled by the Brunswick Plantation Men's Golf Association.  Dr. Glen Lundy will be the speaker.  Couples Golf will start the first week of May with golf and get togethers to be held during the summer.

Gardeners:  Jennifer Ingram presented a talk on "Indigenous Plants for Your Garden."  There will be a "Plants 'N' Stuff Sale May 8 with a wide variety of plants, including herbs, succulents, perennials, shrubs, trees, annuals, ornamental grasses, and houseplants.  There will also be a Garden Crafts Table.

The Bradford Pear trees are in full flower on the Plantation grounds so we know it is spring--what a sight.  A new Supper Club has been organized by homeowners for fun, food, and friendship.  A "sweetgrass basket" workshop will be led by an expert this week, sharing folklore and information about the Sea Island Gullah traditions.

The Book Club discussions for the next 6 months have been posted--this is a group of readers that love books.  The Red Hatters are heading out for spring shopping and lunch at a local restaurant.  Registration is going on for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life to be held in May.  Women on the Plantation just enjoyed a wonderful luncheon for the Relay which included a fashion show by Island Breeze, one of our favorite clothing shops.  The tennis group is looking for more players for matches.  And, of course, the golfers are out in full force.