Audubon groups confusing

Phil Levine

Friday, Sept. 24, 1999 | 11:19 a.m.

The name Audubon International likely conjures up images of wilderness land filled with wild geese, free-range ducks or shimmering ponds full of frogs.

However, a more accurate picture of the company might include 18 holes, free-range golfers and shimmering ponds full of lost golf balls.

Unlike the National Audubon Society, known for its wilderness preservation efforts, Audubon International is an unaffiliated namesake specializing in merging the concept of environmental improvement with land and golf-course development.

The Henderson, Ky.-based organization has partnered with local developer the LandWell Co. in a soil rehabilitation program at a proposed master-planned community east of Boulder Highway in Henderson. LandWell Chief Executive Dan Stewart said Audubon will provide "comprehensive environmental planning assistance to ensure the golf courses are environmentally sound."

A spokesman for Audubon International could not be reached for comment. However, John Bianchi, communications director for the National Audubon Society, said his organization should not be confused with Audubon International.

"They are a 7-year-old company that is in no way affiliated with the National Audubon Society," he said. "The name Audubon is like the name Washington. Anyone can move to D.C. and call themselves the 'Washington something or other'. Audubon is similar, in that it's not a trademarkable name."