People have been protecting the wildlife since development of the island first began. In 1996, Seabrook Island's golf courses became the first in South Carolina and 75 in the U.S. to become a certified member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf.

According to Sean Hardwick, Director of Golf Maintenance at Seabrook, membership in the organization is a big responsibility. "We do everything possible to benefit the environment," explains Hardwick. "…including limiting chemicals used on our golf courses. Since the natural setting is what sets Seabrook apart, we try to provide as much native habitat as we possibly can."