“With all of the environmental challenges golf course superintendents deal with on a daily basis I wouldn’t be comfortable managing the property for the people that own this club without the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program. The resources that are available to assist me are incredible. How could you afford not to be a member of the MTESP when staff from the Department of Environmental Quality and Michigan State University faculty manage and administer the program? Not to mention the experience shared by 227 other golf course managers.”

"I love the stewardship program. I feel the expertise in the program helps me balance the demands of the golfers with the environment. We have a very well educated clientele that can appreciate the types of issues that are addressed in the program." 

“Things don’t happen overnight. Just get into the program and make small improvements one at a time. I think it’s just the right thing to do." Jeff Sweet recognized the need to be environmentally proactive from the time ground was broken at Bucks Run Golf Club. Built on an old gravel pit, this course faced many challenges that didn’t apply to others with less vulnerable soils. With the protection of water resources forefront in Jeff’s mind, he readily consulted with MTESP staff to ensure that his maintenance facility would be designed to properly handle and store fuel, fertilizers and pesticides. Information provided in the MTESP checklists clearly helped Jeff do things right from the start. Isolation distances and monitoring requirements were specified for wells and fuel storage tanks. Basic setup and operation guidelines were provided for a mixing and loading pad, pesticide storage room, and fertilizers. This greatly simplified a number of tasks including the proper siting of fuel storage tanks. As a result, environmental laws were met and natural resources were protected. Jeff’s ingenuity was demonstrated with the construction of his equipment wash station. Using a cement pad, a steel grate, PVC piping, and a tarp, he designed an economical above ground wash system that removes grass clipping and allows the wash water to naturally infiltrate into the ground. Jeff’s foresight and dedication to the environment has made Bucks Run a fine example of exceptional environmental stewardship. 

“You really don’t know your property as well as you think you do until you go through the MTESP workbook. It helps you scrutinize your entire operation and bring it to a new level.” Egypt Valley Country Club became one of the first courses to join the MTESP in 1998 and has been actively involved ever since. Hosting stewardship training events and a MTESP press conference directed by the Governor of Michigan, they have provided unyielding environmental leadership for the golf industry. Jeff Holme’s environmental mindset and the desire to do the best job possible are reflected in the way he does business. Once he completed a MTESP site visit and developed an environmental action plan, there was no stopping him. Two abandoned wells were sealed, an emergency shut off valve was installed at the pesticide mix/load pad, venting in the pesticide storage area was improved, and old pesticides were taken to the Clean Sweep site for proper disposal. Jeff was instrumental in the development of MTESP buffer zone fact sheets by offering the course as a demonstration site. Having traditionally mowed to the water’s edge around three large ponds, he anticipated resistance from club members to any changes. Jeff recognized the need to communicate the purpose and value of buffers to the board and was pleased to find substantial support for his efforts. The buffers are now an accepted maintenance practice on the course and the members acknowledge the added surface water protection provided by the tall grasses. Studying the MTESP materials and being active in the program helped Jeff understand how environmental laws apply to Egypt Valley Country Club. The legal terminology finally makes sense and he has a greater level of confidence that the club is in good standing. Jeff has extensive experience with the stewardship program, feel free to ask him any questions.  

"Every person every day, has an impact on the environment. The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program, (MTESP), has identified many ways golf courses can affect our environment. The MTESP provides golf course superintendents with an awareness of how their maintenance practices affect the environment and provides guidelines to minimize environmental impacts at their properties. Through continued education seminars and updates, the MTESP provides the golf course superintendent with updated laws and regulations and highlights other areas of concern where, over time, we can alter our maintenance practices to lessen negative environmental impacts.

Being a member of the MTESP and attending one of their workshops is probably one of the best things you can do for your employer"

Located on Drummond Island in Michigan’s upper peninsula, The Rock features a spectacular array of natural resources and wildlife known only to courses north of the 45th parallel. The Rock has many things to be proud of including their keen awareness of the need to be environmentally proactive to protect the priceless natural beauty found on and around the golf course. Craig Hoffman’s environmental stewardship “hat” never comes off. It’s become a natural part of the way he manages the property. His desire to maximize the protection of land, water and air is demonstrated in the actions he has taken and the choices he has made as golf course superintendent. He attended the first MTESP workshop offered in northern Michigan and went right to work implementing protection measures discussed at the conference. Every water well was protected from potential impacts by placing large boulders around the wellhead. Gas golf carts were replaced by electric carts, fuel signage was improved and storage records were detailed. These efforts “paid off” when the facility was inspected by the Department of Environmental Quality. Craig felt at ease knowing that he was involved with the MTESP. The inspector found the information Craig provided in the MTESP workbook very helpful and determined that the facility was in compliance. The MTESP inspired Craig to take a fresh look at his mowing practices. He realized that there were certain out-of-play areas that could be allowed to go “natural”. He made the decision to eliminate mowing in these areas to reduce labor costs and enhance habitat. He also installed buffers around several ponds to increase surface water protection. The Rock is in good hands with Craig’s dedication and steadfast efforts to protect the environment. He has been involved with the MTESP for many years and would be an excellent resource for anyone considering membership in the program. Feel free to ask him any questions.