The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program partners the efforts of the turfgrass industry, state agencies, Michigan State University, and environmental advocacy groups to advance the environmental stewardship of the turfgrass industry and to recognize environmental achievements.  The program was launched in 1998 at MSU and has over 220 participating courses.  The program receives support from Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and Golf Association of Michigan.

Mission:

• to advance the environmental stewardship of Michigan's golf industry

• to protect water resources, enhance wildlife habitat and promote native vegetation on golf course properties

• to foster communication between Michigan's golf industry, state agencies, environmental advocacy groups, and MSU.

• to recognize and award environmental stewardship and achievements

Program Principles of the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program are to:

• promote and communicate best management practices to control potential sources of pollution,

• comply with environmental laws and regulations,

• adopt pollution prevention practices,

• reduce waste,

• continue to improve the environment,

• minimize inputs to the environment,

• commit to the protection of natural resources on the property, and

• protect water quality, wildlife habitat, and native species.

Golf course superintendents demonstrate commitment by endorsing these principles during a site visit.