Editor's Note:  Media is invited to a formal presentation at the Duck Lake Country Club, located at 2728 Country Club Way, Albion, MI 49224.  The awards ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Country Club's clubhouse.

ALBION, Mich. - The Duck Lake Country Club will join the ranks of only 50 other properties to attain certification in the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program (MTESP) on Sunday, October 11. MTESP is a statewide initiative to protect, enhance and conserve natural resources. This prestigious award will be presented to club officials by program partners from the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), Michigan State University (MSU), the Department of Energy Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG), and the state's turfgrass industry.

Duck Lake Country Club has gone above and beyond environmental compliance requirements to prevent pollution, protect water resources and conserve energy that collectively benefits both the environment and the club's bottom line. By reducing maintained areas on the course, implementing best management practices and conducting property wide energy audits, the course is saving money, protecting natural resources and reducing its carbon footprint.

"MDA is proud to be a partner in this nationally recognized effort to help turfgrass properties such as golf courses, parks and lawn care companies incorporate sound environmental practices into their maintenance programs," said Don Koivisto, MDA Director. "The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program's unique partnership among state agencies, university and industry provides a solid foundation for success, and the overall impact statewide continues to increase as additional properties attain certification."

To date, several hundred properties including golf courses, parks, schools and lawn care companies have attended MTESP workshops and are voluntarily improving stewardship practices. Properties that attain MTESP certification meet regulatory requirements, actively prevent pollution, conserve energy and protect water resources.  A special focus is placed upon the protection of groundwater, which is commonly the source for irrigation and drinking water.

"It has been an amazing experience watching the interest and enthusiasm grow among our members. They have all contributed to the success we're celebrating and are proud to be certified in an exceptional program that conserves and protects the resources we all share," said Amy Bulter, Treasurer, Duck Lake Country Club and Director, Bureau of Energy Systems, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

Larry Murphy, Duck Lake Golf Course Superintendent, experienced many benefits of the program, "Being in the turfgrass program helps me work smarter, not harder. It provides valuable tools, education, and contacts that I truly appreciate. This certification recognizes the passion and pride that our grounds crew has in maintaining the character and quality of our course in an environmental, energy efficient and economic way. Our course is one of the Club's greatest assets and this achievement places our facility among the top in the state," said Murphy.

Gary Wells, Club Manager, said, "It has been wonderful to see the club's membership support us as we've gone through the certification process. Every member supports Larry Murfey and his crew in the great job they do. This recognition is an opportunity for club members to say thanks and to publicly share the quality of the golf experience we offer."

The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program serves all segments of the turfgrass industry. It has recently begun to work with parks and municipalities to implement an array of proactive management practices to certify their facilities and green spaces.

For more information on the MTESP, contact Debbie Swartz at 517-241-1987 or via e-mail at swartzd@michigan.govor Gary Wells, Duck Lake Country Club Manager at 517-629-9015 or via email at ducklakecountryclub@yahoo.com.

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