The Michigan Department of Agriculture's Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program was designed for golf courses to increase regulatory compliance, protect groundwater and surface water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and publicly recognize golf courses for their environmental accomplishments.

An unprecedented partnership has been formed between the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Agriculture.  The program is funded through a unique combination of corporate pesticide and fertilizer registration fees, public revenues and course membership fees.

The scope of the program includes fuel, pesticide, and fertilizer management; wellhead and surface water protection; and wildlife habitat enhancement. Golf course superintendents participating in the program attend a one-day workshop, complete an self assessment materials and participate in an on-site visit to establish a 3-year environmental action plan leading towards certification in the program.

For more information about this program contact:

Jack Knorek
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Environmental Stewardship Division
(517) 335 - 2874
knorekj@michigan.gov