ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Deputy Director Gordon Wenk today recognized Radrick Farms Golf Course at the University of Michigan for its efforts to ensure environmental stewardship and enhance wildlife habitat. The golf course recently achieved certification in the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program (MTESP), a nationally recognized program to advance environmental stewardship and increase compliance of Michigan’s turfgrass industry related to environmental risks associated with wellhead protection, pesticide and fertilizer handling, application and record keeping, septic system management, fuel storage, irrigation and water use management areas, and emergency response.

"Radrick Farms Golf Course has gone above and beyond environmental compliance requirements to prevent pollution, protect water resources and conserve energy that collectively benefits the environment. By reducing maintained areas on the course, implementing best management practices, and conducting energy audits, they are saving money, protecting natural resources, and reducing their carbon footprint,” said Wenk. “MDARD is proud to be associated with this unique partnership among state agencies, Michigan State University, and industry stakeholders that provide a solid foundation for success as additional properties work to attain certification."

To date, 230 properties statewide have begun to voluntarily participate in the MTESP and only 82 have met the criteria for certification. MTESP certification requires regulatory compliance and implementation of practices that prevent pollution, reduce energy and waste, and protect water resources.

“Working with MTESP for more than 10 years has been very beneficial for our operation,” said General Manager Corbin Todd. “Dan Mausolf, the golf course superintendent, and the entire staff has really embraced the idea of having a positive impact on the environment and their efforts show. Through our work with MTESP, we’ve also seen a boon with our wildlife population. We now have wild turkeys on the property and it is not uncommon for golfers to see deer, turtles, and an occasional fox or owl.”

As part of the MTESP certification requirements, an environmental action plan is established during a site visit conducted by program staff and the turfgrass manager or grounds superintendent. The action plan is used as a management tool to prevent potential threats from negatively affecting natural resources with a special focus placed upon the protection of groundwater, which is often the source for irrigation and drinking water.

The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program is intended to organize efforts of the turfgrass industry, state agencies, Michigan State University (MSU), and environmental advocacy groups to advance the environmental stewardship of the turfgrass industry and to recognize environmental achievements. The program was developed at MSU with support from the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, Golf Association of Michigan, and Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development.

For more information about Radrick Farms Golf Course visit radrick.umich.edu. For more information on the MTESP, contact Dr. Kevin Frank at 517-355-0271, ext. 1147 or e-mail at frankk@msu.edu.

###

Fan us! facebook.com/MIDeptofAgriculture
Follow us on Twitter @MichDeptofAg
Watch us! youtube.com/MIAgriculture