U-M golf course certified in Environmental Stewardship Program

The University of Michigan Golf Course was recognized by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) for its efforts to ensure environmental stewardship and enhance wildlife habitat.

The U-M Golf Course earned its certification with the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program (MTESP), which is 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.

“The University of Michigan 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 Deputy Director Gordon 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.”

“Gaining certification at the U-M Blue Course is a result of the hard work and commitment to environmental stewardship of Scott Rockov, Superintendent, and his entire team,” said Corbin Todd, Director of the University of Michigan Golf Courses. “We are very grateful for the many years of guidance that the MTESP program has provided. It is a partnership that has really helped both of the University of Michigan golf courses, not only to be great stewards of the environment, but also in providing exceptionally valuable customer experiences. We look forward to working closely with MTESP in the future as we continue to identify sustainable practices and live Planet Blue.”

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.