Program Background

The turfgrass industry in Michigan is composed of golf course, lawn care, grounds maintenance, and sod production operations and the various suppliers of turf products and equipment.

In order for Michigan’s Turfgrass industry to continue to prosper in the future, it is important to elevate environmental stewardship and sustainable operations of the golf industry and provide recognition for those accomplishments to the public. The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program is collaborating with industry, university, governmental agencies, and environmental advocacy groups to make fundamental advances toward environmental protection and the future economic well being of the Turfgrass industry.

Program Purpose

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, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Golf Association of Michigan. Over the past fifteen years, the Michigan Water Stewardship Program has provided the base funding to develop and grow the program.

Mission

The mission of the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program is:

• To advance the environmental stewardship of Michigan’s Turfgrass industry by increasing the awareness and understanding of Michigan’s environmental resources, the potential impacts of Turfgrass management, and elevate the level of pollution prevention
• To enhance fish and wildlife habitat, indigenous vegetation, and protect water resources with buffer zones.
• To clearly identify environmental laws and regulations and advance the compliance of the Turfgrass industry
• To engage the Turfgrass industry, regulatory agencies, MSU, and environmental citizen groups in productive communication and
• To recognize, promote, and award environmental stewardship achievements.
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The mission of the program will be achieved through a series self-assessment exercises and implementation of environmental action plans. As part of a participant’s commitment to environmental stewardship, they will sign a statement supporting the Mission and the following Principles of the program.

Program Principles

The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program Principles are to:

• Promote and communicate best management practices to control potential sources of pollution
• Comply with environmental laws and regulations, adopt pollution prevention practices, and reduce waste
• Minimize inputs to the environment
• Commit to the protection of the natural resources on the property and
• Protect water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and native vegetation.
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Pollution Prevention and Property Enhancement

The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program consists of self-evaluation modules that can be used to identify, assess and eliminate potential detrimental environmental impacts on your property. The materials are designed to clearly identify environmental laws and regulations impacting the turfgrass industry and promote compliance with those laws and regulations. It is also designed to promote pollution prevention strategies and to recognize environmentally sound management practices. The program includes sections dedicated to promoting fish and wildlife habitat, indigenous vegetation, and water quality protection.

The modules include:

• Site Evaluation
• Wellhead Protection
• Fuel Storage
• Pesticide Handling/Application
• Pesticide and Fertilizer Storage
• Pesticide Mixing and Loading
• Equipment Wash Pad
• Emergency Response
• Irrigation Use and Conservation
• Buffer Zones
• Green Purchasing, Energy Conservation, Waste Reduction

Getting on the Road to Certification

The first step in the program is to complete the Site Evaluation and Natural Resource Inventory Module. This module examines the natural resources on your property and helps you identify aspects of the turf management operation that may have the potential to impact these resources. An evaluation of the current level of protection for groundwater, surface water and soil will be made by examining the location and condition of a number of items on your property including pesticide, fertilizer and fuel storage areas, mixing and loading areas, equipment washing areas, the septic system, well and compost areas. Customizing an overhead map of your property by locating, delineating and identifying important features completes the first exercise in the site evaluation.

Program Participation

The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program was launched in June 1998. As of January 2026, there have been 168 properties that have participated in the program. 48 of these properties had have been certified in the program. These Properties are making improvements to protect and enhance the environment that go beyond what is required by law.