Heritage Park Golf Course hosted an innovative environmental education outreach program that uses golf courses as environmental learning labs, when golf course superintendent Ethan Shamet welcomed sixth graders from Merriam Park Elementary for a First Green event, Wednesday, April 27.
First Green is a Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) program that focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) principles where students get hands-on learning opportunities in a real-life setting. First Green curriculum benefits students by helping them apply their classroom knowledge in an outdoor setting. Golf Course Superintendents from around the state volunteered their time and shared their knowledge with these students.
The nearly 50 students participated in interactive stations including soils, cool tools on the course, water conservation, measuring areas, and a putting competition. First Green is a program of the GCSAA Foundation, which is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
First Green can be adapted for students in 5th grade through high school. If your school would be interested in participating in this program you can reach out to Ethan Shamet at [email protected].
To learn more about First Green visit www.TheFirstGreen.org.