Monthly Feature Hosted By:
	Anthony L. Williams, CGCS at Marriott’s Stone Mountain Golf Club in Georgia

Water is an essential part of life as we know it. Yet, how can you measure the worth of your water programs. Certified Golf Course Superintendent Mike Hulteen has found some creative and definitive ways to prove the value of his club’s water management and environmental programs.

First of all, Mike has gathered a considerable data base to document his conservation efforts which by any standard would be impressive, but he took this information to the next level. He stacked his programs up against the Groundwater Foundation’s stewardship program entitled “Groundwater Guardian Green Site.” This designation reflects the serious groundwater and environmental efforts of a variety of highly-managed green spaces not just golf courses. On the way to achieving this milestone Mike and the Salina CC used strategies such as conversion to more drought tolerant varieties of turf, installing a new state of the art irrigation system, raising the heights of cut on roughs and surrounds, mulching ornamental areas and using recycled water to water some small ornamental areas.

The final step to being designated as a Groundwater Guardian Green Site is the completion of a comprehensive application that must result in a score of 70% or better to be confirmed. If you want more information on this program there is a great website listed in the case study, so be sure to check it out.

In addition to their present programs which include an active membership in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, the Salina CC has an impressive list of future programs and projects. These items range from the possible conversion to recycled water for primary irrigation use to the recycling of petroleum products and waste oils. The programs in this case study reflect a commitment to environmental excellence each day that will build a legacy of documented achievement for years to come. The question is, “how can you take advantage of these or other GREEN programs to validate the value of your stewardship?”

March's Guest:
	Bill Bieck, CGCS, Heritage Hills Golf Course in McCook, Nebraska

The Groundwater Foundation’s “Groundwater Guardian Green Sites” (GGGS) Program is an excellent opportunity for golf course superintendents to convey an important message about their environmental sustainability. The program recognizes groundwater stewardship of highly managed green spaces. It encourages us to implement, measure, and document our groundwater friendly practices. The GGGS program does not require any application fee nor does it require a significant financial investment to attain acceptable scores.

The Groundwater’s Foundation GGGS program is unique in that only an application is required to collect data and document the environmental impact, such as pounds of fertilizer saved by using lower input plants or gallons of water and energy saved by using water conserving/low maintenance plant materials. It incorporates pollution prevention practices such as recycling and proper waste disposal as well. The application itself serves dual purposes – first, as a way to objectively and uniformly evaluate each site’s practices and second, as an educational tool for site managers and staff to learn about the positive impact of the work they do.

Being guardians and good stewards of groundwater is something everyone can do in their daily lives, whether it’s protecting a well, using water efficiently, managing fertilizer and pesticide use, or controlling runoff. As a golf course manager, I’ve always been cognizant of the importance of groundwater protection and usage. I want to leave my superintendent’s position knowing I’ve not harmed the tract of land I’ve been entrusted to manage. The GGGS program is an opportunity that all superintendents can participate. At a time when our industry and others are being scrutinized by its environmental practices, this is a non-invasive program of self-evaluation. It is a pro-active approach that creates awareness and demonstrates to the public our commitment to future generations through environmental sustainability.