First Green is an innovative environmental and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education outreach program using golf courses as environmental learning labs. Golf Course Superintendents and/or local golf course representatives host students on field trips where they test water quality, collect soil samples, identify plants, design plantings, assist in stream bed restoration and are involved in the ecology and environmental aspects of the golf course. The students are also introduced to many other aspects of golf.
Golf Courses offer economic benefits, recreational opportunities and green spaces to the communities they serve. Golf Courses are large parcels of land with healthy turf, trees and other vegetation. They provide wildlife habitat, produce oxygen and filter surface water.
First Green is a program of the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Golf course superintendents interested in hosting a field trip should read below about how to become First Green ready.
If you are a teacher or club leader and want to expand your STEM curriculum with one of our field trips, we are here to help.
First Green encourages parents to get involved, and welcomes your insight to further improve our workshops.
We need your support to achieve our goals. Contact us today if you would like to become a Friend of First Green.
On a cold and snowy March morning, 90 fourth grade students from…
The First Green program, GCSAA’s outreach initiative introducing school children to golf…
Todd Bohn, GCSAA Class A member and director of agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge in Hollister, Mo., welcomed 8th grade science students to his course on April 27.