News & Updates

Diane Kelbaugh, 5th grade STEM teacher, Spring Garden Elementary, Hampstead, Md.

"I am writing this letter to recommend the First Green field trip program to elementary teachers and their students. My fifth graders visited Westminster National Golf Course in November 2016. Mr. Kraushofer, General Manager at Westminster National, and other area golf course superintendents, organized several STEM related activities for my students. Each activity was led by a superintendent and provided hands-on experiences relevant to our curriculum. We participated in activities designed to increase student understanding of water conservation, area of the greens, environmental impacts and equipment used on the golf course. My students had the opportunity to putt golf balls, climb on and learn about the types of equipment used to maintain the greens, calculate the area of a puttin green, and use a variety of tools and maps to understand how to properly maintain drainage of the greens. My students enjoyed their time learning first-hand how math and science are used to maintain and operate a successful golf course while being a responsible steward of the natural environment. I highly recommend a First Green field trip to other fifth grade classes."

Diane Kelbaugh, 5th grade STEM teacher, Spring Garden Elementary, Hampstead, Md.

What is First Green?

First Green is an innovative environmental and STEM 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. A tax-exempt non-profit, First Green was founded in the State of Washington in 1997 and is expanding nationally.

Supporters

Supporters of First Green include the United States Golf Association (USGA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Washington State Golf Association, Pacific Northwest Golf Association, the Northwest Turfgrass Association, Western Washington Golf Course Superintendents Association, Western Canada Turfgrass Association, local golf clubs, public and private school systems, and individual contributors who assist the organization through monetary grants and participation in field trips.

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  • National Supporters
    National Supporters
  • Regional Supporters
    Regional Supporters
  • State Supporters
    State Supporters
  • Local Supporters
    Local Supporters

Diane Kelbaugh, 5th grade STEM teacher, Spring Garden Elementary, Hampstead, Md.

"I am writing this letter to recommend the First Green field trip program to elementary teachers and their students. My fifth graders visited Westminster National Golf Course in November 2016. Mr. Kraushofer, General Manager at Westminster National, and other area golf course superintendents, organized several STEM related activities for my students. Each activity was led by a superintendent and provided hands-on experiences relevant to our curriculum. We participated in activities designed to increase student understanding of water conservation, area of the greens, environmental impacts and equipment used on the golf course. My students had the opportunity to putt golf balls, climb on and learn about the types of equipment used to maintain the greens, calculate the area of a puttin green, and use a variety of tools and maps to understand how to properly maintain drainage of the greens. My students enjoyed their time learning first-hand how math and science are used to maintain and operate a successful golf course while being a responsible steward of the natural environment. I highly recommend a First Green field trip to other fifth grade classes."

Diane Kelbaugh, 5th grade STEM teacher, Spring Garden Elementary, Hampstead, Md.

Quotes:

Frank Tichenor
Frank Tichenor Golf Course Superintendent at Forest Hills Field Club in Bloomfield, NJ
“I have to say … (my first field trip) was one of the best days I have ever spent on a golf course!”
Dr. Kimberly Erusha
Dr. Kimberly Erusha USGA Green Section Managing Director
"The First Green’s education and environmental program directly connects the golf course superintendent with local school programs. These efforts engage students in a high-energy, hands-on learning opportunity outdoors on the golf course."
Trevor Smith
Trevor Smith Past President of Western Canada Turfgrass Association
“The best part about First Green is that it can happen at any golf course and there are golf courses in practically every community in our province. This makes the program accessible to kids everywhere, not just those in larger centres.”