First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV), in collaboration with First Green of Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA) hosted a Go Green, an environmental education event, at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course on November 5th.
30 FTSV participants took part in a fun STEM-based learning event with 5 interactive demonstrations, followed by a pizza reception.
Station number 1 explored golf course management by fixing and replacing a golf hole in the putting green, using a stimpmeter to determine the speeds of the green, and learning how to repair the greens.
Station 2 performed experiments on water conservation while participants explored underground water content in different areas of the golf course using a special machine.
Station 3 tested different soils showing the impact they have on grass and watering.
Station 4 explored hydrogen bonds, adhesion, cohesion, and capillary action and its relation to water.
Station 5 involved participants building bird houses that will be placed on the golf course.
First Green is an innovative environmental and STEM education outreach program using golf courses as environmental learning labs. Senior Agronomist from CourseCo, Gary Ingram, led a team of superintendents from all over Northern California and collaborated with FTSV staff to bring the event to our participants. “We’re excited to see Go Green return to our schedule of community day events, especially in partnership with CourseCo.” said FTSV President & CEO, George Maxe. “We anticipate quarterly community days at Rancho del Pueblo beginning with this recent Go Green event to serve Rancho’s local residents neighborhoods.”
