Divot Mix

GCM dominates industry publications

A recent survey of more than 15,000 golf facilities in the United States revealed that GCSAA’s monthly magazine, GCM, consistently ranked superior relative to the five other golf maintenance publications tested.

GCM was ranked "best publication overall" in the golf course management industry by 68 percent of respondents, with its nearest competitor garnering only 11 percent. The magazine also was rated the most "credible" by 78 percent of respondents.

In addition, GCM is more likely to be read; with 70 percent having read 4 of the last 4 issues; and it is also more likely to be shared with more colleagues. See why GCM ranks highest: Read this month’s issue online.

American Wetlands Month coming in May

May is American Wetlands Month and the EPA will once again celebrate with federal, state, tribal, local, non-profit, and private sector organization partners.  This annual celebration is a time to recognize and highlight the wonderful ways that wetlands enrich the environment and human society.

In anticipation of this year's celebration, the EPA encourages individuals and groups to plan activities and events that raise awareness of the critical role wetlands play in our environment and build support for their protection and restoration.

For golf courses with environmental plans that include community outreach, the celebration could be a way to highlight the work that's been done at the course. The EPA offers several ideas for activities and events, some of which could be adapted to golf courses:

• Participate in a wetland walk, canoe trip, bird watch, or other outdoor activity
• Plan a wetland or stream clean-up
• Recognize a wetland hero
• Sponsor a talk or presentation about wetlands
• Start or participating in a volunteer wetland monitoring or restoration group
• Organize a wetland festival

Anyone planning such events is encouraged to share their event information by completing the American Wetlands Month Event Information Form.

Examples of wetland projects on golf courses can be found among the case studies on the Environmental Institute for Golf's EDGE database.

Flooding in U.S. a sign of things to come

The flooding that has struck America’s heartland recently offers a preview of the spring seasonal outlook, according to the National Weather Service.

The service says factors that contribute to above-average flood conditions, include record rainfall in some states and snow packs, which are melting and causing rivers and streams to crest over their banks.

In mid-March more than 250 communities in a dozen states experienced flood conditions. National Weather Service forecasters identified the potential for that flooding a week in advance and began working with emergency managers to prepare local communities for the impending danger. 

"We expect rains and melting snow to bring more flooding this spring," said Vickie Nadolski, National Weather Service deputy director. "Americans should be on high alert to flood conditions in your communities. Arm yourselves with information about how to stay safe during a flood and do not attempt to drive on flooded roadways."

On the flip side, the drought outlook shows general improvement in the Southeast. Winter precipitation chipped away at both the western and southeastern drought. On the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought coverage dropped from nearly 50 percent in mid-December to less than 20 percent in the Southeast for March.

Project Evergreen asks garden centers promote green space

For the second year in a row Project EverGreen is inviting garden centers to pull out all the stops and motivate Americans to turn their lawns and gardens into stylish green displays with its "Turning America from Eco-Weak to Eco-Chic" contest co-sponsored by Hines Horticulture and Horticultural Printers.

"Garden centers are able to have that vital one-on-one time with customers and motivate them to maintain and update their green spaces," says Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen. "And there’s no better motivation than showing them how classy, sophisticated and affordable a lush landscape can be."

To participate, garden centers must create a promotional campaign for their customers revolving around the benefits of managed green spaces. This could include in-store signage, how-to classes, giveaways and customer mailings--the store’s imagination is the only limit.

Since Project EverGreen’s mission is to promote the economic, environmental and lifestyle benefits of green spaces, the entries should be sure to include these points. The garden centers then submit pictures or examples of campaign materials by June 30, 2008, to be eligible for the contest.

For participating, garden centers will be eligible to receive a $1,000 cash prize from Hines, a significant donation in their name to Project EverGreen, exposure in a national industry publication, and a regional and local publicity campaign promoting their efforts. The customers benefit by having the opportunity to become a part of YEA! (Yard Enthusiasts of America), which provides free tips on planting, gardening, and lawn care.

"Many homeowners are interested in adding style and beauty to their homes’ exterior," Gardner said. "The benefit of this contest is that homeowners learn how to accomplish the look they want while delving into the ecological reasons that these spaces are necessary. Getting customers to be 'eco-chic' means they will continue to seek out professional opinions and products, thus expanding the garden centers’ business."

For contest rules, entry forms and more information, visit http://www.projectevergreen.com.