Color Virginia in on the First Green map. It is official on March 1, 2023 Virginia hosted its first First Green at Magnolia Green Golf Club in Moseley, VA. Superintendent Jay Wade has been patiently waiting for the opportunity and it finally happened. Jay connect via Twitter to local teacher Bryan Sheetz at Thomas Dale High School. Mr. Sheetz is a second year teacher who started the landscape and agriculture program at the school. He wanted his students to get real world career experience in multiple agriculture spaces including a golf course. The connection was perfect and a First Green Field Trip was set. 

Forty students attended the field trip. The students are apart of the Thomas Dale landscape and agriculture department with many of the students in the  high school's Turf Program. Students ranged from freshman to seniors. Many of the seniors already decided to move on to 2 or 4-year programs in turf or similar field. Six superintendents from the Richmond area and the course's teaching professionals helped support Jay at the Field Trip. Four stations were set for the students to spend about 2 hours on the course. 

Stations:

• Equipment demos - Students got to learn about the equipment used each day to maintain the golf course. Students were also able to ride and try a mower and roller. 
• Technology and irrigation - Students learned the science and basics of a USGA green, irrigation technology, and used the prism and macroscope to look at the grass. 
• Measuring and calibration - Students put their math skills to the test to learn about spreading.  Students used the measuring wheel and spreader to spread gypsum on a plot of land.
• Fun on the course- Students learned to putt and hit golf balls by the "director of fun" Leighann Albaugh. (Fun fact Leighann was one of my assistant golf courses at Penn State University and it was fun to reconnect with my coach.)

The students were engaged. We noted the students never had their cellphones out and were asking amazing questions. Even after we completed the rotations the students asked if they could revisit some of the stations. Many of the students noted it was their first time at a golf course and they would return. The teachers who accompanied the students including Mr. Sheetz enjoyed their time on the course. Many were as excited as the students to participate in the stations. 

Jay Wade was an incredible host. The volunteers who got to spend the morning with the students left with a greater appreciation of the First Green. Everyone was excited for the possibility of the future of First Green in Virginia. The superintendents were excited to receive the text below from Mr. Sheetz. Taking the time to connect with the students meant so much to everyone. It was also great to learn they got to expand their knowledge.

Virginia's slogan maybe Virginia is for Lovers but we can also add Virginia is for First Green :).