Normal, IL – May 9, 2023 – Town of Normal Parks and Recreation plans to turn Ironwood Golf Course into an environmental learning lab May 11 for fifth grade students from Glenn Elementary.
The activity is part of Parks and Recreation’s 2nd annual First Green Field Trip which recognizes the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and environmental outreach. Students from Mrs. Bain’s and Mrs. Law’s classes will collect soil samples, identify plants and learn about our irrigation system.
“This is a great opportunity and fun way for kids to learn about many aspects of the golf course,” said Tyler Bain, Park Maintenance Supervisor. “When I talk with students, they don’t understand my profession. Golf courses are important to the environment. Among many other things, courses filter surface water, produce oxygen and offer wildlife habitat. Students learn about these environmental factors at this event, hopefully realizing our work is about more than mowing grass.”
Students arrive at Ironwood Golf Course around 9:15 a.m. and participate in five activity stations. Volunteers from the local Golf Course Superintendents Chapter, National Association, vendors, ISU professors and Ironwood staff work with students. The field trip focuses on environmental benefits offered by golf courses, and students are introduced to other aspects of golf.
Ironwood Golf Course First Green field trip agenda:
- Station 1 – Area of Irregular Shapes (Kids Course)
- Station 2 – Technology on the Golf Course (Putting Green)
- Station 3 – Soil and Soil Properties (Patio of Pro Shop)
- Station 4 – Equipment and Function on the Golf Course (Near Putting Green)
- Station 5 – Learn How to Swing a Golf Club (Driving Range)
###
About First Green: Founded in 1997, is the only STEM education and environmental outreach program in the United States and Canada that uses golf courses as learning labs. First Green, a Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) program, pairs golf courses with local schools for unique Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities. Visit www.thefirstgreen.org to learn more.