East Tawas superintendent receives environmental certification

David J. Little, GCSAA certified golf course superintendent at Red Hawk Golf Club, Inc., East Tawas, Mich., has earned an environmental management specialist certificate from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for completing a specialization program in Habitat Development and Management. With the completion of Habitat Development and Management, Little has completed all six of the specializations in the GCSAA Environmental Management Program.

GCSAA is addressing the environmental impact of golf course management and the increasingly complex training needs of golf course superintendents by offering specialized training through its Environmental Management Program (EMP). GCSAA’s EMP consists of six specialized certification programs: Integrated Pest Management; Habitat Development and Management; Employee Safety and Right-To-Know; Water Quality and Application; Golf Course Development; and Storage, Disposal and Recycling.

GCSAA in conjunction with Audubon International developed the Habitat Development and Management specialization to recognize members who participate in programs that help plan, develop and manage habitat areas on their golf courses. Participants must have achieved Audubon Sanctuary certification at their course and/or complete an approved GCSAA Action Learning project related to habitat development or have completed an approved Habitat Management Program.

Golf course superintendents may choose to complete one or more of the EMP specializations, each of which is composed of a series of relevant continuing education seminars. The program is open to all golf course management professionals seeking further environmental training and expertise.

The superintendent who successfully completes the required coursework in a specialization receives a certificate and special recognition from GCSAA. In addition, the superintendent who earns this valuable credential demonstrates a personal commitment to preserve and protect the environment.

Since its inception in 1993, more than 160 participants have completed nearly 350 specializations. Over 30 participants have completed the entire program and more than half have completed at least two specialization areas.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization, which has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. For more information, contact Little at 989-305-0467 or redhawkgolf99@yahoo.com