Earth Day 2011

On this Earth Day 2011, one of our research and information organizations posted this very nice poster regarding Earth Day.

What do we do at Glen Echo to provide for a better environment? 

• The preservation of 140 acres of green space in a sea of concrete and asphalt is the most important legacy of this club and the positive environmental impact that the property creates. 
• We've reduced inputs such as fertilizer to insure that we are not over applying product that the turf cannot utilize.
• The newer products that we utilize to control disease, weeds and insects are more effective in their application and in most cases are more environmentally friendly due to low use rates and how they  tie up in the soil.
• A much more efficient irrigation system and uses less energy to operate.  We do have a great deal more heads then our old system but we are able to fine tune our program and leave whole sections of the course off if water is not needed.
• We collect our aluminum and other scrap metal that is used in our operation.
• Burning dead trees which do not go to the landfill and save energy costs and use of natural gas during the winter.
• Use kitchen waste oil to make a 25% blended diesel fuel for our equipment.
• Use a chipper for our tree limbs and waste and utilize the material on our ornamental beds when possible.
• Out of the way rough areas are mowed once per week and regulators are used on our fine turf areas which help to control growth and allows the grass plants to save energy.
• Make our own compost for plant waste to be used in our ornamental beds.
• Bird houses which are utilized by a number of families of bluebirds, barn swallows and other birds during the season to raise their young.

This is just a few of the things that we do at Glen Echo to provide for a better environment for all of us to live and play.