The Ford Plantation will host an innovative environmental education outreach program that uses golf courses as environmental learning labs, when golf course superintendent Dan Alexander welcomes 40 students from Bryan County Schools for a First Green event, May 9, 2019.

First Green focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) principles where students get hands-on learning opportunities in a real-life setting. First Green curriculum benefits students in middle school to 12th grade by helping them apply their classroom knowledge in an outdoor setting.

Students will participate in stations where they will calculate green speed with a stimpmeter, learn turfgrass anatomy, experience a nature walk through a Ford Plantation wetland to identify plants and animals, learn cup cutting technology for hole locations and putting green soil compositions, and putt golf balls on the course.

Students are scheduled to arrive at the Ford Plantation 9:00 AM. The schedule includes learning labs consisting of plants and the environment, soils, cool tools, water conservation, a walking tour of wildlife, lunch and golf activities.

Media are encouraged to attend the event, but should contact Dan Alexander at 912-756-2742 prior to the day of the field trip.