Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving

We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
 
During this time as we look to those things that we all most thankful for, it is important not to forget the men and women of the US Armed Forces both past and present. On this day of thanks be sure to let those who have served or are serving our country know how thankful we are for them.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Veteran's Day

On Veteran's Day, our most heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who have served or are serving our country. We also share a great admiration for the families of service men and women. A sincere thanks to you as well.
 
 
Many have fought and died for the freedoms and opportunities we have as Americans. Honor a veteran; not just today but everyday.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Sustainability Initiatives

IGM Staff building bird houses at community event
International Golf Maintenance (IGM) is committed to the continuous enhancement of the environment, conserving natural resources and protecting precious wildlife habitat. We are leaders in environmental performance through stewardship, education, employee involvement and the utilization of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as well as sound Best Management Practices (BMP). We are committed to providing high quality services in a manner that ensures a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and minimizes our potential impact on the environment. 
 
We recognize that economic development needs to be compatible with human welfare and a healthy environment. To ignore this is to risk increasing social, environmental and financial costs. Our role in managing and reducing environmental risk is one we take seriously and we regularly work in conjunction with governmental agencies, organizations and individuals to ensure our goals are achieved. We are committed to work together with all of those who share our commitment and endeavor to identify realistic, sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the golf industry.
 
IGM’s initiatives vary widely from property to property.  Here are some highlights:
 
-          Water-use reduction
o   computerized scheduling
o   usage of a percent of evapo-transpiration
o   low-water use plantings
o   inspecting the system regularly and repairing leaks immediately
o   usage of reclaimed water where available
o   stopping irrigation cycles during or after rain events
o   small-scale watering of localized dry spots
o   watering deep and infrequently to encourage efficient root uptake by the plant
o   usage of cycle-soak irrigation to limit runoff
o   usage of variable frequency drive motors at the pumping stations
o   applying wetting agents to distribute water evenly through the soil profile
o   limiting irrigation cycles during high-wind periods
o   usage of moisture meters on surfaces in an effort to apply only the amount needed
o   adjusting individual sprinklers to limit water being thrown into desert areas or on hardscapes
o   leveling and raising irrigation heads to ensure peak performance and distribution uniformity
o   replacing worn or inefficient parts with new
  
-          Encourage turf and plant health by providing only what is needed in the form of fertilizers rather than blanket applications
 
-          Encourage turf health by using bio-stimulants which encourage the plant to maximize its natural physiological responses
 
-          Turf provides a filter for runoff and absorbs heat rather than reflecting
 
-          Use of Integrated Pest Management and in the event of chemical application low-use rate products
 
-          Avoid use of hazardous materials whenever possible
 
-          Encourage walking on the course by preventing cart traffic in sensitive areas
 
-          Recycling of aluminum and green-waste where possible
 
-          Use of hybrid mower technology
  
-          Use of Tier 4 compliant equipment
 
-          Planting perennial plants rather than annuals as much as possible
 
-          Communicating with patrons on our efforts
 
Our efforts are collaborative with our clients and represent our desire to go above and beyond standard maintenance practices to get results - this results in sustainability.