Portland Public Golf is furthering the City's commitment to environmentally-responsible maintenance practices.

The Greenway Program, developed by Greenway Golf, has led this sustainability effort. The City has instituted the program for the last eight years.

The newest phase of the program will begin this week at Heron Lakes Golf Course. As this is the perfect season for germination, workers at the course will seed the turf with bentgrass.

"We're seeing real, positive effects", says Portland Public Golf Manager, John Zoller. "Better playing surfaces, reduced costs and lower chemical inputs into the environment."

Using bentgrass on the courses is advantageous due to its drought tolerant, disease-resistant nature. It requires much lower use of pesticides, resulting in drastic reduction in costs associated with upkeep.

Heron Lakes Golf Course in North Portland reduces maintenance costs, chemical use

Larry Bingham in The Oregonian