A Green Transformation in the Making

The Francis A. Gross Golf Course, located in Northeast Minneapolis, is about to undergo an exciting transformation, and they need your help to make it happen. The golf course is aiming to undergo a renovation to naturalize parts of the golf course by enhancing biodiversity, improving water management, and creating a more ecologically responsible environment for both golfers and wildlife. This project will turn key areas of the course into thriving natural spaces, with native plantings, wildlife corridors, and improved ecological practices that benefit both nature and the community.

How Can You Make a Difference?

With funds from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and a Hennepin County Stewardship Grant already totaling $58,950, the golf course only needs to raise $6,000 more. Your contributions help the golf course move closer to their goal of a greener, more sustainable golf course, as they work to create an environment where nature and sport can thrive side by side.

Donate today, and make a lasting impact. Thank you!

Why Naturalize the Golf Course?

• Support Local Wildlife: By planting native species and creating new habitats, we can support local bird species, pollinators, and other important wildlife.
• Enhance Sustainability: Natural landscapes require fewer chemicals, reducing the environmental footprint of the course and conserving water.
• Beautify the Environment: Imagine walking through a lush, wildflower-filled course – both visually stunning and calming for golfers and visitors alike.
• Increase Biodiversity: Our new natural areas will support a broader range of plant and animal species, making the golf course a mini-ecosystem in the heart of the community.

Renovation Plans:

This project involves restoring native vegetation in two areas of the Golf Course. The first area is to replace 1.28 acres of turf grass with native pollinator habitat. This 1.28 acres is the first of several areas of the course that do not come in to play and can, and should be removed from turf grass and restored to native prairie. The overall goal is to bring best management practices to the golf course. The ecological restoration will improve water and land management practices, reduce the use of chemicals and enhance pollinator and wild life habitat. The location is adjacent to the cart path between holes 11 and 12, and can be seen from the Diagonal Trail. It will provide public education and make an environmental impact.

The second area, approximately 3000 sq ft, is the front entrance planting which is currently rocks and Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass. Removing the rocks and restoring this highly visible area with Native vegetation will provide a defining entrance to the Clubouse.  The plants will be labeled so as to identify native plants and signage will educate patrons about pollinator habitat.  An available QR code will explain the need to plant vegetation that helps pollinators and explain how individuals can convert a typical turf grass lawn into something more environmentally friendly.

Special Offer – Free Golf Training Aid with Your Donation!

To show their appreciation, the Francis A. Gross Golf Course are offering a free golf training aid to all those who make a donation toward the naturalization project. Thank you!