Disc golf is a sport defined by its environment. The heavily wooded fairways, natural elevation changes, and beautiful ecosystems of Michigan are what make events like the Third Coast Championship so special. Because our courses are carved directly out of nature, we have a unique responsibility to protect them.

We are proud to partner with the Michigan Invasive Species Program—a joint effort by the Michigan DNR, EGLE, and MDARD—and their NotMISpecies initiative to help defend the natural beauty of our parks.

Invasive species are non-native plants, insects, and diseases that out-compete native wildlife and drastically alter ecosystems. Threats like the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, the Spotted Lanternfly, or aquatic hitchhikers can devastate the forests and waterways that create the challenging, scenic layouts we love to play.

As competitors and spectators who travel from course to course, we can unintentionally become carriers. Seeds, mud, and microscopic pests can easily hitch a ride on our shoes, ZÜCA carts, disc golf bags, and even the discs themselves.

Simple actions—like thoroughly cleaning the mud off your boots, brushing off your bag, and making sure your gear is clean before traveling to a new course—make a massive difference in stopping the spread.

The NotMISpecies webinar series provides fantastic, easy-to-understand information on what threats to look out for in your local parks and how research and technology are being used to combat them.

Knowing how to identify and report watch-list species helps the state eradicate threats before they can destroy a local ecosystem.

Preserving the integrity of our courses is everyone's responsibility. We encourage all players visiting for the Third Coast Championship to be mindful of their gear and help us keep Michigan's parks pristine for generations to come.

Visit the Michigan Invasive Species Program to learn how to identify local threats, and check out the NotMISpecies Webinar Series to become an active defender of the outdoors.