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TurfMutt Foundation educating public on environment, honoring mascot’s legacy

By Wesley Coburn

YORK, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: A sheepdog moves into a position as it runs the sheep towards the pen at the British National Sheep Dog Trials on August 6, 2016 in York, England. Some 150 of the best sheepdogs and handlers in the country competed in the event on the Castle Howard estate near York to win one of 15 places in the national team and to go on to represent England at the International trials. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
YORK, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: A sheepdog moves into a position as it runs the sheep towards the pen at the British National Sheep Dog Trials on August 6, 2016 in York, England. Some 150 of the best sheepdogs and handlers in the country competed in the event on the Castle Howard estate near York to win one of 15 places in the national team and to go on to represent England at the International trials. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) /
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The TurfMutt Foundation is looking to educate the public about their environment and honor the legacy of their longtime mascot.

OPEI (the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute) has created the TurfMutt Foundation to educate the public about their environment.

This foundation was announced in September 2019, spawning out of their TurfMutt educational program, which has been used throughout schools around the country for a decade.

According to a press release, the foundation “will continue to en­courage outdoor learning experiences, stewardship of our green spaces, and care for all living landscapes for the benefit of all, and will likely expand into new areas in the next few years.”

The TurfMutt Foundation comes not long after the passing of program mascot Lucky the TurfMutt from old age. Lucky was rescued from a busy road on a freezing Indianapolis winter day in 2006 by his owner, OPEI President and CEO Kris Kizer.

“People, and especially children, related to the personality of a real dog and he became a great teacher for many,” Kiser said in a press release. “Lucky’s story is a redemption story because he went from being a street dog to being a backyard superhero that inspired others.”

Lucky appeared on the main TV networks of ABC, CBS and NBC, in addition to Animal Planet, People Magazine and the CBS Dream Team (Saturday morning) TV series Lucky Dog.

“Thanks to this dog, we at the TurfMutt Foundation look at yards a different way. We see through TurfMutt’s eyes, realizing that ordinary, home yards, parks and school yards have a larger purpose than just our human one,” said Kiser.

“They are suburban and urban habitat that supports our ecology and climate, provide homes and food for pollinators and wildlife, and give us a safe and healthy place to play, relax and de-stress.”

OPEI is the largest trade association for manufacturers and suppliers of power equipment, small engine, utility vehicles, golf carts and personal transport vehicles.

Next. Tips for a more dog-friendly yard. dark

For more on the TurfMutt Foundation, see their website for more details.

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