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JIM FAVREAU MASSACHUSETTS jfavreau@harrells.com (978) 227-2785
MIKE KROIAN RI, MA mkroian@harrells.com (401) 265-5353
TOM LOPEZ CT tlopez@harrells.com (860) 488-2649
JIM WIERZBICKI CT, RI jwierzbicki@harrells.com (860) 424-7250
KENT LEMME NORTHEAST klemme@harrells.com (413) 281-8087
TOM HOFFER NORTHEAST thoffer@Harrells.com (401) 871-2916
IAN WILLIAMS NORTHEAST iwilliams@harrells.com (781) 664-4519
LANCE BLASS NORTHEAST lblass@harrells.com (570) 956-0974
CONNOR CINQUE NORTHEAST ccinque@Harrells.com (603) 930-1861
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
The official publication of the New England Sports Field Managers Association (NESFMA), the New England Blade is dedicated to educating, advising, and informing members of the profession and furthering the goals of the Association. The New England Blade carries news and features related to the sports field management profession. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication and to refuse advertising not in keeping with the goals of the Association. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the validity of claims in connection with items appearing in the New England Blade. Mention of a commercial product does not imply endorsement by the New England Blade, NESFMA, or Leading Edge Communications, or preference over similar products not mentioned. The New England Blade is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of NESFMA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
Officers
President
Art Goodhind Town of Natick Natick, MA
President Elect
Ryan Bjorn Gillette Stadium Foxborough, MA
Treasurer
Andrew Carlisle, CGM Worcester Technical High School Worcester, MA
Past President Chris McGinty
Framingham Parks Department Framingham, MA
Official Chapter
Directors
Tom Barry, CSFM Greens Farms Academy Greens Farms, CT
Bryan Conant Nashua Parks & Recreation Nashua, NH
Brendon Connor Holy Cross Worcester, MA
Adam Ferrucci
Read Custom Soils Wareham, MA
Scott Lagana Turf Products Corp. Holden, MA
Christopher Lilly
Blackstone Valley Regional Technical Vocational High School Upton, MA
Michael Malvoso
Needham Parks & Forestry Needham, MA
Scott Vose
Tom Irwin Advisors Tynsborough, MA
Board of Trustees
Mike Lueders Medfield, MA
Edward Olsen
Needham Parks & Forestry Needham, MA
Victoria Wallace University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
Management Team
Virginia Wood Executive Director
Charissa Sharkey
Membership Manager
Peggy Benjamin
Bookkeeper
Technical Editor
Victoria Wallace University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
New England Sports Field Management Association, Inc. 67 West Street Medfield, MA 02052 (508) 653-1241 NE-SFMA.org
ZIP BACK INTO ACTION
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Hello members and friends,
As I write this, I’m surrounded by the sights and sounds of spring—a season of rejuvenation. I appreciate the blossoming trees, greening turf, the sound of cardinals, and the smell of fresh bark mulch. This is also a season of organized chaos for most Sports Field folks, feeling equally prepared and equally behind schedule at the same time. I hope your spring is off to a strong start.
To prepare for rejuvenation and the spring season, we continued our tradition of hosting NE-SFMA’s annual meeting and awards lunch at the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference. This event remains a valuable opportunity to connect, fulfill critical association business, and celebrate the success and efforts of all of us to be great environmental stewards.
Congratulations to:
• Jason Chisholm, CPSI, Freeport Public Schools, Freeport Maine, Sports Field Manager of the Year
• Brian Linehan, Greenhaven Turf Care, Commercial Partner of the Year
• Tessa Hospod, University of Connecticut, recipient of Charles Mruk Scholarship
Please join me in thanking and congratulating these folks for their hard work supporting our mission.
We’re grateful to the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation for hosting another successful conference, drawing attendees from 38 states and provinces. This event continues to deliver exceptional value through high attendance and quality programming. Special thanks to our past presidents, Ben Polimer and Michael Buras, who serve on the NERTF Board. They represent our sector of the industry and their efforts helped direct nearly $200,000 in research funding for initiatives ranging from insect biodiversity and autonomous mowing to winter survival and spring recovery of cool season turfgrasses. We look forward to seeing the impact of these studies in the years ahead.
Looking ahead, your board is focused on growing our profession and supporting the next generation of Sports Field professionals. Our next major event, the DeWolf Memorial Golf Tournament, takes place July 10 at Brookmeadow Country Club in Canton, MA. This event funds scholarships and grants for students from grade school to college. Please register soon and join us in celebrating and advancing our mission.
Thank you for trusting me to lead this remarkable organization. And thank you to our members, board of directors, and management team for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Art Goodhind NE-SFMA President
These companies support NE-SFMA with their membership investment and involvement. Please be sure to thank them for their support of our industry as you do business with them throughout the year.
A-OK Turf Equipment – aokturfequip.com
A.R.Plante Materials & Earthworks, LLC –arplantematerials.com
Activitas, Inc – activitas.com
BASF – basf.com/us/en
Brock USA – brockusa.com
Championship Turf Services – turfchamps.com
Covermaster Inc. – covermaster.com
Finch Turf – finchturf.com
Franklin Paint Company – franklinpaint.com
G.P.S. New England – Greg Albanese
Game Ready, Inc – Gamereadyfields.com
Golf Course Management, Inc. – Michael Hightower
Greenhaven Turf Care – greenhaventurf.com
Harrell’s – harrells.com
Hayner Swanson Inc – hayner-swanson.com
Kaestle Boos Associates – kba-architects.com
Liberty Landscapes, LLC –libertyathleticfieldcontractors.com
Mainely Grass – mainelygrass.com
MJ Cataldo Inc. – mjcataldo.com
Mountain View Landscapes & Lawncare –mountainviewinc.com
MTE, Inc. – mte.us.com
Natural Tree & LawnCare – naturaltree.com/about New England Pro Greens & Turf – turfinstaller.net
North Turf Inc. – Northturf.com
Northeast Nursery Inc – northeastnursery.com
Osborne Organics, LLC – osborneorganics.com
PBI Gordon – pbigordon.com
Pioneer Athletics – pioneerathletics.com
R.A.D. Sports – radsports.com
Read Custom Soils – readcustomsoils.com
Replay Maintenance USA – replaymaintenanceusa.com
S & D Landscapes, LLC – facebook.com/LandscapeVermont
Sherwood Sportsturf – Chuck Sherwood
Silico Turf LLC – silicoturf.com
SiteOne – siteone.com
Sodco, Inc. – sodco.net
Specialized Turf Services, Inc. – sportsturfspecialties.com
Sports Fields Inc. – sportsfieldsinc.net
Sports Turf Specialties, Inc – sportsturfspecialties.com
Syngenta – greencastonline.com
Target Specialty Products – TurfFuel.com
Tartan Farms LLC – tartanfarmsri.com
The Charles C. Hart Seed Co. – HartsTurfPro.com
Tiny Mobile Robots – tinymobilerobots.com
Tom Irwin Advisors – tomirwinadvisors.com
Tom Irwin, Inc. – tomirwin.com
Tuckahoe Turf – tuckahoeturf.com
Turf Products Corp – turfproductscorp.com
Turf Robotics – turfroboticsllc.com
Turface Athletics – turface.com
US Playground Surfacing – USPlaygroundSurfacing.com
Welch Mechanical – Welchmechanical.com
Tee Up for a Great Cause: July 10, 2025
The DeWolf Memorial Golf Tournament is not just another golf outing—it’s an opportunity for sports field professionals to come together, network, and make a tangible difference.
Inspired by the indomitable spirit of the late Mark DeWolf, participants will be teeing off for a purpose, as proceeds benefit NESFMA’s scholarship and benevolence fund.
In fact, the first annual DeWolf Outdoor Education Scholarship will be presented at the tournament lunch.
The outing will be held at Brookmeadow Country Club in Canton, MA starting with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m., followed by a delicious lunch and prizes for the winning teams. Brookmeadow is a championship 18-hole, par 72 course offers an interesting and challenging golf experience for all skill levels.
Gratitude to our commercial partners who have stepped up to support the mission of this tournament, as well as the players who have signed up to date. If you don’t play golf, you can grab a seat in the gallery (heckling encouraged) and stick around for the barbecue lunch!
Everyone who joins in can take pride in knowing that their contributions will directly impact the next generation of sports field professionals. NE-SFMA scholarships and grants provide aspiring students with access to education and training, while the benevolence fund offers support to industry professionals facing unforeseen hardships.
Gather your clubs and join us for a memorable tournament where every swing makes a difference. Sign up today at NE-SFMA.org.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ryan Bjorn , Gillette Stadium
Brendon Connor , College of the Holy Cross
Adam Ferrucci , Read Custom Soils
Scott Lagana , Turf Products Corp.
PLATINUM
Mulligan Sponsor Breakfast Sponsor
Contest Sponsor
Tournament Tees
TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
As of June 1, 2025. Visit NE-SFMA.org to sponsor this event!
UMass Turf Day
July 23, 2025
UMass Turf Research Field Day is presented every other year to highlight the wide range of research and Extension projects currently taking place at the UMass Joseph Troll Turf Research Center in South Deerfield, MA, as well as relevant work being conducted at other locations by UMass Turf Program faculty, staff, and graduate students.
The UMass Turf Program is gearing up to renew this long tradition in South Deerfield on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Turf practitioners and their associates can meet and speak with UMass staff and view projects underway. The event includes a trade show, featuring exhibits from numerous industry representatives, and all registrants can enjoy networking, continental breakfast and a hearty, festive lunch.
Turfgrass
September 22, 2025
Current work includes studies on the biology and integrated management of turf-damaging diseases and insects, short- and long-term weed management, environmental stress physiology, fertility, drought management, golf and sports surfaces, and soil health, as well as a range of National Turfgrass Evaluation Program fine turf trials. Pesticide contact hours and professional certification credits will be offered. Complete info and registration will be forthcoming at http://ag.umass.edu/turf
For more information about how you can support the UMass Turf Program and make your message a part of the 2025 UMass Turf Research Field Day, contact Jason Lanier at jdl@ umass.edu or 413-545-2965.
The UMass Alumni Turf Group (ATG) will honor revered professor emeritus Dr. Scott Ebdon at the 19th annual Dr. Joseph Troll Turfgrass Research Golf Classic at the Worcester Country Club in Wocester, MA. The Alumni Turf Group is made up of turf professionals who are graduates of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts. The group’s primary mission is to raise funds to enhance and further research at UMass. For more information – Alumniturfgroup.com
Robert Carroll
City of Worcester DPW & Parks Worcester, MA
Michael Chapman
City of Worcester DPW & Parks Worcester, MA
Matt Clement Town of Dover Dover, MA
Matthew Crowther, CGCS PBI Gordon Shawnee, KS
John Fields
City of Worcester DPW & Parks Worcester, MA
Chuck Forsythe SODCO Inc. West Warwick, RI
Gary Garrison
Tiny Mobile Robots Old Orchard Beach, ME
Marc Gingras
City of Worcester DPW & Parks Worcester, MA
Peter Jacobson BASF Hancock, NH
Chris Jarvis Middlesex School Concord, MA
Jesse Nadeau City of Worcester Worcester, MA
Michael Parks Game Ready, Inc Medfield, MA
Andrew Plante
A.R.Plante Materials & Earthworks, LLC South Easton, MA
Jonathan Pruell St. George’s School Middletown, RI
Brian Rydant
City of Worcester DPW & Parks Worcester, MA
Wil Smyers Sacred Heart Greenwich Greenwich, CT
Nicole Wainwright Town of Dover Dover, MA
Richard Walker Rick’s Landscaping Lowell, MA
Randy Williams Town of Ashburnham Ashburnham, MA
Annual Meeting & Awards: A Celebration of Progress & Community
NE-SFMA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Lunch at the NERTC in Providence was an enthusiastic celebration of community, leadership, and forward momentum. With over 100 members in attendance, the event offered a mix of reconnecting with peers, honoring excellence, and exploring how the association is shaping the future of the industry.
President Art Goodhind kicked off the event with a warm welcome and thanks to our exclusive meeting sponsor, Tom Irwin, for their invaluable support. He also recognized the dedication of our board members, trustees, and NERTF representatives—whose commitment keeps NE-SFMA moving forward.
In his “Year in Review,” Art highlighted NE-SFMA’s strategic direction, anchored by four foundational pillars:
• Delivering high-impact education and networking opportunities
• Inspiring and engaging the next generation of turf field professionals
• Recognizing and celebrating industry excellence
• Fostering a connected, supportive membership community
A major highlight was the success of the inaugural DeWolf Memorial Golf Tournament, which raised essential funds to launch new student scholarships and grants, as well as a benevolence fund designed to support members and families in times of unexpected need.
The event culminated in recognizing two outstanding leaders in our field:
Jason Chisholm, CPSI, of Freeport, Maine Public Schools, was named 2025 Sports Field Manager of the Year, and Brian Linehan of Greenhaven Turf Care received the honor of Commercial Partner of the Year. Congratulations to both for their exceptional contributions to our industry. •
Sports Field Manager of the Year award was presented to Jason Chisholm by his colleague and friend Brian Schools.
The Greenhaven Turf Care Team joined Brian Linehan in celebrating his Commercial Partner of the Year award.
Art Goodhind presents UConn graduate student, Tessa Hospod with a $1000 Mruk scholarship.
2025 Board of Directors (l-r): Brendon Connor, Andrew Carlise, Bryan Conant, Chris Lilly, Art Goodhind, Mike Malvoso, Scott Vose, Tom Barry, Adam Ferrucci, Scott Lagana (Missing: Chris McGinty).
NE-SFMA Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
$1500 Mark DeWolf
Outdoor Education Scholarship
Deadline: June 10
Named in honor of the late Mark DeWolf, an avid outdoorsman and life-long sports field manager, this scholarship is awarded annually in July at NE-SFMA’s DeWolf Memorial Golf Tournament.
$1000 Charles K. Mruk Scholarship
Deadline: December 10
Named in honor of the late Charles K. Mruk, a dedicated member of the turf industry in New England, who believed in the importance of education and professionalism in our field, this scholarship is awarded annually in March at the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference in Providence, RI.
$500 DeWolf Direct Tool Kit Award
Deadline: June 10
These grants are available to high school students who are planning to go directly to work in a turfgrass related field after graduation. The award will be in the form of an industry supplier gift card that will be used to help with new job-related expenses (e.g. tools, safety gear). It will be given to recipients in July.
$500 DeWolf Green Student Program Grants
Deadline: December 10
These grants are available to public school programs (elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as vocational and technical schools). The intention of the grant is to help support projects, equipment, educational programming, or transportation costs related to turfgrass management or environmental studies.
Learn more at NE-SFMA.org and spread the word about these new opportunities!
2 2 0 5
SHOW NOTES
By Gary Sykes NERTF Executive Director
With the 2025 show, our 28th conference is now in the books. I wanted to make a shout out to everyone involved and to give you our sincere thanks for another great three days in Providence! Some say, “it takes a village”, but for our show, we say, “it takes an industry!” Our industry in the Northeast continues to prove that its overall value is greater than the sum of its parts. This includes all individuals in all parts of the turfgrass industry. We thank you all for your support these 28 years and for our success in 2025.
We mentioned that the 2025 Show was going to be the year of the show floor shift. Many exhibitor booths had to be moved to accommodate the need to grow the floor. In 2024, we were maxed out wall to wall. So, we decided that a shift in the building was coming. Some may have missed this and we are sorry, but we felt it had to be done. This shift allowed us to reconfigure the left side of the show floor. The largest change was the move of MTE and Northeast Turf Supply. Many companies were affected by the changes, and we appreciate each vendor’s understanding. We also placed the auction in a new area, we were able to bring in additional vendors and return our popular driving range. The show floor grew by 26 more booths than we had in 2024. The shift was well worth it to the show and like any changes, it may take some time and adjusting to get used to the layout. We will continue to work with everyone to fulfill expectations.
How was attendance? We had another strong year of attendance. Tuesday seminars continue to be very popular and worth the effort invested in them. 780 seats were sold in the 13 seminars. Their popularity sometimes outgrew the rooms they were assigned to, so numbers had to be monitored constantly to eventually set up proper locations. We believe that a lot of our success comes from the quality of our education program, and we are committed to identify popular topics and speakers to fill the needs and interests of attendees. Our overall attendance basically matched our 2024
number of 1900 over the two days with an additional 780 vendor badges printed. That brings our overall attendance to 2680 from 38 states and provinces.
All sessions were very well attended and many positive comments concerning the speakers and topics they were sharing have been received by many on our board. During the trade show we could see that Wednesday was a full and busy day on the floor. It is our peak day each year and we know of its importance to everyone on the floor. We appreciate attendees who utilized the show to visit with vendors as the new year approaches. Thursday was another great day to spend some time on the floor and in sessions as numbers usually decrease just by the nature of the day. Every year someone comes up to me and tells me how much they enjoy being able to go onto the floor and speak to vendors without being pressed by others to move on. We hope to continue to attract those that enjoy Thursday and will guarantee to add a quality education program to encourage future Thursday attendance.
One of the highlights of the show each year is the live auction. We gathered donations from 42 companies and had a whole lot of fun with our new auctioneer Chris Ward from Ward and Company Auctions in raising $27,575 for turfgrass research. This will add to our efforts to fund turfgrass research in New England. Research and education will help to fuel the future of our industry. The foundation has committed to funding $198,000 worth of research in 2025 at UMass, UConn & URI. With total funding approaching $3 Million in New England since 1998 the foundation has no plans to slow things down.
We give the 28th Conference and Show high marks for its growth and attendance. We thank our vendors and all sponsors for committing to our promotion of the show and for adding activities that add to the content of the show and that attracts additional attendees. •
Next Conference
March 3 – 5, 2026
Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence RI
NERTC FUNDS RESEARCH
Mike Buras and Ben Polimer, NE-SFMA’s representatives to the NERTF, shared the projects that will be funded through NERTF. Your participation in the annual conference goes a long way toward funding the research that keeps the New England sports field management industry on the leading edge of information and technology.
Current NERTF Research Funding 2025–2026
PROJECT NAME
Investigating the Efficacy of Fluazinam Fungicide as a Tool for Managing Fungicide Resistance Dollar Spot Populations, Dr. Geunhwa Jung, UMass
A Chemical Scent Lure to Attract Bumble Bee Queens to Nest in Irrigation Valve Boxes, Dr. Steve Alm, URI $12,573.00
Pure Urea Fertilizer (46-0-0) in Granular Form as a Fungicide Alternative to Control Turfgrass Diseases Including Dollar Spot and Brown Patch, Dr. Geunhwa Jung, UMass
Insect Biodiversity and Management in the Grassy Natural Areas on New England Golf Courses, Dr. Olga Kostromytska, UMass
Autonomous and Conventional
Jason Chisholm
CPSI
Athletic Fields and Grounds Supervisor
Freeport Public Schools
Freeport, Maine
Where did you go to school?
Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, where I majored in Turfgrass Management.
How did you get your start in sports field management?
My career in this field began in 1996 as a ballfield steward with the City of Portland, Maine and the AA Portland Seadogs (I was part of a grounds crew that won Eastern League Field of the Year). In 2006 I was the Athletic Fields Manager for Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (I headed a crew that won the Turface Collegiate Baseball Field of the Year award). In 2009 I became the Athletic Fields and Ground Supervisor for the Freeport School Department in Maine. I have also built and maintained a successful synthetic turf painting business, which has allowed me to share my knowledge and expertise throughout the United States over a variety of venues and associated with the athletic field sector.
Since the beginning of your career, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in the sports field industry?
Sports field management is now taken very seriously and is viewed as an excellent career path.
Who are your mentors in the sports field management profession?
Richard Anderson, past Head Groundskeeper for the Portland Seadogs; Craig Sickels, past Athletic Director for Freeport School Department; William Sandborn, current Head Baseball coach for Saint Joseph’s College; and Dennis Ouellette, past director of athletic fields/grounds/maintenance at Freeport High School.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Memorize every measurement that needs to be painted on every sport. (By learning these I’m more efficient. I save time and money.)
What is the next game-changer you see on the horizon for the sports field industry?
Robotics (paint machines and mowers).
What’s your favorite / most useful:
• Product? Pioneer Athletics paint products (natural grass and synthetic turf paint)
• Technology? Robot paint machine. It saves a tremendous amount of time and money, eliminates human error, creates precise lines and logos. With this technology the possibilities are endless.
What advice would you share with people starting out in sports field management today?
Without being part of a team, you won’t be successful. Everyone contributes in their own way to the final outcome: a safe, healthy, playable sports field.
Can you share a bit about your family life and/ or what you enjoy doing in your free time?
My wife Dawn has been very supportive of my career choice. She’s an enormous reason for my success. We have two children Eli (21) and Haylen (23.) We just recently lost our Dog Manny. He was almost 19 years old. In our free time Dawn and I enjoy buying and driving our antique vehicles. Our most recent purchase is a 1964 Amphicar 770. It goes on land and water!
What have you found most beneficial about being a NE-SFMA member?
Being able to network with my colleagues, continued education at all the events, and being kept informed by social media and other association publications. •
Steps on How to Handle ICE Visits
By Jennifer Zurko, Editor, Grower Talks Magazine
With the increase of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits to businesses and communities around the country, a reader suggested we share some guidelines to help you understand how to handle these situations professionally and lawfully. For those who use H-2A, the chance of a scenario where ICE would need to be involved is less, but it’s always a good reminder to make sure that all your employee records are up to date and in compliance with federal and state regulations.
The following guidelines have been compiled from local Chicagoland businesses who have a large Latino staff, but please keep in mind that these are just guidelines, not legal advice—always consult your attorney for specific guidelines.
1. Stay calm and professional
• ICE visits can be stressful but encourage all employees to remain calm.
• Assure employees that your company is compliant with all employment laws.
2. Do not grant immediate access
• ICE cannot enter non-public areas without a judicial warrant (signed by a judge).
• Clearly distinguish between public areas (e.g. parking lot, reception, lobby) and private areas (e.g. workspaces, offices, breakrooms). Restrict access to private areas to employees only.
• If ICE arrives, politely ask for a copy of the warrant and verify its legitimacy before allowing access.
3. Know the difference in warrants
• Judicial Warrant (court-issued): Required for ICE to enter nonpublic areas.
• Administrative Warrant (ICE-issued, Form I-200 / I-205): Does NOT grant permission to enter.
• If ICE is asking to search anything beyond the limitations of the warrant in possession, verbally state they do not have consent to search.
4. Know the difference between Inspections and Raids
• Inspections: Intended to audit I-9 records; will have advance notice; HR must lead the response.
• Raids: Intended to detain undocumented workers; no warning, ICE requires a warrant.
5. Direct ICE to your HR manager or another designated company representative
• They are the only ones who should communicate with ICE.
• Inform ICE officers that company policy requires legal review of any warrants before compliance.
6. Do not provide employee records without proper authorization
• Employee records (I-9s, payroll) should not be handed over without legal review.
• ICE must present a subpoena or court order to access these records.
7. Ensure employee rights are protected
• Employees have the right to remain silent and do not need to answer ICE questions or sign documents.
• Employees should verbally assert their rights:
“I am asserting my right to remain silent.”
If questioning continues:
“I am asserting my right to call my attorney.”
• Employees are not required to show documents beyond what was already provided for employment verification.
• Employers are NOT obligated to help ICE identify, locate or sort employees by nationality.
8. Communicate with employees
• If ICE arrives, reassure employees that the company is following legal protocols.
• Avoid speculation and unnecessary panic—provide only factual updates.
9. Contact legal counsel immediately
• Designated company representatives / HR should be notified as soon as ICE arrives, or I-9 audit is received to ensure proper handling.
• Do not consent to searches or provide information without legal review.
10. After the ICE visit ...
• Document everything: Agents’ names, everything they did while on site and any requests they made.
• If any employees are detained, ask where they are being taken before ICE leaves the premises.
• Let everyone on your team know that the company is always looking out for their best interests. Anything you can do to make your employees feel like they have a safe place to work has never been more important. •
Invasive Plant Triage for Habitat Managers
By Lauren Kurtz, Alyssa Siegel-Miles, and Victoria Wallace, UConn Extension
Invasive plants are nonnative species that reduce native biodiversity, alter habitats, impact the economy, and pose significant threats to ecosystems. The task of managing invasive plants can quickly become overwhelming due to their aggressive establishment and the time, money, and persistence required to achieve positive outcomes. One practical approach is to use triage, an assessment practice that prioritizes invasive species management strategies by the degree of ecological damage to the site and the economic resources required for management. This paper explores the fundamentals of a triage approach to invasive plant management, including its components, challenges, and implementation strategies for effective invasive species management. This approach can be applied to both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Widely used in medical contexts to prioritize patient treatment based on severity, triage can be adapted to habitat management and restoration. Triage consists of systematic assessment, prioritization, and strategic treatment of affected areas, with the goal of increasing native plant and animal biodiversity. Two main actions inform a triage approach to invasive plant management. First, identify the habitats at risk from invasive plant populations. Second, select areas for intervention where the greatest biodiversity outcomes can be achieved with the fewest resources.
Steps of a triage approach
Prevention, early detection, and rapid response:
Preventing invasive species from entering and establishing in new areas is critical. Identifying and controlling small infestations before they can establish and expand is more effective than managing existing, large infestations. Prevent the introduction of new invasives by:
• Educating the public and employees about how invasive plants spread.
• Educating boaters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive plants by using the Clean, Drain, Dry method (Figure 1).
• Ensuring equipment does not contain fragments or seeds of invasive species before transporting to a new location.
• Obtaining mulch or fill from reputable sources that are not infested with invasive species.
• Preventing current infestations from going to seed.
Assess the populations of native and invasive species:
Before initiating a management program, assess the plant populations at each site. What are the current and desired conditions and expectations for each site? Be as thorough as resources allow.
• Assess and understand the site conditions (e.g. soil characteristics, water quality, light and moisture conditions, disturbance).
• Properly identify both the native and invasive plant populations; assess the abundance of each at a site to help prioritize management.
Figure 1. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection signage describing the Clean, Drain, Dry method to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species including hydrilla.
TEAM
• De-compaction of Infill
• Deep Grooming
• Rejuvenation
• Magnetic Sweep
• Vacuuming
• Surface Cleaning
• Rotary Brushing
• Add Infill
• Seam Repair
• G-Max Testing
Program
• Understand vectors for seed or propagule spread of both native and invasive species.
• Keep detailed records of plant populations at each site and document changes in species and abundance over time.
• Use the resources listed in Table 1 to assist with identifying site conditions, critical habitats, and information about specific species.
Set management goals:
Identify what you want to achieve: slowing the spread, reducing the abundance, or eradicating invasive plants at a given site? Increasing native species biodiversity, expanding access for recreation, improving visibility on roadsides? Set realistic goals based on economic circumstances and access to available resources (time, labor, equipment). Management goals can be specific to a site or more broad for multiple sites.
Prioritize sites:
Use the worksheet in Table 2 to determine your priority sites and/or priority species at each site.
Prioritize management areas by considering where the most significant biodiversity outcomes can be achieved with the fewest available resources. Evaluate each site to determine:
• the ability to achieve effective control of an invasive plant population (Figure 2);
• the impact invasive plants have already had on the site; and
• the health of native species/communities at the site.
1. Additional resources to
with site assessment, identification of invasive species, and habits at risk.
National Diversity Database Map
Connecticut Environmental Conditions Online
US EPA Ecoregions Maps
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Office of Aquatic Invasive Species Web app
Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group and UConn IPM
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment (DEEP) Protection offers maps of every town in Connecticut, showing locations of critical habitats and where state or federally listed species are present.
This map database provides maps by town, including soil types, drainage, topography, and water quality classifications, among others to inform management decisions.
The ecoregions maps categorize the United States into regions based on ecosystem characteristics to assist with restoration strategy.
This tool provides up-to-date information on aquatic invasive species throughout the state.
These websites contain resources for invasive plant identification and management.
Table 2. Criteria and factors for prioritizing invasive species management (adapted from Jacquart 2009). At each site, complete this worksheet for each identified invasive species to determine the priority sites and/or priority species at each site. Add the total points for each species. The lower the score, the higher the priority of action required.
Species Area:
1. How large/size of the undesired invasive plant population?
1 None, but there is a substantial population is nearby
2 Covering ≤ 25% of the area and spreading
3 Covering ≤ 50% of the area and spreading
4 Covering ≥50% of the area and spreading
5 Covering the whole area completely
2. Value of the habitat being invaded?
Q1 Score:
1 An important habitat with high biological diversity
2 A habitat with some dominant native species
3 A degraded habitat or area of low diversity
Q2 Score:
3. Impacts of invasive plant presence?
1 Altering the biodiversity of an area so much that few native species are present
2 Invading undisturbed areas and outcompeting native species
3 Not outcompeting native species, but natives don’t regenerate
4 Invading disturbed areas like edges
Q3 Score:
4. How hard is it to control?
1 One targeted and appropriate treatment to reduce population
2 Requires multiple treatments in-season to manage, but population can be reduced to allow for continued growth of desired native plants
3 Requires multiple treatments and native plants don’t re-establish or come back readily
4 No effective treatment has been identified
Q4 Score: Total:
and work toward areas where they are plentiful.
Figure 2. Visual of a high priority site versus a low priority site based on abundance of invasives. Begin in spots where invasives are few,
Table
assist
A low priority site might be one that is difficult to access, where the invasive population will not be easily managed, the native habitat is already degraded, and/or management may negatively impact existing native species. The existing native seed bank is an important consideration. Depending on how long the invasive species have inhabited the area may affect the viability of the native seed bank. Once the invasive species are removed, what species are likely to reestablish the area? If the answer is more invasive species, the site will require more active monitoring and maintenance. A high priority site may be one that is easily accessed, where the invasive population can be effectively managed, the native habitat is not completely degraded, and control measures will not harm the existing native species.
Considering where the greatest biodiversity outcomes will be achieved is not always straightforward at the beginning of the triage process. However, identifying possible outcomes before management begins can help to prioritize resources.
Determine specific management strategies:
Once priority areas are established, management strategies should be tailored accordingly. The appropriate management strategy will vary by species, location, time of year, and potential negative impacts on native species. It is critical to properly identify the best management strategy for the site and for the species you are targeting. Follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach - consider all management options, including mechanical, chemical, cultural, or biological. Research strategies or speak to other land managers to determine best practices that are sustainable and make economic sense for each location or circumstance.
Implement management practices at high priority sites first:
After evaluating the ecological and economic impacts and developing a targeted management strategy, begin work on the identified high priority locations. This process might require 2 to 3 years of repeated active maintenance to achieve desired results. Ongoing monitoring of the site is crucial, allowing adjustment of management strategies based on real-time outcomes or changing environmental conditions.
Restore ecosystem services:
Monitor for the return of native species. If necessary, facilitate habitat restoration by planting native and ecologically important species. Native plants can be established by seed, plugs, containerized or bare root plants. Revegetation method will depend on the site conditions, resources, species, and goals. Consider implementing competitive exclusion or the planting of aggressive native species to outcompete the return of invasive plant populations.
Target low priority sites as resources allow:
Sites identified to be of reduced priority might be maintained through less intensive methods (such as preventing invasives
from setting seed by repeated mowing or cutting vines that are strangling mature trees). These efforts may be all that can be accomplished at low priority sites. Organizing and scheduling groups of volunteers for such mechanical pruning or removal methods should be completed on an annual basis, at a time of year when these strategies are effective. If resources don’t allow for maintenance at low priority sites, continue to monitor invasive populations for change overtime.
Challenges to Consider:
As with any habitat management strategy, challenges will emerge. A triage approach may require more initial time and effort to plan systematically and allow for staff training as they adjust their approach. Identifying and assessing plant species before and after treatment can be arduous, but it is a critical component of the triage method. Consider hiring professional surveyors.
Deer and other herbivores also present a challenge to habitat restoration; they browse on native species more frequently than invasive species and can contribute to the decline of native plant populations. When attempting to maintain or reestablish native habitats, identifying ways to reduce herbivore browsing is critical. Examples include caging to protect new plants, adding exclusion fencing, or using slash walls.
Implementing effective management activities can be overwhelming and difficult to employ when multiple invasive species are identified or labor and financial resources are limited. The triage method maximizes resource efficiency and effectiveness by focusing efforts where they have the most significant impact. Approaching invasive plant management systematically and incorporating triage as part of the overall strategy will produce more attainable outcomes. Action will always be better than inaction when it comes to reducing invasive plant populations. Using the triage method to assess and develop an action plan will guide your efforts to successful invasive plant management. •
Resources
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. 2011. Adaptive management templates and planning examples. https://www.invasive. org/gist/products.html. [accessed 25 June 2024].
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 2024. Aquatic Invasive Species. https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/generalinformation/aquatic-invasive-species. [accessed 11 Sept 2024].
Downey PO, Williams MC, Whiffen LK, Auld BA, Hamilton MA, Burley AL, Turner PJ. 2010. Managing alien plants for biodiversity outcomes-the need for triage. Invasive plant science and management. 3(1):1-11. https://doi. org/10.1614/IPSM-09-042.1
Jacquart E. 2009. Where do I start? Prioritizing invasive plant control. Indiana Native Plant Society. https://indiananativeplants.org/invasiveplants/prioritizing-invasive-plant-removal/. [accessed 25 June 2024].
Perles S. 2021. Triaging invasive plants: Strategic planning drives success. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/triaging-invasiveplants-strategic-planning-drives-success.htm. [accessed 25 June 2024].
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Autonomous Mowing:
Introduction
Labor is typically the largest item in the operating budget of most businesses in the turfgrass industry. Mowing demands across all facets of this industry remain a huge draw upon already limited available labor resources. In an industry that is labor intensive and has constrained hours of operation, autonomous mowing has become a growing solution to integrate into commercial lawncare properties, golf courses, and sports field complexes. The aim of this research is to investigate potential benefits of utilizing autonomous mowing in comparison to conventional, gasoline-powered mowing and their effects on turfgrass quality, mowing quality, and disease.
Study Sites
Two autonomous mowing research studies are currently being conducted at the University of Connecticut’s Plant Science Research and Education Facility with support from the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation. The first study, initiated in 2022, investigates the effects of mowing regime and nitrogen fertility on turfgrass quality, mowing quality and disease incidence. The second, a more recently initiated study, focuses on evaluating different mowing regimes and multiple cutting heights for four different cool season turfgrass species based on differences in turfgrass quality, mowing quality, and overall stress tolerance.
Problems
• Ongoing difficulties surrounding labor shortages and lack of qualified labor in turf maintenance crews.
• Restrictions on gasoline-powered equipment in several New England cities and towns along with anticipated state-level regulations in the foreseeable future prompt for changes in innovative maintenance equipment solutions.
• Increasing frequency of extreme weather events, particularly heavy rainfall and flooding, inhibits routine and daily mowing practices.
• Growing demands and expectations for longer hours of playability on golf courses and athletic field complexes reduce the available time for routine mowing events during traditional operating hours.
Goals
• Assess differences in turfgrass quality between conventional, gasoline-powered lawn mowers and autonomous mowing systems.
• Explore the option of nighttime autonomous mowing and its effects on plant health and turfgrass quality.
• Develop species-specific mowing height recommendations based on mowing system.
• Investigate how autonomous mowing influences stress tolerance and plant health responses compared to conventional mowing methods.
Methods
• Evaluate long term differences in turfgrass quality and fertility response between conventional and autonomous mowing through qualitative and quantitative data assessment types.
• Document disease incidence and response to different pathogens and compare differences among mowing systems.
• Quantitatively assess differences in mowing quality between conventional and autonomous mowing systems by analyzing differences in leaf cut index and leaf tip chlorosis.
• Evaluate multiple species and cutting heights mowed autonomously and conventionally through turfgrass quality ratings and dark green color index.
Preliminary Results
• Autonomously mowed areas demonstrate a longer-term nitrogen fertility response compared to conventionally mowed areas that receive the same amount of nitrogen.
• Autonomous mowing produces a significantly higher quality of cut than conventional mowing, creating higher quality turf and reduced turfgrass leaf tissue damage.
• Areas maintained autonomously, whether day or nighttime mowing, exhibited less disease incidence and overall damage from certain pathogens.
What We Learned so Far
• Well established and reliable technical support from distributors is critical to selecting the best manufacturer and model that will ensure long-term success and minimal operational disruptions at your property.
• Nighttime autonomous mowing demonstrates a promising option without noise pollution, but frost conditions must be monitored carefully during transition periods in the spring and fall to prevent turf damage.
• Autonomous mowing systems are showing potential for reduced nitrogen fertility inputs, creating a more sustainable management plan and reducing costs.
By Tessa Hospod and Jason Henderson, Ph.D.
• Systematic mowing trajectories maintain higher quality turfgrass than operating under random trajectories which can result in increased trampling at higher heights of cut in autonomous mowing systems.
Conclusion
Autonomous mowing technology has demonstrated clear advantages in labor efficiency and savings, while also contributing to improved turfgrass quality and aesthetics. Consistent mowing practices delivered daily and despite weather or staffing restrictions, support the maintenance of visually appealing and well-maintained turfgrass environments. Although additional research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of autonomous mowing, current studies demonstrate promising outcomes for the integration of autonomous mowing systems into turfgrass management systems across all facets of the industry. The ability to automate labor-intensive and time-consuming tasks enables grounds crews to reallocate their efforts toward other essential maintenance activities that may have been previously overlooked. This facilitates potential economic growth in golf courses with increasing demands for tee times and athletic complexes that need to expand tournament play.
In areas where gasoline-powered equipment is restricted due legislative regulations, battery-powered autonomous mowers offer a compliant alternative without compromising turf quality. This aligns with the growing interest in more sustainable practices while maintaining high quality, functional turfgrass areas. Furthermore, consistent, high-quality mowing is essential for promoting healthy turfgrass stands and minimizing pest pressures. Autonomous mowers can operate any time of day under a wide range of weather conditions, regardless of staffing challenges, enabling turfgrass managers to consistently follow the “one-third rule,”. This is not always possible with conventional methods. As technology continues to evolve, autonomous mowing stands out as a transformative tool for enhancing both the efficiency and quality of turfgrass management.
Jason Henderson, Ph.D. is a Professor of Soil Science and Tess Hospod is a Graduate Research Assistant in turfgrass and soil sciences at the University of Connecticut. Tess was awarded NE-SFMA’s Charles Mruk Scholarship this past March in recognition of her academic accomplishments and ongoing research in the sports field sector.
