President's Message

The past few months have been extremely active for the Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) and the Virginia Turfgrass Council Environmental Institute (VTC-EI). Providing Service to our communities, education to our members, recertification for licensing and showcasing outstanding contributions by members in our industry top our list.

The Come to the Bay Service Project allowed us to highlight our best management practices by repurposing a bioswale for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The project consisted of removing undesirable plants, amending the root zone, and planting appropriate natives and pollinator plants. This project also involved students from Virginia Beach Schools that helped install 5000 American Beach Grass plants along the Lynnhaven inlet. The Service project was spearheaded by Wes and Paula Bray of Lawns and Gardens Plus and Michael Moore of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation.

The programs, education, and speakers at the Come to Bay Conference were outstanding. The conference covered invasive plants, pesticide, and fertilizer recertification. An outstanding two-day Lawn and Landscape short course was added with enthusiastic participation. Notable professors in turf, soils, entomology, arboriculture and weed science lectured.

A wonderful day was spent at the Crossings in Glen Allen Virginia for our M.A.T.E. Conference. The major focus for this conference was “Buffers in the Landscape.” The topics covered suitable soils for buffers, environmental benefits of buffers, tree buffers and turfgrass buffers. The Virginia Department of Forestry detailed Virginia’s new Watershed Program while the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation highlighted regulations and benefits of buffers. Wes Bray of Lawns and Gardens Plus was selected for the President’s Award for his continued and long-term investment to the turfgrass industry.

People such as Wes Bray and yourselves are what make the VTC the success that it is. Our ability as a Team and Industry is to assist colleagues to better themselves through education, licensing, showcasing their stewardship and representing them to legislators and governmental decision makers. Without your continued support the VTC wouldn’t be able to offer these benefits for its’ members. Please remember to update your membership, donate to the VTC-EI and join us at a community service event.

Thank You,

VTC President