2017 Michigan Turfgrass Conference

FALL 2016

CONFERENCE EDITION January 3-5, 2017

OPEN REGISTRA TION BEGINS NOV. 1, 20 16

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN

••• TO REGISTER: www.michiganturfgrass.org

Why Support the

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation?

Not to be confused with trade organizations, membership in the MTF is direct support for research at the Turfgrass Research Program at MSU.

The MTF Mission Statement:

“To work in partnership with Michigan State University, supporting ongoing programs in research, education and extension in the area of professional turfgrass management that will benefit all individuals who manage turf grasses or derive pleasure from the results of such management.”

Your membership dues fund a significant portion of the research that the MSU Turf Team conducts each year as well as offsetting the fixed costs of operating the Foundation. In the last ten years the Foundation has contributed over $ 1,200,000.00 to support the improvement of and management of turf through MSU. Thank you for supporting Turfgrass Research and continuing research education at MSU. Sincerely, MTF Board of Directors

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

President’s Message

7

What’s New for the 2017 Conference!

10 Conference Leadership Speaker 11

Turf Industry Keynote Speaker

12 Conference Schedule 19 What You Need to Know 20 Vendor Halftime Show & Silent Auction 22 MTF Executive Committee & Board Members 23 MSU Turf Team & Support Staff

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PRESIDENT’S

MESSAGE

I

t is with great pleasure that the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation once again is able to present our Annual Turfgrass Conference. The decision four years ago to return to East Lansing and make the emphasis on education has proven to be the correct choice. Our speaker line-up is once again wellrounded and the topics for your consideration have been planned for months. A great deal of debate regarding what our attendees may be interested in always takes place and the goal is to anticipate the priorities of the attendees. Your input on topics during the Conference and throughout the year is always welcome and we look forward to any thoughts you may have. We hope you find the Conference suited to your expectations and trust you will let us know your opinions on where we may improve and if we have effectively planned your time as well.

Many people are involved with the planning process of the Conference and it starts the day after the last session ends. The catalyst of the event is our current Vice-President Amy Fouty. She has set the tone the last three years and always strives to enhance and improve each day of the sessions. Fellow Board members Mark Wildeman and Curt Boak have been under her wing this past year and they will be chairing the Conference for the upcoming years. Many thanks to all of them as they continue to provide a conference that we all enjoy and learn from.

Finally, for all those attending, if possible, please acknowledge Professor Kevin Frank for all the time and effort he puts into the Conference. He coordinates more issues and items than we will ever know and never looks anything but at ease. His ability to synchronize so many speakers, organize sessions and keep us on track is amazing… and much like running a golf course…it can be a thankless job. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and MSU are fortunate to have him as one of our leaders.

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Updates Transitions

The past year at the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation was one of change, review and assessing. As our new Foundation Administrator, Jennifer Maszatics took on our daily operations in the spring.

Our Board Members participated in various ways to help with the transition in the administrative portion. During that process, we engaged a member software program to provide better communication and record-keeping.

Many of you have already updated your membership and information on the site and we appreciate your willingness be involved with the process. Board member Ron Calhoun has taken the wheel on this system and has devoted a great deal of time getting us started.

Many of the tools now available on this system will enable us to update and record all that the MTF is involved in and do it in real time. As we integrate more of the systems features you will begin to notice an increased communication with all of our members and an improvement in many other facets.

Events

All of our fundraising events this year were successful and we appreciate all those who took the time in their busy schedules to participate.

TeeTimes4Turf received a new look and many thanks to Julie Schweihofer for all her assistance in increasing our courses and revenue. Next spring we will once again be calling on many of you to help with this fundraiser‌ which has become one of our most important events. The proceeds from this as well as our other activities go directly to funding research at MSU. The LaFontaine Golf Benefit continued its run at Coyote Preserve Golf Club. The event was well-attended and profits from the day were donated to the LaFontaine Endowment. We appreciate all who attended and an ardent thanks to all the sponsors who once again supported our executive director and his Endowment. Field Day this year showed a significant increase in attendance and offered the chance to meet the new Dean of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources - Ron Hendrick. All our Turf Professors and the Hancock Turf Center staff can be congratulated on their efforts at Field Day and their work at MSU and turf research. The MTF would like to also thank the MiGCSA and Adam Ikamas for providing assistance in reaching our members to inform them of our events while our new membership software was being integrated.

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Endowments

The Rieke Endowment named Thomas Green as its first recipient.

Tom’s research now includes working with Dr. Trey Rogers on Greens Mix composition. The Rieke Endowment also recently transferred its funds from Merrill Lynch to Michigan State University. The Endowment guidelines and its purpose remain unchanged.

The transfer allows more interaction with the University and also increases visibility among our alumni and other donors.

The LaFontaine and Founders Society Endowments both provided funding to the Professors in matching funds and in purchases for equipment needed for research at the Hancock Center. Dr. Joe Vargas, Dr. Emily Merewitz and Dr. Trey Rogers all requested funding in their respective research projects and all were approved by the Board of Directors.

Membership

The Board of Directors was in a unique position this year with many decisions that are not normally part of the operations of the Foundation.

As the interview process for a new Administrator was conducted, the daily operations had to continue and the end result was we learned a great deal about our strengths and our weaknesses.

A great deal of consideration was focused on membership. The initial process involved determining our dues, structure and membership inclusions.

That ultimately led to the discussion about what is most important and 6

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Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

sometimes neglected. Why would an individual want to be a member of the MTF? Turf in Michigan is a billion-dollar business. Lawns, athletic fields and golf courses all have one thing in common…turfgrass. Maintaining or offering advice in the turf industry as a professional often hinges on the knowledge that you can provide. It is critical that any information passed along have reputable sources.

The Turf Research Program at Michigan State University has for years provided the world with viable information, research and outreach to thousands of people in need of help regarding turf.

Whether you have requested support from the MSU Turf Team or not, it is reassuring to know that they will be there to assist. Their research covers every scenario imaginable and without it many decisions that have to be made would not be possible.

The events and fundraisers we host are important to our bottom line of funding research. However, it is the membership that is the core of the Foundation. The Foundation only exists to provide support for research and ultimately it will be returned to those who need it the most. Supporting the Foundation with your membership is much appreciated and we will do our best to make your decision one you are always proud of.

Happy Holidays and Go Green!

Carey Mitchelson College Fields Golf Club President, MTF

It is my honor to be a part of a great conference committee team again for the 2017 Michigan Turfgrass Conference. We have been collecting feedback over the past few years and have been working to improve the attendee experience based upon your suggestions. I would like to highlight two new conference attendee benefits for 2017: First, in the spirit of being “green”, we will have a conference application available for attendees to access on-site conference information while also providing speaker feedback. Over the next few years, we would like to phase out the conference pocket guide to reduce what is being recycled on campus following the Conference. This initiative will put us one step closer towards a “Green Certified” event here at MSU. Please visit us on-line to find out more as the Conference approaches.

Secondly, we are working with Intelliquest to provide conference attendees free online access to all recorded webinars and session information provided by the speakers. This is an incredible attendee benefit that will kick-off our MTF Conference Education Library. This will provide those who support the MTF and MSU the opportunity to revisit sessions for years to come. You will see the Intelliquest table near registration during the Conference. Please take a moment to stop by and meet Neil. He will be able to demo the new educational opportunity and show you how easy it will be to continue your education. The sessions will be available for a fee for those who do not pay full conference registration.

Hope to see you in January!

Amy J. Fouty, CSFM Michigan State University Vice President, MTF

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Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

With the ever-changing rules and regulations for turfgrass practices, the MTF Conference is the event to attend to get the most up-to-date information on the most popular turf topics.

In addition, we have some terrific speakers lined up. Do you know what happens at a Major League Baseball Stadium during All-Star Week? Steve Lord from the Cincinnati Reds will fill you in. We have always heard that we are only as good as our staff around us. Dana Davis from Pro-Motion will be speaking on how to attract, retain and motivate employees. Chuck Bowen from Lawn and Landscape Magazine will provide an update on the “State of the Industry” and challenges for the future. Dr. Frank Rossi from Cornell University will discuss alternatives to traditional herbicides for managing weeds. You won’t want to miss Dr. Fred Whitford as he prepares you for “How to respond to a pesticide spill” in an entertaining and interactive presentation. We will also have the great privilege of listening to Turf Industry speaker Bruce Williams in addition to MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis who will speak on leadership.

The Halftime Show is also back which is a great opportunity to talk with vendors and colleagues.

We hope that you will kick-off the 2017 season and join us!

Curt Boak Lawn Tech MTF Board Member

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CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP

SPEAKER

MARK HOLLIS Athletic Director, Michigan State University

Mark Hollis, who was named the 2012 Athletic Director of the Year by Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal/Daily, is in his ninth year leading the MSU Athletics Department.

Since his official appointment as athletics director began in 2008, Hollis has led one of the most successful periods in the history of Michigan State athletics. The Spartans have won one national championship (2014 women’s cross country) and 29 Big Ten Championships (regular season and tournament), appeared in three Final Fours and eight bowl games, and own nine top-50 finishes in the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. Hollis is credited with developing some of college athletics’ most innovative events. It was his vision that led to Michigan State playing North Carolina in November 2011 in the first basketball game to be played on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

In 2003, Hollis was the architect of the “BasketBowl,” which established a then-world record crowd of 78,129 who witnessed the Michigan State-Kentucky game at Detroit’s Ford Field. In 2001, Hollis helped mastermind the Michigan State-Michigan outdoor hockey game that attracted a then world-record crowd of 74,554 in Spartan Stadium.

Hollis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Michigan State in 1985, where he served as a basketball team manager under Jud Heathcote. In 1992, he earned his MBA in business administration from the University of Colorado.

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TURF INDUSTRY

KEYNOTE SPEAKER BRUCE WILLIAMS, CGCS Director, California Alliance for Golf

Bruce Williams has been making presentations to golf and turf groups for over 45 years. Born and raised on a golf course he is the son of a renowned golf course superintendent, Bob Williams.

Bruce is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College and also Michigan State University in the Turfgrass Management Program. While at MSU he served as President of the Turf Club and was recognized as the Outstanding Student.

He spent 21 years as the golf course superintendent at Bob O’Link Golf Club in Highland Park, IL. At that time the course was ranked in the top 40 by Golf Digest.

His last 14 years as a superintendent were spent as Director of Golf Courses and Grounds at The Los Angeles Country Club which was ranked #13 in the USA. Bruce has been involved in leadership positions for 4 decades in golf and turf.

He has been the president of the following chapters: Midwest, Chicagoland, Southern California and California. In 1996 he was the President of the GCSAA as was his father in 1958.

Currently Bruce serves as a Director for the California Alliance for Golf. He also serves on the USGA Green Section Committee and is the Executive Director of The California Turfgrass and Landscape Foundation.

Bruce operates several successful businesses with Executive Golf Search, Inc., Premier Fly Fishing, Fall River Real Estate Holdings, and Bruce Williams Golf Consulting.

Bruce writes for Golf Course Industry Magazine and also BoardRoom Magazine.

He is sought after for presentations to universities, turf conferences, the Golf Industry Show and conferences overseas.

He considers his biggest accomplishment as having trained 164 men and women who went on to be superintendents or that obtained their PhD’s in the industry.

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CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE .........................................................

GOLF

« 9:00 AM

Manipulating potassium tissue levels to manage bentgrass/Poa populations Dr. Doug Soldat, Univ. Wisconsin

« 10:00 AM

The Renovation of Ballybunion Golf Club John Bambury, Ballybunion Golf Club

« 11:00 AM

Turfgrass nutrition research and extension program update - Dr. Kevin Frank, MSU

« 11:30 AM

Turfgrass IPM programs and research update Dr. Thom Nikolai. MSU

LUNCH 12:00 PM

« 1:30 PM

Adjuvants and the Power of the Spray Droplet in Pest Control - Dr. Fred Whitford, Purdue Univ.

« 2:30 PM

Climbing in the Himalaya: The gifts of taking a risk - Steve Cook, Oakland Hills CC

« 3:30 PM

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Turfgrass pathology fungicide recommendations and research update Dr. Joe Vargas, MSU

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

....................................................... TUESDAY, January 3 LAWNS, ATHLETIC FIELDS, AND GROUNDS BACK TO CAMPUS & BACK TO THE BASICS

« 9:00 AM

Turfgrass Diseases - Nancy Dykema, MSU

« 10:00 AM

Turfgrass Weeds - Aaron Hathaway, MSU

« 11:00 AM

Responding to a Pesticide Spill Dr. Fred Whitford, Purdue Univ.

LUNCH 12:00 PM

« 1:30 PM

Basics for Landscape and Irrigation Professionals - Lynda Wightman, Hunter Industries

« 2:30 PM

Turfgrass Soil Management - Dr. Doug Soldat, Univ. Wisconsin

« 3:30 PM

Turfgrass Insects - Dr. David Smitley, MSU

« 4:30 PM

Annual Meetings MiGCSA, MTF, MiSTMA

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CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE .........................................................

EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS SESSION (Hancock Turfgrass Research Center)

« 8:00 AM

Registration

GOLF (Big 10 A)

« 8:00 AM

« 9:00 AM

« 8:30 AM

Jacobsen/Textron HR Series 600/700/800 series Ben Bruce and Greg Walker

« 9:30 AM

John Deere/JW Turf – The latest technology of the 9009 rough mower Mike Honeycheck, John Deere Technical Support

Calcium, Sodium, and Iron Layering in USGA putting greens - problems or not? Dr. Doug Soldat, Univ. Wisconsin

« 10:00 AM

Break

« 9:45 AM

USGA Regional Update Bob Vavrek, USGA

European vs. American Turf Management: does a hybrid model work? - John Bambury, Ballybunion Golf Club

« 11:00 AM

Complexity, Simplicity and Pitfalls of Irrigation Efficiency Lynda Wightman, Hunter Industries

« 10:45 AM

Break

ASST. GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS

« 11:00 AM

Shop parts organization Jason Tyson, Wyndgate CC

LUNCH 12:00 PM

« 1:00 PM

Toro/Spartan Distributors Tier 4 technology Questions and Answers John Garlets and Jeff Patten

« 4:00 PM

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Vendor Half-Time Show at the Kellogg Center

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

« 9:00 AM

Skills that Set You Apart Bruce Williams

« 10:00 AM

Meadowbrook CC Renovation Brian Hilfinger, Meadowbrook CC

................................................. WEDNESDAY, January 4 LAWNS, ATHLETIC FIELDS, AND GROUNDS (Lincoln)

« 8:00 AM

Michigan Pesticide Laws and Regulations Gary King, Pesticide Enforcement Specialist, MDARD

« 9:00 AM

Cultural Practices to Optimize Athletic Field Performance - Dale Getz, The Toro Company

« 10:00 AM

Planning and Managing an MLB All-Star Week - Steve Lord, Cincinnati Reds

« 11:00 AM

Managing Change - Bruce Williams

GENERAL SESSION (Auditorium) LUNCH 12:00 PM

« 1:30 PM

Mark Hollis Leadership Presentation

« 2:30 PM

Crystal ball for the future of turf Bruce Williams

« 3:30 PM

Scholarship Awards

« 4:00 PM

2017 Vendor Half-Time Show

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CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE .........................................................

EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS SESSION (Hancock Turfgrass Research Center)

« 8:00 AM

Registration

« 8:30 AM

Utility vehicles from Jacobsen/Textron Ben Bruce and Greg Walker

« 10:00 AM

Break

GOLF

« 8:00 AM

« 8:30 AM

Tips and tricks shop talk - Jason Tyson Wyndgate CC

LUNCH 11:30 AM

« 12:30 PM

Overview of Toro sprayers & updated technology John Garlets and Jeff Patten

« 2:00 PM Adjourn

Physiology Research Update Dr. Emily Merewitz, MSU

« 9:00 AM

Contracting vs. Construction Management - Paul Albanese, Albanese & Lutzke Golf Course Construction & Construction Management

« 10:00 AM

« 10:15 AM

Turf Research Update MSU Graduate Students

More questions than answers high performance putting surface management - Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell

« 11:00 AM

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of 2016 - Pat Jones, Golf Course Industry

LUNCH 12:00 PM

INNOVATIVE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS

« 1:30 PM

Legacy Tree Program at Traverse City CC - Steve Hammon, Traverse City CC

« 2:00 PM

Practice area renovation project Greg Pattinson, Highland Meadows CC

« 2:30 PM

Growing in the Loop at Forest Dunes Brian Moore, Forest Dunes Golf Club

« 3:00 PM

The renovation of Indian Trails golf course - Craig Kooengia, Indian Trails GC

« 3:30 PM 16

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Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

Meadowbrook CC Renovation Jared Milner, Meadowbrook CC

.................................................. THURSDAY, January 5 ATHLETIC FIELDS

« 8:00 AM

« 8:00 AM

What have we learned from 6 years of pesticide ban on K-12 playing fields Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell Special Events: Minimizing damage when saying no is not an option - Steve Lord, Cincinnati Reds Selecting Sands for Topdressing Athletic Fields - Dr. Jim Crum, MSU

« 11:00 AM

Field of the Year Presentation - MiSTMA

LUNCH 12:00 PM

How to prepare for a MiOSHA inspection - Mark Frever, Western Michigan University Getting the clay out!

Maintenance tips for removing infield and mound clay out of natural and synthetic turf Jason Demink, Univ. Michigan

« 3:00 PM

Construction techniques for successful athletic fields Brian Storm, Sports Fields Inc

« 4:00 PM

Landscape Management: Fertilizing, Pruning, and Bed Maintenance Dr. Robert Schutzki, MSU

« 11:00 AM

Diagnosing diseases in the landscape - Dr. Jan Byrne, MSU Diagnostic Services

« 1:30 PM

« 2:30 PM

Don’t get stung: tips for working safely around stinging and biting insects Howard Russell, MSU

LUNCH 12:00 PM

« 1:30 PM

Building your team: how to attract, retain, and motivate the right people - Dana Davis, Pro-Motion Consulting

« 10:00 AM

« 10:00 AM

« 9:00 AM

« 9:00 AM

LAWN CARE SESSION

Weeds and Seeds: developing alternatives to traditional herbicides - Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell

« 2:30 PM

The state of the lawn care industry - Chuck Bowen, Lawn and Landscape Industry

« 3:30 PM

Annual Bluegrass Weevil Management in Lawns Ross Miller, Country Club

of Detroit

Adjourn Fall 2016

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Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

What You Need to

KNOW Conference Hotel:

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center 219 S. Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: 517-432-4000 Website: Kelloggcenter.com

Please Contact the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center for Hotel Reservations Phone: 517-432-4000 Group Code: 1612MITURR Group Rate: $109.00 per night.

ATTIRE: Business Casual (slacks and a collared shirt for men and comparable for women) is the preferred conference attire. Jeans, t-shirts, and ball caps are discouraged.

DINING: On your own MDARD PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION CREDITS IN COMM. CORE, PRIV. CORE, 3A, 3B, AND 6 Tuesday, Jan. 3 — (6) Credits Wednesday, Jan. 4 — (4) Credits Thursday, Jan. 5 — (7) Credits 1.85 GCSAA EDUCATION POINTS ARE AVAILABLE CONFERENCE APP: See Michigan Turfgrass Foundation website or consult registration to download your free conference app CONFERENCE RECORDINGS: All full conference registrations will receive FREE access to education session recordings. Look for their booth at Registration for tutorial and email posts following Conference.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION HOURS: Tuesday 8 am-noon Wednesday 8 am-noon Thursday 8am-10am

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VENDOR

HALFTIME SHOW & SILENT AUCTION COME

CELEBRATE WITH US! January 4th, 2017 Kellogg Center, Big Ten Rooms, A, B, C 4-6pm as part of the Halftime Show of the MTC Program at 5pm Details to Follow

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is going to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 2-year Turf Management Program at the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Conference this January in East Lansing. Whether you started the program in 1966, 1996 or 2016, we encourage you to make every effort to come back this year and help us celebrate one of the strongest programs and traditions in the turfgrass industry as well as Michigan State University.

Spartans Will.

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Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

January 4, 2017 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

The Silent Auction is back again during the “Halftime Show” with proceeds to benefit the Dr. Rieke Endowment Fund. We will showcase some great products and other donations such as statewide golf flags, unique sport memorabilia and golf rounds. Your support helps fund our Turfgrass Graduate Students so they can continue their research, education and extension activities.

Pin Flag Auction Please contact Mark Wildeman at: mwildeman@treetops.com if you would like to make a donation to the Halftime Show.

Thank you in advance for supporting the Michigan State University Turfgrass Program and the Dr. Paul Rieke Endowment Fund.

It has been several years since we had the golf course pin flags as part of our silent auction and we thought it would be fun to bring them back for the 2017 Conference. If you are a pin flag collector you will definitely be interested in adding to your collection from golf courses around the State of Michigan and throughout the Country. If you are interested in donating a flag, please contact Dr. Kevin Frank at: frankk@msu.edu to make a donation.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017 Al Bathum, Cascade Hills Country Club Representing: At Large Doug Johanningsmeier, Harrell’s LLC Representing: Lawn Maintenance Collin Romanick, Blythefield Country Club Representing: Northern Michigan District

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mark Frever, Western Michigan University Representing: Sports or Institutional Turf

PRESIDENT

Carey Mitchelson, College Fields Golf Club 2018/Representing: Mid-Michigan District

VICE PRESIDENT

Amy Fouty, Michigan State University 2019/Representing Parks, Sod, Cemetary

TREASURER

2018 Rob Pylar, Bayer Representing: At Large Lee Collins, SiteOne Landscaping Supplies Representing: Western Michigan District

Doug Johanningsmeier, Harrell’s LLC 2017/Representing: Lawn Maintenance

Dan Lucas, Kingsley Club Representing: Commercial Turfgrass Supplier

SECRETARY

Carey Mitchelson, College Fields Golf Club Representing: Mid-Michigan District

Lee Collins, John Deere Landscapes 2018/Representing: Western Michigan District

2019 Amy Fouty, Michigan State University Representing: Parks, Sod, Cemetary

N

E E N CE R GR T

IF

IED

SPARTA

Mark Wildeman, Treetops Resort Representing: At Large ce nferen MTF Co 3, 2017 y Jan. Tuesda dation s Foun rfgras MSU Tu

T EVEN ability ardt Ann Erh MSU Sustain or, Direct

Ron Calhoun, Crop Production Services Representing: Commercial Turf Supplier Curt Boak, Lawn Tech Representing: Lawn Applicator

STAFF To learn about other sustainable events on campus you can visit our website: http://bespartangreen.msu.edu

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Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gordon LaFontaine

FOUNDATION ADMINISTRATOR Jennifer Maszatics

MSU TURF TEAM / SUPPORT STAFF PLANT, SOIL AND MICROBIAL SCIENCES Dr. James Crum, Soils Phone: 517-353-0134 Email: crum@msu.edu Dr. Kevin Frank Turfgrass Extension Phone: 517-353-0147 Email: frankk@msu.edu Support Staff:

Aaron Hathaway,

Research Assistant II Dr. David Gilstrap Senior Academic Specialist Phone: 517-353-0140 Email: gilstrap@msu.edu Dr. Thom Nikolai Senior Academic Specialist Phone: 517-353-0133 Email: nikolai@msu.edu Support Staff:

Aaron Hathaway,

Research Assistant II Dr. John N. Rogers III Coordinator, Two-Year Golf Turf Phone: 517-353-0136 Email: rogersj@msu.edu Support Staff:

Jacob Bravo, Graduate Student

Eric Chestnut, Graduate Student

Thomas Green, Graduate Student Dr. Joe Vargas Phone: 517-353-9082 Email: vargas@msu.edu Support Staff:

Ron Detweiler,

Research Assistant III

Nancy Dykema, Research Assistant III

Adam Palmatier, Research Assistant I

Liu Yan, Graduate Student

Dr. Emily Merewitz Turfgrass Physiologist Phone: 517-353-0203 Email: merewitz@msu.edu Support Staff:

Sanal Kumar Krishnan, Post-Doctoral Researcher

Kevin Laskowski, Graduate Student

Sha Liu, Graduate Student

Yingmei Ma, Graduate Student

Xavier Rucamumihigo, Graduate Student

MTESP Adam Ikamas, Coordinator Email: adamikamas@migcsa.org

ENTOMOLOGY Dr. David Smitley Phone: 517-355-3385 Email: smitley@msu.edu Support Staff: Terry Davis, Research Assistant II

HANCOCK RESEARCH CENTER Mark Collins, Farm Manager Phone: 517-353-3117 Jesse Sholl, Operations Coordinator Phone: 517-353-3117

MSU TURFGRASS INFORMATION CENTER Peter Cookingham, Head Phone: 517-353-7209 www.tic.msu.edu

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“To work in partnership with Michigan State University, supporting ongoing programs in research, education and extension in the area of professional turfgrass management that will benefit all individuals who manage turf grasses or derive pleasure from the results of such management.�

The MTF Mission:

miturfgrass@gmail.com

Phone: 517-392-5003

www.michiganturfgrass.org

P.O. Box 27156 Lansing, MI 48909-7156

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Lansing, MI Permit No. 689