Issuu

Michigan Turfgrass

CONFERENCE January 4-6, 2022

Enjoy The Conferenc e

Soaring Eagle CASINO & RESORT MOUNT PLEASANT, MICHIGAN

•••

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 turfgrass 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. Thank you for supporting Turfgrass Research and continuing research education at MSU. Sincerely, MTF Board of Directors

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Resort Map 6 What You Need to Know 7 Conference Speaker Spotlight 9 Conference Schedule 17 Meritorious Award Winner: The Spartan Family 18 MTF Executive Committee & Board Members 20 Six professors are currently funded by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. 22 The Joe Vargas Chair In Turfgrass Pathology

RESORT MAP

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

CASINO,RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER

What You Need to

KNOW

Conference Hotel: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 Phone: (989) 775-5777 Website: soaringeaglecasino.com

MDARD PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION CREDITS Tuesday January 4 — 3 Credits (3A, 3B, 6, Commercial Core) Wednesday January 5 — 6 Credits (3A, 3B, 6, Commercial Core) Thursday January 6 — 3 Credits (3A, 3B, 6, Commercial Core) GCSAA EDUCATION POINTS - TBD

• • • MTF Annual Meeting – Tuesday January 4 4:00pm in the Anishnabeg Room Vendor Halftime Show & Silent Auction – Wednesday January 5 4:00pm-6:30pm Saginaw & Swan Creek Rooms

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

Michigan Turfgrass

Conference Speaker Spotlight

Pam Sherratt, Turfgrass specialist and lecturer in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University

Dr. Fred Whitford, Clinical Engagement Professor, Botany and Plant Pathology and Director of Purdue Pesticide Programs

Pam Sherratt is a turfgrass specialist and lecturer in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University. Pam received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Lancashire in England and her master’s degree from The Ohio State University. Pam devises and implements the Buckeye Sports Turf Program and disseminates sports turf research to the industry. She is currently writing an online class for groundskeepers & athletic field managers and manages a website with 2800 subscribers. Pam makes 25-30 in-state visits to athletic fields each year, manages the annual sports turf short course, produces an annual sports turf calendar, speaks at several instate workshops and seminars, serves on several industry boards (in and out of state), and writes Extension/Outreach grants. Her research focuses on athletic field stability and reinforcement, sand selection for athletic fields, cool season grass traits; wear tolerance, establishment speed, overseeding options, rhizomatous tall fescues & other newer grass varieties.

Frederick “Fred” Whitford, Clinical Engagement Professor, Botany and Plant Pathology and Director of Purdue Pesticide Programs. Fred received his bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from Louisiana Tech. He received his master’s and doctorate degrees in entomology from lowa State University. He has served as the Coordinator of the Purdue Pesticide Program since 1991. He has authored more than 300 publications and become a popular speaker with more than 5,000 presentations given throughout Indiana and the United States.

Presentations: Truck Hitches and Spray Equipment: Understanding the System What We Can Learn From Truck Accidents

Presentations: Athletic Field Diagnostics

Playing Surface Management Tips and Tricks

Michigan Turfgrass

Conference Speaker Spotlight

Dr. Bernd Leinauer, Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist at New Mexico State University Dr. Bernd Leinauer is a Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist at New Mexico State University and holds the special professor position in turfgrass ecology at Wageningen University and Research. His research program focuses on developing sustainable management strategies aimed at reducing resources and inputs used for maintaining turfgrass areas. Research efforts include the investigation of biotic and abiotic stressors on turfgrasses and developing and adopting modified management strategies to maintain aesthetics and functionality of the turf areas. Dr. Leinauer has authored and co-authored a book, a book chapter, over 80 scientific peer reviewed research papers, and almost 200 reports and abstracts.

Presentations: Non-Chemical Water Conditioners Irrigation Water Quality and Understanding a Water Quality Test Report

Dr. Jim Brosnan, Professor, The University of Tennessee

Dr. Brosnan is a Professor in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee (UT) and Director of the UT Weed Diagnostics Center. His research focuses on controlling unique and problematic turfgrass weeds, particularly those with resistance to herbicides. His extension programs aim to provide education and diagnostic support to Tennessee’s $5.8 billion turfgrass industry. Dr. Brosnan serves as an advisor to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association Board of Directors, and he is actively involved in the Weed Science Society of America, Southern Weed Science Society, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and Sports Turf Managers Association. He has consulted at multiple venues on the PGA Tour (including several major championship host sites) in addition to National Football League franchises. Dr. Brosnan received a B.S. in turfgrass science from Penn State University, an M.S. in plant, soil and insect sciences (turfgrass) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Ph.D. in agronomy (turfgrass) from Penn State University.

Presentations: Poa365: A Deep Dive on the Most Interesting Weed in Turf New Herbicides for Cool-Season Turfgrass

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE TUESDAY, January 4

GOLF SESSION

(Black River Room)

12:00 PM WinterTurf Research Update –

Dr. Kevin Frank, MSU

12:30 PM Turfgrass Physiology Research Update – Dr. Emily Merewitz, MSU

1:00 PM Golf Course Architecture and the

Golf Course Superintendent – Andy Johnson, The Fried Egg

2:00 PM Poa365: A Deep Dive on the

Most Interesting Weed in Turf – Dr. Jim Brosnan, University of Tennessee

3:00 PM Pathology Research Update –

Dr. Joe Vargas, MSU

4:00 PM MTF Annual Meeting –

Anishnabeg Room

CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE TUESDAY, January 4

LAWNS, ATHLETIC FIELDS, AND GROUNDS SESSION (Swan Creek Room)

12:00 PM Understanding NTEP: A

Powerful Tool in Your Back Pocket – Jackie Guevara, MSU

1:00 PM Pricing and Developing

Effective Home Lawn Programs – Ryan Bearss, MSU

2:00 PM Turfgrass Nutrient Management –

Dr. Kevin Frank, MSU

3:00 PM Truck Hitches and Spray

Equipment: Understanding the System – Dr. Fred Whitford, Purdue University

4:00 PM MTF Annual Meeting – Anishnabeg Room

EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS (Anishnabeg Room)

12:00 PM Introductions 12:30 PM How Golf Course Renovations

Effect the EM – Ben Beard, Seth Sheldon, Victor Anderson

3:00 PM Different types of Fuel Systems –

Ben Beard

4:00 PM MTF Annual Meeting – Anishnabeg Room

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, January 5

GOLF SESSION

(Black River Room)

8:00 AM Golf Course Native Grass Management – Gerald Husemann

9:00 AM Golf Course Architecture’s Impact

on Turfgrass Maintenance – Andy Johnson, The Fried Egg

10:00 AM Non-Chemical Water

Conditioners – Dr. Bernd Leinauer, New Mexico State University

11:00 AM Effects of Different Soil Testing

Philosophies on Creeping Bentgrass and Annual Bluegrass Putting Greens – Jackie Guevara, MSU

11:15 AM USGA Golf Ball Reaction Study –

Dr. Thomas Green, MSU

11:30 PM Research Update –

Dr. Trey Rogers

12:00 PM LUNCH

Saginaw & Swan Creek Room

1:00 PM Natural Capital Value of Golf Courses – Dr. Brian Horgan, MSU

2:00 PM MDARD Updates: Staffing

Changes, Certification & Renewal, METRO Institute Testing – Mike Stoliecki, MDARD

3:00 PM Sod Farms: Tournament Ready 24/7 – Diane and Greg Mischel, DeBuck’s Sod Farm

4:00 PM Vendor Halftime Show –

Saginaw & Swan Creek Rooms

CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, January 5

EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS (Anishnabeg Room)

8:00 AM Shop Renovations on a Budget – Hector Velazquez

10:00 AM Tier 4 and The different types

of Regeneration – John Garlets, Spartan Distributors

12:00 PM LUNCH

Saginaw & Swan Creek Room

1:00 PM Keeping your Cutting Edge –

Mike Rollins, SIP Grinders

3:00 PM Round Table 4:00 PM Vendor Halftime Show –

Saginaw & Swan Creek Rooms

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, January 5

LAWNS AND GROUNDS (Ojibway Room)

8:00 AM New Herbicides for Cool-Season Turfgrass – Dr. Jim Brosnan, University of Tennessee

9:00 AM What We Can Learn From Truck Accidents – Dr. Fred Whitford, Purdue University

10:00 AM Diseases of Home Lawns and Sports Turf – Nancy Dykema, MSU

11:00 AM IPM of Kentucky Bluegrass Turf – Dr. Joe Vargas, MSU

12:00 PM LUNCH

Saginaw & Swan Creek Room

1:00 PM Irrigation Water Quality and

Understanding a Water Quality Test Report – Dr. Bernd Leinauer, New Mexico State University

2:00 PM Why do Some Applications Fail? –

Dr. Paul Giordano, Harrells

3:00 PM What’s Happening in the Seed

Industry – Dr. Wayne Horman, Landmark Seed

4:00 PM Scholarship Awards 4:00 PM Vendor Halftime Show –

Saginaw & Swan Creek Rooms

CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE

................. WEDNESDAY, January 8 WEDNESDAY, January 5

ATHLETIC FIELDS

(Deer & Fox Room 2nd Floor)

8:00 AM

Plant Growth Regulators for Sports Fields: What, Where, Why, and When – Aaron Hathaway, NuFarm

9:00 AM

Athletic Field Diagnostics – Pam Sherratt, The Ohio State University

11:00 AM

What’s Happening in the Seed Industry – Dr. Wayne Horman, Landmark Seed

12:00 PM LUNCH

Saginaw & Swan Creek Room

1:00 PM

2 Seasons, 1 Field – Kelly Rensel, Buffalo Bisons

2:00 PM

Playing Surface Management Tips and Tricks – Pam Sherratt, The Ohio State University

3:00 PM

FIFA Wold Cup 2026 Research Update – Dr. Trey Rogers, MSU

3:30 PM

What’s in Your Infield Dirt and Why? – Ron Martin, Mar-Co Clay Products, Inc.

4:00 PM Vendor Halftime Show –

Saginaw & Swan Creek Rooms

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE THURSDAY, January 6

GOLF SESSION

(Black River Room)

8:00 AM

On budget, on time, least disruption tee renovation – John and Lewis Nowakowski, Port Huron Golf Club

8:30 AM

A Tale of Two Stations: Pump Station Upgrades at Treetops Resort – Tim Matty, Treetops

9:00 AM

Using Data to Guide Maintenance Decisions – Zach Nicoludis, USGA Green Section

10:00 AM

Building a Better Fungicide Program – Dr. Paul Giordano, Harrells

11:00 AM

Research Update – Dr. Thom Nikolai

12:00 PM ADJOURN

CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE THURSDAY, January 6

LAWNS AND GROUNDS (Ojibway Room)

8:00 AM Turfgrass Weed Management Update – Dr. Thom Nikolai, MSU

10:00 AM Professional Lawn Care

and Landscape Pest Management in Michigan in 2022 – Dr. David Smitley, MSU

11:00 AM 2021 Year in Review –

Dr. Kevin Frank, MSU

12:00 PM ADJOURN

Bruce J

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

MERITORIOUS

Award Winner: The Spartan Family

partan Distributors began representing the Toro product line in 1947 in Michigan and has continued doing so for 75 years. They were also instrumental in the formation of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation in the 1950’s and have remained strong supporters of the golf and sports fi eld industry for their entire history. Originally based in Sparta MI only, Spartan Distributors, led by Warren Schut, Dawn’s father, covered the Western and Northern part of the state. In the early 90’s they purchased Wilkie Turf in Eastern Michigan and Warren, one of the original founders and president of 45 years, retired. Dawn and her husband Bruce then purchased majority ownership and they have been leading the company ever since. Playing a key role in Spartan’s long history of involvement and support for the turf industry is also Kris Early, a graduate of MSU’s Turf Program, and longtime vice president and board member. In prior years John Read and Jack Rogers, key managers within the company, continued to build on past relationships and support the MTF. Along with Toro, Spartan Distributors over the years has provided millions of dollars of both turf equipment and irrigation product to MSU’s Turfgrass program in addition to many other contributions. Dawn, Bruce, and Kris are Bruce Johnson, Dawn Johnson, and Kris Early thankful for the long term partnership and believe the future is bright for those now benefi tting from past and current investments.

Bruce Johnson, Dawn Johnson, and Kris

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

Mr. Curt Boak

VICE PRESIDENT Mr. Dan Mausolf

TREASURER

Mr. Dan Mausolf

SECRETARY

Mr. Scott Rettmann

PRESIDENT EMERITUS Mr. Doug Johanningmeier

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mr. Carey Mitchelson

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Ms. Britney VanderKodde

SPARTANS WILL.

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terms Expire 2022 Mr. Eric Davey, Prestwick Village Golf Club Representing: Greater Detroit District Mr. Curt Boak, Lawn Tech Representing: Turfgrass Services Representative Mr. Paul Kuhna, Lansing Lugnuts Representing: Sports or Institutional Turf Pending Position: Mid Michigan District

Terms Expire 2023 Mr. Doug Johanningsmeier, Harrell’s LLC Representing: Commercial Turfgrass Supplier Mr. Matt Gaver Representing: Western Michigan District Mr. Brad Lazroff, Huron Meadows Golf Course Representing: At Large Mr. Dan Mausolf LIC, CSP, ASM, Stine Turf & Snow Representing: Lawn & Maintenance

Terms Expire 2024 Mr. Craig Moore, Marquette Golf Club Representing: At Large Mr. Dan Lucas, Kingsley Club Representing: Northern Michigan District Mr. Jeff Holmes CGCS, Egypt Valley Country Club Representing: At Large Mr. Scott Rettmann, Walnut Creek Country Club Representing: At Large

Six professors are

Michigan Turfgr

Department of Plant, Soil and Micr John N. Trey Rogers III, Ph.D. rogersj@msu.edu Professor, Turfgrass Research Golf Course Renovations - Sports Turf and Golf Turf Management Programs; Turfgrass Research Telephone: 517-353-0136 Joseph Vargas, Ph.D. vargas@msu.edu Professor - Fungicide resistance; disease management; biological control; chemical control and breeding; epidemiology. Telephone: 517-353-9082

Thomas Nikolai, Ph.D. nikolait@msu.edu Senior Turfgrass Academic Specialist - Golf Course Putting Green mechanical and cultural practices, turfgrass health. Telephone: 517-353-0133

Dr. David Gilstrap, Ph.D. gilstrap@msu.edu Senior Academic Specialist Sports and Commercial Turf Management Education Telephone: 517-353-0140

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

sors are currently funded by the

n Turfgrass Foundation. and Microbial Sciences Brian Horgan, Ph.D. horgan@msu.edu

Professor and Chairperson Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Kevin Frank, Ph.D. frankk@msu.edu Professor and Turf Extension Specialist Telephone: 517-353-0147

Emily Merewitz-Holm, Ph.D. merewitz@msu.edu Assistant Professor - Plant physiologist; abiotic & biotic stresses of turfgrass and crop species; whole-plant, biochemical, & molecular techniques. Telephone: 517-353-0203

David Smitley smitley@msu.edu Professor Telephone: 517-355-3385

THE

JOE VARGAS CHAIR

IN TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY

A PIONEERING TURFGRASS PROGRAM For over 70 years, Michigan State University’s turfgrass management program has provided significant, cutting-edge research that positively impacts practitioners and end-users, from our back yards to world-class golf courses. We have played an integral role in building and evolving every type of turf used in sports such as golf, soccer, football, baseball and racetracks to name a few. The program is rich in history, tradition, and accolades. For over seven decades, the Michigan State turfgrass program has provided a world-class education to our students and produced valuable research to benefit the entire industry. 22

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

The research taking place within our turfgrass program not only serves to positively affect our campus community and the state of Michigan’s economy, but also the U.S. and the world. Greenspace and turf are valuable for communities, as these spaces provide positive ecosystem services including stormwater management, pollinator friendly habitats, urban cooling and environmental protection and preservation. Michigan State University offers a two-year certificate program, a four-year undergraduate degree, and graduate degrees in turfgrass science and management. The programs bring together faculty, specialists, and educators who work with both professional turfgrass managers and homeowners in managing turfgrass in an environmentally responsible manner. They are practical and immersive, and extend the program’s reach and impact globally.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENDOWED FACULTY At the forefront of our turfgrass program are our faculty members who are leaders in their areas of expertise. They create new knowledge through research, while educating and inspiring the students who will become the next generation of leaders in the field. These talented individuals are the heartbeat of the program, and we must continue to attract the most forward-thinking researchers and educators to Michigan State. What holds true for successful businesses holds true for universities: we live in a competitive world. In academia, we compete for the best students, for funds to fuel our research programs, and for the best faculty. Endowed positions offer a huge competitive advantage when recruiting faculty, as they are one of the most pivotal factors that candidates consider when weighing their options between multiple universities. For that reason, we are seeking a $5 million endowment to fully endow the Joe Vargas

A PIONEERING TURFGRASS PROGRAM Chair in Turfgrass Pathology at Michigan State University.

For over 70 years, Michigan State University’s turfgrass management program has provided signiﬁcant, cutting-edge research that positively impacts practitioners and end-users, from our back yards to world-class golf courses. We have played an integral role in building and evolving every type of turf used in sports such as golf, soccer, football, baseball and racetracks to name a few. The program is rich in history, tradition, and accolades. For over seven decades, the Michigan State turfgrass program has provided a world-class education to our students and produced valuable research to beneﬁt the entire industry.

The Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology will ensure that a strong and robust program is possible in perpetuity, and that MSU’s land-grant tradition of Michigan State University offers a two-year certiﬁcate program, a four-year undergraduate degree, and graduate degrees linking research to our region’s needs continues to in turfgrass science and management. The programs bring together faculty, specialists, and educators who work with both professional turfgrass managers and homeowners in managing turfgrass in an environmentally responsible manner. They are advance the economic development, environmental practical and immersive, and extend the program’s reach and impact globally. stewardship, and improved quality of life in Michigan around the world.OF ENDOWED FACULTY THEand IMPORTANCE

At the forefront of our turfgrass program are our faculty members who are leaders in their areas of expertise. They create new knowledge through research, while educating and inspiring the students who will become the next generation of leaders in the ﬁeld. These talented individuals are the heartbeat of the program, and we must continue to attract the most forward-thinking researchers and educators to Michigan State.

We seek faculty members who will offer unique viewpoints and expertise to educate and inspire What holds true for successful businesses holds true for universities: we live in a competitive world. In academia, we compete for our students, collaborative the best students, for funds to fuel ourand researchwho programs,will and forconduct the best faculty. Endowed positions offer a huge competitive advantage when recruiting faculty, as they are one of the most pivotal factors that candidates consider when weighing their research with colleagues in other colleges and options between multiple universities. For that reason, we are seeking a $5 million endowment to fully endow the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology at Michigan State University. industries. The Vargas Chair will enable MSU to The Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology will ensure that a strong and robust program is possible in perpetuity, and that MSU’s land-granteffectively tradition of linking research to our region’s needstop continues to advance members the economic development, compete for faculty whoenvironmental stewardship, and improved quality of life in Michigan and around the world. are leaders in the field of turfgrass pathology. We seek faculty members who will offer unique viewpoints and expertise to educate and inspire our students, and who will conduct collaborative research with colleagues in other colleges and industries. The Vargas Chair will enable MSU to effectively compete for top faculty members who are leaders in the ﬁeld of turfgrass pathology.

GOLF’S ECONOMIC IMPACT $4.2

60,000 PEOPLE

BILLION

$1.4

127,500

Economic impact in Michigan from the golf industry

Employed by Michigan golf courses

Wages paid annually by Michigan golf courses

Professionally managed greenspace that provide wildlife habitats

BILLION

ACRES

THE JOE VARGAS CHAIR IN TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY

VOL 2

| ISSUE 2

www.michiganturfgrass.org

$5 MILLION ENDOWMENT The individual who holds the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology will be driven, creative and utilize cutting-edge techniques to tackle pressing challenges for solutions that positively impact the field of turfgrass science around the world. Funds from the Vargas Chair endowment will allow us to do research in the area of greatest promise rather than being constrained by a specific grant opportunity. At the same time, the research they conduct with resources from the endowment, along

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

with the benefits of being a part of a large research institution, will provide the catalyst for additional grant and research support. The Vargas Chair will conduct innovative research that will forever link the MSU brand with a meaningful and positive impact on the industry.

YOUR IMPACT

As the nation’s pioneer land-grant university, it is our responsibility to recruit and support faculty who THE JOE VARGAS CHAIR are ready to tackle the world’s most challenging IN issues. TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY We value research that enhances our ability $5 MILLION ENDOWMENT to deliver advanced solutions and educational The individual who holdsfor the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology will be driven, creative and utilize cutting-edge techn initiatives the turfgrass industry.

to tackle pressing challenges for solutions that positively impact the ﬁeld of turfgrass science around the world. Funds from Vargas Chair endowment will allow us to do research in the area of greatest promise rather than being constrained by a sp grant opportunity. At the same time, the research they conduct with resources from the endowment, along with the beneﬁ being a part of a large research institution, will provide the catalyst for additional grant and research support. The Vargas C will conduct innovative research that will forever link the MSU brand with a meaningful and positive impact on the industry

By helping to create the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology at Michigan State University, you are investing in the industry, our students, faculty, and research. With your partnership, we will YOUR IMPACT ensure that Michigan State University continues to As the nation’s pioneer land-grant university, it is our responsibility to recruit and support faculty who are ready to tackle t lead the field as the premier school for turfgrass world’s most challenging issues. We value research that enhances our ability to deliver advanced solutions and educationa initiatives for the turfgrass science andindustry. management. Together, we can make By helping to create the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology at Michigan State University, you are investing in the indu a difference in ways that improve the lives of our students, faculty, and research. With your partnership, we will ensure that Michigan State University continues to lead the ﬁ the premier school for turfgrassstrengthen science and management. Together, we can makechange a difference in ways that improve the liv communities, the economy, and our communities, strengthen the economy, and change our world. our world.

Dr. Joe Vargas has dedicated his 51 year career to improving the quality of turf on every continent Dr. Joe Vargas has except Antartica. His dedicated his 51 year careerknowledge to improvinghas been the quality of turf shared in over 200 on every y con onti tinent nt over 1,000 articles and exc ex ceptt Ant ce ntar arrtic a ca. His presentations. As an know kn ow o wle ledg ledg ge ha hass be been en n shar sh ared edinternational in over 200 expert arti ar ticl cles es ove verr 1, 1,00 000 0 onand turfgrass diseases, pres pr esen enta tati tion As an he isons. as member of the inte in tern rnat atio iona nall ex expe pert rt Michigan Golf Hall of on n tur urfg fgra ass dis isea ease ses, s, he is aFame. memb me mber er of th the e Michig Mich igan an Gol o f Ha Hall ll of Fame Fa me.

MTF NEWS NOTES

| FALL 202

The Importance to

Your Organization The development, testing, and evaluation of better turfgrasses and of better methods of turfgrass maintenance has a common interest for all facets of the turfgrass industry; it enhances the landscapes and provides better facilities for enjoyment of the recreational sports; it lessens the dust hazards and upkeep of airports and roadsides as well as play areas and cemeteries. Through the cooperative participation: golf clubs, lawn care industry, parks, cemeteries, athletic associations, airports, ski clubs, seed, sod, and stolon growers, and organizations concerned with turf management, sufficient funds have been made available to do research in these important areas.

RESEARCH: The MTF’s primary purpose is to raise

money to support turfgrass research and education at MSU. The research generated by these contributions have led to practices that have improved turf maintenance throughout the world.

EDUCATION: Turfgrass Conferences: The MTF, in cooperation with MSU, holds an annual 3-day turfgrass conference in January to present the latest findings on turfgrass management, fertility, soils, diseases, weeds, varieties, pesticides and other timely topics.

Field Days: The MTF supports the Michigan State University

field days at East Lansing and also other locations in Michigan.

EXTENSION: The MTF has provided important monies

for transportation, equipment and expenses which has allowed MSU personnel to visit the turfgrass industries of the state and help individuals solve their problems, often on an emergency basis.

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

ise MSU. d to hout

MSU, o rtility, mely

sity chigan.

monies s s of the on an

Partners in the Turf Industry: The MTF partners

gather the various segments of the industry to discuss and support in decisions that affect turfgrass management in Michigan.

Fundraising:

• Lafontaine Golf Benefit

• Tee Times 4 Turf

• Individual Donations

Awards: “Meritorious Service Award” - Presented to an individual representing significant promotion of the Turfgrass Industry in Michigan

Student Scholarships: 4 scholarships are awarded annually

The Administration The business affairs and the activities of the Michigan Turf grass Foundation are governed by a Board of Directors composed of twelve (12) members plus the Foundation Administrator. The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from each of the following organizations or groups: 1) Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (4 Members) 2) Michigan Sports Turfgrass Managers Association (1 Member) 3) Lawn Care Representative (1 Member) 4) Commercial Turfgrass Supplier Representatives (1 Member) 5) A Cemetery Park or Sod Grower Representative (1 Member) 6) Custom Lawn Care Representative (1 Member) 7) At Large (3 Members)

THE JOE VARGAS CHAIR IN TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY

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