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A PUBLICATION FOR THE TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL
WHERE THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER…
Spartan Turf. CANR.MSU.EDU/TURFGRASS
Learn from our world-class turfgrass pros
2016 Michigan Golf Hall of Fame inductee Joe Vargas, PhD, has worked to improve turf quality on every global continent except Antarctica. An MSU Distinguished Faculty member, Vargas has advised master’s and doctoral students and served as faculty coordinator of the MSU Turfgrass Research Center while working with industry for more than 50 years.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 6 7
President’s Message MSU Turf Team Research News — x
8 10
MSU 4-Day Turf School in December Industry News — x
14 18 21 24 27 28 32 35
Simulated winterkill reestablishment
Members in the Field
MSU Turfgrass Field Day Recap 2023 LaFontaine Golf Outing Recap 2023 Icebreaker Day Recap 2024 Michigan Turfgrass Conference Guide 2023 MTF Candidates for Election Executive Director’s Report Industry Job Board Michigan Turfgrass Membership Application
MTF NEWS NOTES
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MTF Executive Committee PRESIDENT Mr. Curt Boak
SECRETARY Mr. Scott Rettmann
VICE PRESIDENT Mr. Dan Mausolf
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mr. Carey Mitchelson
TREASURER Mr. Brad Lazroff
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Ms. Britney VanderKodde
MTF Board of Directors
Upcoming Events
TERMS TO EXPIRE ANNUAL MEETING 2024
Mr. Craig Moore
Mr. Jeff Holmes CGCS
Marquette Golf Club REPRESENTING: At Large
Egypt Valley Country Club REPRESENTING: Western Michigan District
Elected: 2018, 2021
Elected: 2018, 2021
Mr. Dan Lucas
Mr. Scott Rettmann
Kingsley Club REPRESENTING: Northern Michigan District
Walnut Creek Country Club REPRESENTING: At Large
Elected: 2015, 2018, 2021
Elected: 2018, 2021
2023 Michigan State Turfgrass
TURF SCHOOL December 11-14, 2023 See Turf School information on page _____
2024 Michigan Turfgrass
TERMS TO EXPIRE ANNUAL MEETING 2025
Mr. Eric Davey
Mr. Mitch Hooten
Prestwick Village Golf Club REPRESENTING: Greater Detroit District
West Michigan Whitecaps REPRESENTING: Sports or Institutional Turf
Elected: 2016, 2019, 2022 Mr. Curt Boak
CONFERENCE January 9-11, 2024
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Mr. Christian Koval Lakelands Golf and Country Club REPRESENTING: Mid-Michigan District
Lawn Tech REPRESENTING: Turfgrass Services Representative
Michigan Turfgrass Foundation
Elected: 2022
TEE TIMES 4 TURF
Elected: 2016, 2019, 2022 TERMS TO EXPIRE ANNUAL MEETING 2026
Adam Palmatier
Mr. Brad Lazroff
Helena REPRESENTING: Commercial Turfgrass Supplier
Huron Meadows Golf Course REPRESENTING: Cemetery, Park, or Sod Representative
Elected: 2023 Mr. Dan Mausolf LIC, CSP, ASM
Spring 2024
Elected: 2017, 2020, 2023
Stine Turf & Snow REPRESENTING: Lawn & Maintenance
Elected: 2017, 2020, 2023
Michigan Turfgrass Foundation P.O. Box 27156 Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: +1-517-392-5003 miturfgrass@gmail.com
Mission Statement The mission of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is 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 turfgrasses or derive pleasure from the results of such management.
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www.michiganturfgrass.org
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
It’s been a great honor to serve as the President of the MTF for the last few years. I still remember the day when Amy Fouty asked me if I wanted to be on the executive board. Maybe I was just a sucker that day, but I like to think she saw something in me that would better the MTF in the future. She also took me under her wing and taught me the in’s and out of conference planning. Conference has been my favorite experience with serving on the board. The conference has had some challenges over the years and we have made some big changes that have benefited the conference experience. I enjoyed my time and will be happy to pass my conference knowledge I have learned to the next conference chair just as Amy taught me. Being on the MTF board has provided great experience and allowed me to make great friendships with people I would never have had the opportunity to meet. Next year will be my last year on the board with my final 3-year term ending. I want to take this opportunity to suggest getting involved with the MTF. I certainly have learned so much from my time here. We are always looking for volunteers even if you don’t want to sit on the board, but if being a board member is something you are interested in I would personally be happy to talk with you to answer any questions you may have. The 2024 conference is coming up in January and if you want to experience firsthand what the conference is all about that would be a great opportunity. This will be a special conference as we honor Joe Vargas with his 55 years of service to Michigan State University at his retirement reception. I encourage you to attend this event and thank Joe for his knowledge, experience, and teaching he has passed on to us over the years. Details of the Conference are on page 24 so please take a look. Curt Boak MTF President
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MSU TURF TEAM Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences John N. Trey Rogers III, Ph.D. rogersj@msu.edu
Brian Horgan, Ph.D. horgan@msu.edu
Professor, Turfgrass Research - Golf Course Renovations - Sports Turf and Golf Turf Management Programs; Turfgrass Research Telephone: 517-353-0136
Professor and Chairperson Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
Joseph Vargas, Ph.D. vargas@msu.edu
Kevin Frank, Ph.D. frankk@msu.edu
Professor - Fungicide resistance; disease management; biological control; chemical control and breeding; epidemiology. Telephone: 517-353-9082
Professor and Turf Extension Specialist Telephone: 517-353-0147
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
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www.michiganturfgrass.org
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
RESEARCH NEWS
SIMULATED
winterkill reestablishment
BY PAYTON PERKINSON AND KEVIN W. FRANK, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Figure 1. Native soil green treated with nonselective herbicide to simulate winterkill.
W
ith the recent cooler temperatures, it is starting to feel like fall. However, fall in Michigan can be short lived, and winter is just around the corner. Winter is a stressful time for golf course superintendents because of the possibility of winterkill. Reestablishing turfgrass in the spring is challenging due to the cold conditions that are unfavorable for seed germination. This spring we, along with researchers at Iowa State University, University of Wisconsin, and University of Minnesota, investigated how well creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass can establish during early spring when soil temperatures are not optimal for germination. At two of the sites, we seeded into putting green root zones, at another into a bare soil green that had the preexisting sod removed with a sod cutter, and at the fourth site a native soil green that was killed using nonselective herbicide. Once soil temperatures were warm enough, we seeded five creeping bentgrass cultivars, an annual bluegrass seed, and a 50:50 by weight mixture of creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass seed (this was done to simulate how a Poa annua in the seedbank would affect establishment of the creeping bentgrass); seeding occurred three consecutive weeks. Throughout the study we took percent coverage data and once plots reached 100% established, we applied fluazifop-P-butyl to each plot, which killed all the creeping bentgrass and left only Poa annua, allowing us to quantify how much annual bluegrass contamination was in each plot.
We are also part of other WinterTurf field experiments relating to snow mold. This fall we will be completing the second year of research on the effects of fertility timing and rate on snow mold incidence on a creeping bentgrass fairway and leaf mulching in home lawns on snow mold development <https://winterturf.umn.edu/ fertilizers-leaves-and-snow-mold>.
F 2. Establishment of creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass seed on bare soil putting green.
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MSU 4-Day Turf School in December
T
he Michigan State University Turf School is a course designed to teach the basics of turfgrass science as well as the practical techniques of managing turfgrass. The school will be team-taught by MSU turfgrass faculty and staff. The curriculum is designed to deliver a wide range of turfgrass management topics including basic soils and soil management, turfgrass species identification, selection and physiology, turf establishment and renovation, fertilization, proper pesticide use and environmental stewardship.
Lodging arrangements can be made with the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center either online or by calling 1-800-875-5090. Reference the group code 2312DEPART to secure the room rate of $125/night for either single or double occupancy.
Credits! Need some MDARD credits or GCSAA CEU points? Turf School is the place to clean up. Turf School was awarded 26 MDARD pesticide recertification credits available in categories 3A, 3B and 6.
The strength of the school lies within the depth of the turfgrass faculty at MSU. This will provide an excellent opportunity for one-on-one interaction between participants and the MSU turfgrass faculty. This is your chance to get to know the MSU turf team. All team members instruct, including Joe Vargas, Trey Rogers, Kevin Frank, Thom Nikolai, Emily Holm, Nancy Dykema, Barret Wessel, and John Stone. If you know the name but not the face, this is your chance to meet the team and get all your questions answered!
Who Should Attend? Anyone looking to add to their turf knowledge. The school starts with the turf basics and expands from there throughout the week. Past attendees include golf course employees without formal training, lawn care company employees, turfgrass equipment technicians, industry sales representatives and school employees responsible for grounds and athletic fields.
What is covered? Topics include turfgrass species and cultivars, establishment and renovation, nutrition, and fertilizers, weed, insect and disease management, and turfgrass soils, cultivation, compaction and thatch.
Where and when? This year’s school will be held Dec. 11-14, 2023, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center on the campus of Michigan State University. The school begins at 8 a.m. on Monday and concludes at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
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www.michiganturfgrass.org
How much?
How do I register?
Cost for the school is $700 and includes all class materials and lunches at the MSU Brody Complex Monday-Thursday. Registration is limited to the first 100, so reserve your spot now. If you cancel after Dec. 4 without a replacement, you will be charged a $100 cancellation fee.
Online registration is now available for the 2023 MSU Turf School at https://events.anr.msu.edu/ MSUTurfSchool2023/ For more information, contact Kevin Frank at frankk@msu.edu.
For questions regarding the MSU Turf School, please contact Kevin Frank at frankk@msu.edu.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Members
in The Field
China Turf to The World of Turf DAVID GILSTRAP, PH.D.
I
n his 28 years at MSU, Dr. David Gilstrap has gone from being a coordinator in the university’s Institute of Agricultural Technology to being a good-will ambassador for turf and agriculture to the general student population at Michigan State University. Before entering graduate school, he was a distributor rep for a turf supplier. “I sold life and death, whichever
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products they wanted,” he quipped. His appreciation for the bottom line carried over into his life in academia. “While research, outreach, and education are indeed the noble missions of our pioneer land grant university, the most critical decisions are reflected in the spreadsheets,” David stated.
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“Dr. David Gilstrap is a valued faculty member in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University. David recognized an opportunity to develop a course, The World of Turf, that would not only introduce thousands of MSU students to turfgrass science each year, and in doing so, it would generate revenue to support the teaching mission of the department for decades to come. I am grateful for David’s leadership as is the department”. Brian Horgan, Ph.D. - Professor and Chairperson Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
“The Lawn Care/Athletic Field program had three students and none coming in when I got here in May 1995. I formulated a marketing plan and utilized a liberal advertising budget given to me. So, I was back into sales and by fall semester I had eighteen new students.” David remembers. “I changed the program’s name to Sports and Commercial Turf Management, and it was the only one out there. At one time, we had more graduates in professional baseball than all the other colleges combined”. He coordinated the program through 2015 when those responsibilities were merged with that for golf turf management due to decreased enrollments in both programs.
China Turf Program The China Turf Program was a Bachelor of Science program between four Chinese universities and MSU. The idea was hatched by Wejun Zhao, a Chinese studies professor, and he had secured a memorandum of understanding signed by the universities’ presidents. President Lu Anna Simon charged the dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jeff Armstrong, to make sure it happened, so he brought the mandate to the completely unknowing MSU turf team.
After two visits to China by Drs. Zhao, Vargas and Buhler, chair of the department at that time, the program was still stuck in the committee stage. Gilstrap volunteered to become director of the program through its infancy. “There were countless meetings with university administrators and state departments, both here and there. I was even summoned to a private interview with an official of the Chinese Communist Party that had a soldier guarding his office suite. Dr’s. Nikolai, Frank, Vargas, and Calhoun also taught their courses and could always be counted upon to make one more long trip back to China. Dr. Nikolai developed an equipment operation class that he taught in China and again at the turf center to make before they went on their internships. “Thom provided absolutely essential training,” David says, “It was a kick seeing the students, who were mostly females, practice how to turn a walk behind greens mower and shift gears on a utility vehicle, Heck, I don’t think any of them had ever mowed a lawn, much less driven anything.” The program was a model for international cooperation and provided invaluable experience for students on both sides of the Pacific. More about the program can be found in an article in CANR News. (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/china_turfgrass_ program) The program ran for ten years and generated a 1.3 million dollars residual, which was used to endow two much needed assistantships. One is used for a graduate student in turfgrass science and the other for a graduate student in the department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. Those
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INDUSTRY NEWS World of Turf by the Numbers ● • Largest online course (by far) • 5th largest course overall • 26,500 enrollees to date • $26,500,000 in tuition • $1,850,000 for department To see more, click on Sports Turf magazine 2014 Note: Ro-deo-deo Cowboy recorded in 1977 by Jerry Jeff Walker was recently covered by Steve Earle as Rodeo Cowboy. As the songwriter, David makes 9.1¢ per dowload. Dr. Gilstrap used to borrow Dr. Nikolai’s research vehicle to drive this billboard around campus until things caught fire (the courses that is — the pickup was sent to salvage).
endowments will continue to fund these assistantships in perpetuity.
World of Turf Gilstrap’s decision to teach a course on turf management for non-turf students highlights his dedication to sharing his knowledge with a wider audience. The online course, titled World of Turf, was a long-awaited opportunity for Dr. Gilstrap to share his expertise with students who may not have had previous exposure to this field. So basically, it’s a PR course for turf. You could also think of it as turf appreciation.” he said. ”Many students and the general public either don’t know anything about the benefits of turf and agriculture, or they have a negative opinion.” While it has a fancy course description, most of the material is about how to have a nice lawn, which David believes is “still part of the American dream, although I don’t get into white picket fences.” “It was a course I wanted to teach since I came to MSU in 1995,” Gilstrap said. “It started out in 2009 as a traditional classroom course for horticulture students. Getting it into a virtual format took two years of extra work, and then I had to convince my departmental chair to allow me launch it as an online elective for non-turf majors. To get the course
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going, I posted flyers and stuffed advisors’ mailboxes around campus. The next semester, I would do it again. I wrote thank you emails to those advisors of majors whose numbers were increasing in my course. I got a boost when an article appeared in the State News naming World of Turf as one of the five most interesting courses at MSU. This was back when it was a print edition and put in newspaper racks everywhere on campus. Finally, when enough students started telling each other about it, a critical mass if you will, the course exploded. I think social media had something to do with it, but I never got into any of that.” Regarding David’s efforts, Dr. Nikolai states, “It’s often said, “Dr. so and so’s contribution to the program are immeasurable” but the financial contributions of Dr. Gilstrap’s efforts regarding the China Turf Program and World of Turf are known and have had a significant positive impact on our department. What is not calculable is the positive impact they have on numerous students and potentially our environment. I was fortunate to teach several classes for the China Turf program and many students went on to earn their doctoral degree, and I remain in contact with some employed in the turfgrass industry. David’s success with World
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Members in The Field of Turf was the impetus for the department to allow me to teach an on-line soils class to non-agriculture majors which had been a vision of mine for nearly two decades. The department named the class, World of Soils to piggyback off the success of David’s efforts. The class has grown quickly, and many students share with me that they have taken World of Turf. Both classes help non-agricultural majors appreciate their role in sustainable practices regarding turfgrass and soils management which in turn benefits the environment.” With 40,000 undergraduates each needing four to eight hours of electives outside of their college, there’s certainly a need for courses like David’s and Thom’s. Online courses offer flexibility for students to accommodate their work schedules or other things going on in their lives.“ In an email to David, a College of Nursing advisor wrote “I can’t tell you how many schedules you have saved by offering that course, that is asynchronous, open to everyone, and has a bazillion spots!” A one-credit virtual lab was added as an option in 2016. It can be taken concurrently or later when a student might just need one hour to graduate. Advisors know David will let students enroll well into the semester if a student is lacking full-time status (12 credits) in order to maintain a scholarship,
Course Evaluation Question Results Course Evaluation Question Results 2018-2023 My opinion of turf in My opinion turf in general hasofimproved general hasofimproved as a result my as a result of my taking this course. taking course. 11,784this responses 11,784 responses
2018-2023 Strongly Agree Strongly Agree Agree Agree Neutral Neutral Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree
Strongly Disagree
My opinion of My opinion in of general agriculture agriculture in general has improved as a has improved as a result of my taking result of my taking this course. this12,043 course. responses 12,043 responses
This course will be This course will useful for me in be the useful future.for me in the future. 11,657 responses 11,657 responses
I'm glad I took the I'm glad I took the course. course. 12,186 responses 12,186 responses
Strongly Agree Strongly AgreeAgree Agree Neutral Neutral Disagree DisagreeDisagree Strongly Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree Strongly Agree Agree Agree Neutral Neutral Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Neutral Disagree
Agree
DisagreeDisagree Strongly Strongly Disagree
financial aid, or eligibility, or they find out a credit or two is still needed to graduate. In that regard, David says, “World of Turf is often the course of last resort, and then hopefully they learn something that they never thought they would.”
“My numbers have rebounded after Covid when all courses had to go online.” Gilstrap says. “To use a pest management term, it was competitive inhibition.”
He plans to teach the course until he no longer wants to or is unable to, or as he puts it, “Either I don’t or I can’t.” Some of the things he says he would miss would be getting to read students’ comments on course evaluations. Things like, “My parents are so glad I’m finally learning something useful,” and “My dad and I have more to talk about.” Some members of the turfgrass foundation have sons, daughters, nieces, or nephews who are taking or have had World of Turf. Perhaps that will enrich conversations at their family gatherings during the upcoming holidays.
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Golf Tour Stops 9:00 - 11 :00 AM 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Disease Management - Dr. Joe Vargas, Jr.
6.
2023 RECAP
Disease Management – Dr. Joe Vargas, Jr. and Nancy Dykema Winterkill Reestablishment – Payton Perkinson and Dr. Kevin Frank Poa Management Options and Robotic Mowers – Dr. Thom Nikolai Capillary Hydroponic Putting Greens – Mike Rabe and Dr. Thom Nikolai Drought and Winter Stress Research Update – Dr. Emily Holm Sod on Plastic Production – Dr. Trey Rogers and Evan Rogers
Lawn/Athletics Tour Stops 9:00 - 11 :00 AM 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Disease Management - Nancy Dykema
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Don’t Guess, Test! Diagnostic Support for Management Decisions – Dr. Erin Hill Sod on Plastic Production – Dr. Trey Rogers and Evan Rogers Per rye and K blue establishment on plastic – Jackie Guevara and Dr. Trey Rogers Developing a Natural Turf, Shallow Profile System – Ryan Bearss and Dr. Trey Rogers PGRs and Sod on Plastic in No-Light Conditions – Jake Kilby and Dr. Trey Rogers Turfgrass Disease Update – Dr. Joe Vargas and Nancy Dykema
www.michiganturfgrass.org
Afternoon Tours 1- 3 pm 1.
MSU Athletic Fields Tour: Bus departs at 11:45 am from Hancock Turf Research Center (HTRC) and will take attendees to Spartan Stadium. After touring Spartan Stadium, soccer, baseball, and softball fields, bus will pick up attendees near Jennison Fieldhouse and return to HTRC.
2.
The History of Pesticides and MDARD RLJles and Regulations Update: Bus departs HTRC at 11 :45 am. Presentation will be in 1200 Molecular Plant Sciences Bldg (attached to Plant and Soil Sciences Bldg.). Bus will return attendees to HTRC upon conclusion.
3.
Devendra Chalise, Dr. Michael Itam and Kailey Miller Drought and Winter Stress Research Update
Disease Diagnostic Walk: Walk will depart from HTRC building at 12 pm and tour the plots at HTRC.
Poa Management Options and Robotic Mowers - Dr. Thom Nikolai
Winterkill Reestablishment -Payton Perkinson
Dr. Kevin Frank
Drought and Winter Stress Research Update Dr. Emily Holm, Dr. Michael Itam & Devendra Chalise
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2023 MSU Turfgrass Field Day Recap— Continued MTF Vice President Dan Mausolf chaired the Field Day event held August 9th at the Hancock Turf Research Center located on the campus of MSU. Proceeds from this event are distributed to the Turf Research Fund for the MSU Turf Team. With over 300 Attendees and sponsors in attendance the day was once again successful and provided learning opportunities for those in attendance. A special thank you to this year’s sponsors: Capillary Flow (2 Sponsorships), MiGCSA (2 Sponsorships), Helena, Pourus Pave Inc., Ewing Outdoor Supply, Advanced Turf Solutions, Young’s Turf Farm, NuFarm, MiSFMA, Syngenta, Harrell’s, LLC, and Target-Specialty Products. Your participation is a vital part of our ability to provide the Turf Team with resources for research. This years event netted $14,764.00 for the MSU Turf Team.
of Grad Students are charged with the massive task of providing a proper surface for sports most viewed event and will have the entire world scrutinizing the work their efforts. MSU should be proud of the confidence FIFA has provided to the Turf Team. Dr. Vargas and Nancy Dykema updated their research plot studies for those in attendance and many had a chance to engage with Dr. Vargas as he prepares for his retirement. Dr. Kevin Frank and Dr. Emily Merwetz-Holm are involved in several studies including a more involved study with other Universities on cold temperature effects on turf.
The MSU Turf Team was able to provide attendees with their most recent studies and exceptional new research projects. Included in the research on display was Dr. Tom Nikolai and his Hydroponic Green as well as various other studies he has undertaken. Dr. Trey Rogers updated the attendees with his research on “Sod on Plastic” and information on the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The World Cup prohibits artificial surfaces on the pitch and many of the host stadiums will require complete transitions from artificial turf to natural surfaces. Additionally, several stadiums are enclosed and without direct sunlight. Dr. Rogers and his team
Dr. Michael Itam and Kailey Miller Drought and Winter Stress Research Update
PGRs and Sod on Plastic in No-Light Conditions - Jake Kilby
Sod on Plastic Production - Evan Rogers
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Don’t Guess, Test! Diagnostic Support for Management Decisions - Dr. Erin Hill
Dr. Trey Rogers - Sod on Plastic Production
Turfgrass Disease Update - Nancy Dykema
MSU Athletic Fields Tour - Andy Flynn Per rye and K blue establishment on plastic Jackie Guevara
Softball Field
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RECAP
LaFontaine Golf Outing June 21, 2023
Congratulations to all the winners
and thank you to all those who played in and sponsored the 2023 LaFontaine Golf Outing!
1st Place: (-12 59) Roberts, Mincher, Cooper, Kalil
Gordon LaFontaine and Dr. Joseph Vargas
2nd: (-11) Jones, Haydu, Varleye, Omietanski
3rd: (-11) Ware, Yoder, Lacroix, Wright
Longest Drive #4: Mike Kennings
Closest to the Pin: #6 Ingolf Meijer #8 Eric Schutman (Hole in One!) #12 Marc McCoy #14 Jim Omietanski #17 Jesse Sholl Winning Team
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Gordie LaFontaine and Part of Winning Team
LaFontaine Golf Outing Once again, Coyote Preserve Golf Club served as host to the LaFontaine Golf Event and Vice President, Dan Mausolf also, once again, served as the Chair of the event. Starting 2015, proceeds from this event have been distributed to the MTF Graduate Student Fund. This fund works in unison with the MSU Reike Endowment to provide financial support for Graduate Students on an annual basis. As the MTFGS Fund has progressed it is now secure for funding for the near future and the MTF Board of Directors recently chose to direct proceeds from the golf event back again to the the LaFontaine Endowment. The LaFontaine Endowment was a key component of the Leadership Gift of $1 million in honor of Dr. Vargas that was provided to MSU. The LaFontaine Endowment is designed for long-term research proposals and renewing its funding will once again be part of the MTF Event programs. This year’s event had over 100 participants the net funding from the event was $10,224. Included in that funding was a generous donation of $2,000 from Kathy Hilbert, MTF Past President and owner of Rhino Seed. Her donation was made generously on the day of the event and provided a kick to bolster the LaFontaine Endowment.
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2023 LaFontaine Golf Outing Recap— Continued The MTF would like to thank our (4) Corporate Sponsors – D&B Landscaping, LaFontaine Motors, MiGCSA, and Syngenta. Our Breakfast sponsor – Helena and our (3) Reception sponsors Timber Wolf Turf, Ammon Meyer Pence Group and NuFarm as well as the 14 tee sponsorships. The winning team of Brett Roberts, Scott Mincher, Tyler Cooper and Kris Kalil scored a 12 under par 59 in the 4person scramble event. To add to the festive day Eric (Shootman) Schutman knocked it into the hole on #8 for a hole-in-one. Live footage of the aftermath is available on our website.
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www.michiganturfgrass.org
ICEBREAKER DAY
E
Recap
ach September when students return to MSU a collaborative effort is put on by the MiGCSA, MTF and the MiSFMA (Michigan Sports & Field Managers Association) to host an event that allow students to meet and greet with Turf Industry partners. The event is held at the Hancock Turf Research Center and includes golf game activities, hot dogs and refreshments and time afterwards to hear from the various industry partners as well as ask questions and gain insight on the various turf industries in Michigan.
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2023 Icebreaker Day Recap— Continued
The students are provided with a short background on the different organizations and provides an opportunity to inform them of the various scholarships that will be available to them. Executive directors of MTF and MiGCSA, Carey Mitchelson and Adam Ikamas, spoke to the students and emphasized the Importance of “showing up” and getting involved in turf organizations.
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www.michiganturfgrass.org
This year, Turf Student enrollment has seen another uptick with over 80 students registered in the 2yr. and 4yr programs. This is a significant number of future turf industry leaders and the MSU Turf Program and the MSU Turf Team are excited and proud to be a part of this increase in interest in the program. The MTF will once again be providing 5 Scholarships to the MSU Turf Students, and those award winners will be once acknowledged at the MTF Turf Conference Tuesday January 10th, 2024. These award amount to over $13,000.00 and is a valuable part of the work the MTF provides MSU Turf.
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Michigan Turfgrass Conference
GUIDE January 9-11, 2024
SOARING EAGLE RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER 6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 SoaringEagleCasino.com 1-877-232-4532 Hotel Room Block Code: MTGF010824 Cost is $139.00 per night plus taxes
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Register online at www.michiganturfgrass.org
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT:
On-Site Registration Hours: January 9, 2023 (Tuesday) 11am-4pm January 10, 2023 (Wednesday) 7am-4pm January 11, 2023 (Thursday) 7am-9am)
Dr. Paul Giordano Dr. Giordano is a Director of Agronomy for Harrell’s LLC, managing research & development functions as well as providing technical sales support for the Golf, Sports Turf, and Lawn & Landscape businesses. Dr. Giordano has worked in the turfgrass industry for over 20 years holding positions at both public and private golf courses, and gaining experience in both applied and basic turfgrass research. A three-time Spartan, Paul earned a B.S. in Crop and Soil Sciences, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Michigan State University. He currently resides in Canton, Michigan with his wife and two daughters.
Dr. Bruce Branham Dr. Branham earned a PhD in horticulture from the University of Illinois in 1983. Beginning in 1983, he developed a research and teaching program in turfgrass management at Michigan State University. Dr. Branham returned to the University of Illinois in 1995 where he continues to conduct research and teach undergraduate and graduate students. His research focuses on nitrogen fate and dynamics, Poa annua control, and general weed control.
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www.michiganturfgrass.org
Dr. Phil Dwyer As a turfgrass researcher and product developer, Dr. Dwyer is the General Manager at Turf NanoTech where he works to bring new nano-based products to the professional turfgrass market for improving nutrient and chemistry uptake. His entire career — and much of his life — has focused on turfgrass management, and he has previously worked as a Researcher, an Educator, and new product Innovation lead. While studying at Michigan State University he received a BS in Crop & Soil Science/ Turfgrass Management, and both an MS and Ph.D. in Turfgrass Pathology studying under Professor Joe Vargas.
Dr. William L. Berndt Dr. William L. Berndt is a professional agronomist and consultant specializing in turfgrass management, golf course operations, and rendering expert witness opinions related to golf courses and golf operations. He is a graduate of MSUs Two-year Turfgrass Management program, and he obtained a Masters Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences at MSU, and received his PhD in Botany and Plant Pathology also from MSU.
Mr. Bruce Williams Bruce Williams has been making presentations to golf and turf groups for over 50 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. His last 14 years as a superintendent were spent as Director of Golf Courses and Grounds at The Los Angeles Country Club. 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 and Director of the Asia Golf Industry Federation. He is International Marketing Manager for GRIGG and Brandt in the specialty fertilizer group. Bruce operates several successful businesses with Executive Golf Search, Inc. and Bruce Williams Golf Consulting. 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.
Dr. Rob Golembiewski Dr. Rob “G11” Golembiewski is Director of Technical Services at Atticus. Previously, he served as a Green Solutions Specialist with Bayer/Envu for 11+ years providing technical expertise for the golf and landscape markets. Rob received his B.S and M.S. from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Rob’s career has included positions with Montana State University, Dow AgroSciences, Paramount Landscape, University of Minnesota and Oregon State University.
Dr. Brandon Horvath Dr. Brandon Horvath is a professor of turfgrass pathology in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee where he’s been since May 2009. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in turfgrass pathology from Michigan State University. He received his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in agronomy with a minor in plant pathology. He has worked at several championship golf courses and conducts research in the area of turfgrass disease epidemiology that enables turfgrass managers to maintain healthier turfgrass stands with fewer chemical inputs.
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Dr. Karl Danneberger Dr Karl Danneberger is a Professor of Turfgrass Science at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. His research activities have focused in the area of turfgrass ecology and physiology. A few of his research accomplishments include developing some of the first turfgrass disease prediction models, determined the genetic flow of Poa annua among golf course greens, and fairways; and evaluated the effectiveness of intraseeding new creeping bentgrass cultivars into existing bentgrass greens using molecular techniques. He has published over 60 scientific articles and 700 trade magazine articles. Karl has spoken at numerous turfgrass conferences and seminars nationally and internationally. He is the recipient of the Fred Grau Turfgrass Science award and holder of a Fulbright Senior Specialists Award.
Dr. Dave Roberts Dr. Roberts retired from Michigan State University in 2018 after committing over four decades to advancing MSU’s Land Grant Mission. He received his B.S. (1975) and M.S (1977) from The Ohio State University and his Ph.D from Michigan State University. Over the decades, Dr. Roberts has published 100’s of articles and has taught 100’s of lectures and workshops. He has researched many issues in Michigan’s plant industry, including Dutch Elm Disease, Diplodia Tip Blight of Pines, along with variety of cultural problems such as plant nutrition and herbicide toxicity. Dr. Roberts has worked on Oak Wilt for 40 years, inventing several new and innovative remediation techniques. In the early 2000’s, his research on Ash Decline in Southeast Michigan led to the discovery of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer in North America. In his retirement, Dr. Roberts intends to remain active with the Arboriculture/Landscape/Nursery Industries while hoping to have more time for his hobbies. Dr. Roberts is President, CEO and CBW (Chief Bottle Washer) of The Plant Doctor, LLC…aka The Tree Doctor.
JANUARY 9TH, 2024
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MTF Conference
SILENT AUCTION
Michigan Turfgrass Conference January 9-11, 2024 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Mt. Pleasant MI 48858 Exhibit Function: January 9, 2023 / 4:00 - 6:30pm The silent Auction is always one of the highlights of the Michigan Turfgrass Conference. Held during the Vendor Show with proceeds benefiting the research at Michigan State University. For more information please contact Curt Boak at cmb@ lawntechofmi.com or by phone at 517-490-5191.
This years Halftime show will be held in the larger Entertainment Hall at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Vendors are now able to bring in motorized equipment! View the new Vender Registration Form for more information on the website at www.michiganturfgrass.org
www.michiganturfgrass.org
2024 MTF Candidates for
Election
• The deadline for nominations is 10 days prior to the election date. (November 26,2023) Nominations can be sent to miturfgrass@gmail.com and must include a headshot and brief bio by the deadline date. This year’s election will be held December 6th, 2023.
Jeff Holmes – Incumbent Candidate Position: Western Michigan MiGCSA District
Jeff Stickney – Candidate Position: At Large
I graduated from the two year turf program in 1983 and from there accepted the superintendent job at Alpena Country Club. In 1985 I accepted the superintendent job for “The Bear” course at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, In 1987 became the Director of Golf and Grounds at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. While up north I served on the Northern Michigan Turfgrass Managers Association for nine years and served as president for two years. In 1993 I accepted the superintendent job at Egypt Valley Country Club and remain there today. Served on the Western Michigan Golf Course Superintendent Association and served as president. Also served on the MTF board for five years and have now been back on the MTF board again. My feeling is give what you can back to the industry and you will receive more back to you, than what you gave.
While working for a retail nursery during high school, I developed a passion for the green industry and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University. I began my career in grounds care/ landscape maintenance working for a large national company in Orlando Florida right out of college. After 8 years, I moved back to Michigan where I have continued to serve my clients in the commercial landscape maintenance industry by creating and preserving their landscape investment. With over 35 years in the green industry, 15 of those years with Professional Grounds Services, I am looking forward to being a part of the MTF Board and supporting the great work it does.
Craig Moore – Incumbent Candidate Position: Northern Michigan MiGCSA District I have worked in the golf industry for 31 years, making it a career choice at a young age. I started my formal turfgrasseducation at NMC and MSU extension in Traverse City before heading down to campus in East Lansing to earn a BS inCrop and Soil Science. I have had the pleasure of working at five golf courses around the state and helped build/grow-inthree of them. My wife and I reside in Marquette with our three sons where I am the Director of Agronomy at theMarquette Golf Club and she is a professor at NMU. We all love the outdoors and embrace the wild UP, its extremeseasons and unique landscape. It is an honor to serve on the MTF board to support the MSU Turf Team and theTurfgrass industry to embolden future research and development.
Scott Rettmann – Incumbent Candidate Position: At Large I have been in the turfgrass industry for 20 years and have worked in both Michigan and Pennsylvania. I am a Michigan State University graduate in Turfgrass Management and most recently I have been the Superintendent of Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, MI since 2012. After completing my degree, and having had enjoyed many successes stemming from the wonderful education at MSU, I have enjoyed serving on the MTF Board of Directors as a way to continue to support MSU’s Turfgrass Programs. Outside of work I am married with two children and enjoy golf, traveling, and general aviation.
Chris Wilcznski – Candidate Position: At Large Chris is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, and the owner of C.W. Golf Architecture, located in Saline, Michigan. Chris attended Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Landscape Architecture in 1994. Chris has also taught the golf course design and construction class at MSU for the last 7 years. His 33-year career has been dedicated to helping golf courses and superintendents develop and implement design solutions that enhance playability and challenge, improve maintenance, and provide enjoyment and social benefits to golfers of all abilities. Chris is excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Board and believes that his background and expertise will provide valuable perspective to the organization.
Alex Piotrowski – Candidate Position: At Large I have worked in the golf industry since 1995, first in the Pro Shop then transferring to ground in 2000. Working under Doug Ware I quickly fell in love with our side of the business. At 26 years old I became a Head Superintendent at Idyl Wyld G.C. I continued through the years as a Superintendent at several different clubs in Michigan till landing at my home, Shanty Creek Resort. In the past year I was appointed Director of Outside Operations. At this point in my career, I feel an inner responsibility and driving passion to give back to our industry. I can not think of a greater honor than to channel my passion for our industry into the future and what better way than to work with MSU and the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. Sincerely looking to the future and hoping to encourage others.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT CAREY MITCHELSON
Vargas Endowed – Review / Update There certainly is comfort this time of year. For most, unless certain projects need to be completed prior to snowfall, there is a tendency to rely on the usual systems of shutting down systems and prepping for winter. A moment to rest and reflect on where we are. Doing so is important, but most also realize that the weeks and months to ahead may provide inspiration to accomplish more “next year” and set standards that all will appreciate. This self-awareness should include more than better turf practices and budget nuances. In my travels and conversations with those in our industry I’ve come to believe the best managers - are those that manage people. Not “staff” PRESIDENT’S or otherwise “personnel” – management of “people”… who have their own set of worries, accomplishments and unknowns they have to address. And they rely on their work – and you - to help achieve those goals. Trust this - when they come back to visit or catch up to you out of nowhere and they mention how much t is understand with greatresponsibilities pleasure that the Michigan Turfgrass you helped them and work ethic. You know you’ve well.is able to present our Annual Turfgrass Foundation oncedone again You’ve set them in the right direction.
MESSAGE
I
Conference. The decision four years ago to return to East Lansing and makeThe theright emphasis education hasmaking proven directionon is important when significant, critical to be the correct choice.decisions Our speaker is once againFoundation well- was posed as well. line-up The Michigan Turfgrass with that mindset 3 years ago when considerations rounded and the topics for your consideration have been plannedregarding the future of the MSU Turf Program became a part of the MSU / MTF for months. A great deal of debate regarding what our attendees conversations. As much as the MTF has been an important part of may be interested in always takesofplace and the goal is toTurfanticipate the success the Turf Program, it is the Team and its research, the priorities of the attendees. Your input on topics during the teaching and extension that makes the engine run. It is the mission of the MTF to support the MSU Turf Program Conference and throughout the year is always welcome andand weit is those individuals and MSU administration who must be trusted with the look forward to any thoughts you may have. We hope you find direction it will go. Like it or not, that is the process required and the Conference suited toalthough your expectations andinput, trustityou letresponsibility to we work to provide is thewill MTF’s know opinions where we may University improve with andmany if wecomplex have configurations provide us support foryour it. Michigan Stateon University is a mega that caneffectively be difficult to absorb and making planned your timechange…and as well. perhaps needed, is not easy. But getting started in the right direction will help.
Many topeople involved with selecting the planning process ofDepartment the I was fortunate be partare of the process when a new Chair of the of Plant, Soils Conference and it starts the day after the last session ends. The and Microbial Sciences when Dr. Brian Horgan became a candidate. The MSU Turf Program and Turf Team allcatalyst serve under the PSM Department which includes many of theAmy majorFouty. Agricultural of the event is our current Vice-President She studies and has largehas commodity groupsthe serving the MTF and our assistance to Turf. Make no set the tone last them threesimilar yearstoand always strives to enhance mistake, when Dr. Horgan – a past MSU Turf Student was offered the position – MSU Turf became a and improve each day of the sessions. Fellow Board members Mark significant part of the University. Many of the other commodity groups that were part of the selection
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Wildeman and Curt Boak have been under her wing this past year and they will be chairing the Conference for the upcoming Many thanks to all of them as they continue to provide a VOL 3 | years. ISSUE 2 www.michiganturfgrass.org conference that we all enjoy and learn from.
“The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are going.” Oliver Wendall Holmes
Turf Program authorized into perpetuity. This leadership gift was only available due to the hard work and diligence of past Boards of the MTF who also believe that the Turf Program at MSU is critical to the Turf Industry in Michigan. Would the program continue without the gift? Perhaps, but being able to ensure it and have Dr. Horgan and his guidance preform what is right for the program made the decision easy and the right one for everyone. As Dr. Horgan has gained more footing with administration, he has noted that the largest problem facing MSU is the increasing number of Professors retiring, and the fewer number of positions that are being replaced. I believe his direction has put the Turf Program in the right direction. We should be thankful for all the past boards, donors and members of the MTF who have allowed the Foundation to be so involved with the process and its involvement with the Endowed Positions.
Dr. Horgan
process spoke to me privately about how impressed they were with Dr. Horgan and how fulfilling it must be to have one of our Turf graduates now running the Department. Not soon after his appointment Dr. Horgan began the process of giving direction to PSM , and immediately, the MSU Turf program. The Turf Team would soon have several professors nearing retirement and with student enrollment not up to its previous levels it’s possible, despite its well-known success, that the Turf Program would be reviewed on its merits. In today’s world, the University looks for commitment from supporters to gauge the value of any program. There are many examples of this – packaging and business to mention a couple that receive support from individuals and organizations that offer “leadership gifts” to ensure the programs will continue to provide quality individuals into the future. The MTF was in a unique position to be able to provide such a gift and keep its
The Spring 2023 issue of NewsNotes included information on TT4Turf – one of our 4 fundraising events. We would like to again thank those how supported the auction and hope we can count on your donations again this coming year. Many of you signed up at conference and on-line and we will continue to do both of those tools this winter and next spring.
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Current MTF President Curt Boak has taken on the MTF Conference and was the principal who put together our move to Mt. Pleasant to the Soaring Eagle Casino. The move has been highly appreciated by our attendees and you will see further information regarding the conference within this issue. Most notably will be the celebration and acknowledgement of Dr. Joe Vargas on Wednesday, January 11th, 2024 from 4pm-7pm. Dr. Vargas dedicated over 50 years in service to MSU, the Turf Industry worldwide and is the face of MSU Turf Pathology everywhere. His time at MSU and the State of Michigan turf cannot be properly expressed here, but we will do our best to acknowledge his time and efforts at MSU and we hope each of you can register to be part of this gathering. It should be a night to remember. Current MTF President Curt Boak will be at his term end at the upcoming MTF Conference. Curt has provided significant leadership with the MTF and served 8 years including the last 3 as President. His service to the MTF has been inspirational and we cannot thank him enough for his time and efforts in supporting the MSU Turf Program. Curt will be staying on as President ad-hoc and will still provide guidance and critical thinking on the conference committee for the 2025 conference. Also leaving the Board of Directors will be Dan Lucas. Dan has served on the board for 3 terms of (3) years each. In his 9 years as Director, Dan has
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been critically involved with all elements of the MTF and has chaired several committees. His most influential presence has been as the chair of committees involved in Scholarships, Awards and Nominations. The Board of Directors and the Membership of the MTF all thank Dan for his service.
Graduate Students In the past three years MSU Turf Team has had significant success in providing research deemed worthy of funding from various sources and organizations. The MTF funding is only part of the puzzle that allows researchers to complete their research. Additionally funding is always required and is provided by organizations that understand the quality and resourses needed to complete their research can be done at MSU. To complete those projects requires Graduate Students and for the past few years the Turf Team has been blessed with several outstanding Graduate Students. Their efforts are what makes it all come together and the Turf Team acknowledges that each day.
www.michiganturfgrass.org
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©© 2023 2023 Syngenta. Syngenta. Important: Important: Always Always read read and and follow follow label label instructions. instructions. Some Some products products may may notnot bebe registered registered forfor sale sale or or useuse in in all all states states or or counties counties and/or and/or may may MTF NEWS NOTES FALL 2023 ® ® ® ® have have state-specific state-specific useuse requirements. requirements. Please Please check check with with your your local local extension extension service service to to ensure ensure registration registration and and proper proper use. use. GreenCast GreenCast , Posterity , Posterity , the , the Alliance Alliance Frame, Frame, thethe Purpose Purpose Icon Icon andand thethe Syngenta Syngenta logo logo areare trademarks trademarks of of a Syngenta a Syngenta Group Group Company. Company. AllAll other other trademarks trademarks areare thethe property property of of their their respective respective third-party third-party owners. owners.
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Drew Peddie | Grounds Superintendent Country Club of Lansing 2200 Moores River Drive Lansing, MI 48911 C: 517.420.5220 dpeddie@cclansing.org www.cclansing.org
Grounds Crew Team Full and part time shifts available. Golf course experience is desired, but not required. Apply @ gbishop@ collegefields.net.
Assistant Superintendent or Second Assistant Superintendent iBeautifully located among the rolling landscape of mid-Michigan, the Country Club of Lansing is one of the premier private country clubs in the Midwest. Founded in 1908, the Country Club of Lansing is a first-class, family oriented private club that offers a full range of amenities, including a championship 18-hole golf course, driving range, tennis courts, fitness facility, swimming pool and the area\’s finest dining and social setting. We are looking to add an energetic, dependable and career oriented individual to join our team. The Second assistant will assist in all aspects of private-golf course management. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate or spray technician looking to sharpen their skills and gain valuable, real world experience. This is a full-time, year-round position with the opportunity for position advancement within our management structure.
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Assist with: Course Setup Chemical and Fertilizer Application Cultural practices such as aerification and topdressing Irrigation repairs Moisture reading and hand watering Operation of all golf course related equipment Personnel management Candidate Key Attributes: Driven work ethic Dependable Positive attitude Willingness to learn Asks questions Contribute positive solutions Attention to detail Understand the game of golf Benefits: Uniforms Attend regional industry conferences Medical & dental insurance 401K PTO & sick days Alternate weekends off Holiday bonus Golfing privileges Access to volunteer at in-state tournaments. Compensation: Very competitive, discussed during interview.
www.michiganturfgrass.org
Laborer I - Parks (Full-Time) OPENING DATE: January 24, 2023 CLOSING DATE: Open until filled. DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Special Service / Parks and Golf Division EMPLOYEE GROUP: AFSCME EMPLOYEE STATUS: Regular, Full-Time WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with potential for evenings, weekends and holiday overtime as required. PAY RATE: $19.15 per hour PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE: One or two years of experience in athletic field setup and maintenance, commercial turf maintenance or landscape and irrigation. Some experience working with the public preferred. EDUCATION: High school graduate or equivalent. SPECIAL SKILLS & TRAINING: Must have a Valid Operator’s License with a CDL Type A, and medical certification and a MDARD Pesticide Applicator License 3-A, 3-B, 6 or are able to obtain one within 180 days of the hire date.
INDUSTRY
Job Board BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES: Athletic field maintenance, field setup, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, irrigation repair and maintenance, special event setup, trash removal, snow and ice removal, minor interior, and exterior building maintenance. HOW TO APPLY: All candidates must complete a City of Farmington Hills employment application. Applications are located at www.fhgov.com or in the Human Resources Department at City Hall (31555 West Eleven Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48336). Please email the completed application and supporting documents in .pdf form, to hr@fhgov.com or in person to the HR Department for consideration. Current employees should submit a letter of interest and resume to Human Resources. The City of Farmington Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We work hard to enable all employees to succeed and, to that end, we welcome diverse talent and cultivate an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. We’re committed to building a workforce where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day.
For information on submitting an ad please email cmb@ lawntechofmi.com.
Oakland County Michigan is currently hiring for a Groundkeeper II located in Waterford, Michigan. Under limited supervision, performs various duties involved in landscaping and maintaining County grounds and parking areas including mowing lawns, fertilizing, planting and transplanting trees, flowers, bushes and shrubs. Maintains flowers, trees and shrubs by watering, pruning, trimming, fertilizing and applying insecticides and chemicals under direction to control pests and disease. Operates power groundskeeping, landscape construction and snow removal equipment and drives heavy trucks. Maintains records of materials, time and equipment used in projects. Is responsible for performing snow removal and emergency duties on an on-call basis. At the time of application, applicants must: 1. Be at least 16 years old and a high school graduate; OR have completed the state requirements for a G.E.D. certificate; OR be an emancipated minor; OR have passed their 18th birthday. 2. Have had at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in all aspects of Grounds keeping including turf care and assisting in the planting, pruning, fertilizing, and spraying of flowers, trees and shrubs; 3. Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Out of Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date. When assigned to FM&O, must possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a group “A” designation with airbrakes. NOTE: Employees without the required CDL at time of application must obtain it by the end of the six month probationary period, at the employee’s expense. 4. Possess a Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Certification from the Michigan Department Of Agriculture in the following categories: Turf Grass, Ornamental Plants, and Right of Way. 5. Pass the complete examination including the employment medical established for this classification. 6. Successfully complete the six months probationary period. Applicant can go to www.oakgov.com/jobs to apply!
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INDUSTRY
Job Board — Continued Position Title: Greenskeeper IV Days/Shifts: This is a full time position, working 9 months per year. Mid-March through mid-December. The work week is Sunday – Thursday from late April through late October. Hours are 6am – 2:30pm and will adjust throughout the season. Minimum Qualifications: • High school graduation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Must have completed a minimum of thirty-seven (37) academic hours in landscape technology or a directly related field. • A minimum of three years groundskeeper/landscaping/ greenskeeping experience. • Must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan pesticide applications certification. • Must possess a valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the University by the University’s insurance carrier. • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays during the season. Position Purpose: Under the direction of the Golf Course Superintendent, establish and maintain University hard-surfaced plant and unplanted areas; may lead other golf course employees. Applicants need to apply online at Greenskeeper IV. If they have questions they can call 248-370-3480.
Pure Turf & Tree handles Lawn Fertilization and Plant Health Care for residential and commercial properties mainly in Macomb and Oakland Counties. We are looking to hire technicians, and we place a high priority on enlisting team members who can deliver quality results, who possess excellent people skills, and who are oriented to meeting and exceeding goals. Visit our website or reach out to us at info@pureturfandtree.com for more information. www.pureturfandtree.com
Stine Turf & Snow is adding to our growing team! Located in Durand, MI and serving Central and Southern MI. we offer an hourly wage with time and a half over 40 hours. Benefits include laundered uniforms, paid time off, holiday pay, free lawn care for your home, and sales commission. Your job descriptions as a lawn care technician would include but not be limited to the following: Measuring, mixing, and applying fertilizers and pesticides to residential and commercial sites Clean, maintain, andwith operate lawn care equipment Perform and discuss customers lawn analysis’, evaluations, and estimates Train new pesticide applicators Skill set required: Must possess a Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (or have the ability to do so within 30 days of employment) and possess at a minimum of a 3A (Turfgrass) and 6 (Right-ofWay) categories. (We pay for training materials, training, and the test) Clean driving record Ability to lift 60 lbs consistently Ability to obtain a DOT medical card Ability to work in varying weather conditions To apply, visit stinelawn.com or call or text us at 989-666-1200 http://www.stinelawn.com/
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Lansing, MI Permit No. 689
P.O. Box 27156 Lansing, MI 48909-7156 www.michiganturfgrass.org
Phone: 517-392-5003 miturfgrass@gmail.com
487 West Division Street Sparta, MI 49345 1050 North Opdyke Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326 800-822-2216 www.spartandistributors.com