MPSFMA NEWS - SPRING 2025 (april)

NEWS Volume 15, No. 1

Spring 2025

University of Minnesota | Crookston Competes in 2025 Student Challenge At SFMA Conference in California (See Page 15)

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Trenton Waters MPSFMA President Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

Greetings, I am truly excited and honored to serve as your president once again in 2025. It is both a privilege and a responsibility I enjoy, and I look forward to another fantastic year working alongside such dedicated professionals who make our parks, sports fields, and communities thrive.

As we kick off the start of the growing season, I’m filled with optimism and excitement about the opportunities ahead. With your continued passion and commitment, I’m confident that this year will be filled with great accomplishments, camaraderie, and, most importantly, a whole lot of fun.

Whether we’re tackling new challenges, celebrating our successes, or simply sharing best practices, I know this year will strengthen the bonds within our associa-

tion and help us continue to provide outstanding spaces for recreation and enjoyment.

Let’s make this a year to remember—one that’s not only productive and inspiring but also full of joy as we connect with one another and create lasting memories in the places we care so much about.

Here’s to a year of growth, learning, and, most of all, fun! I look forward to seeing all that we will achieve together.

Best,

Trenton Waters Trenton Waters President MPSFMA

2025

JUNE 25 MPSFMA | UMN FIELD DAY TROE CENTER FALCON HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA AUGUST 21 MPSFMA GOLF TOURNAMENT OAK GLEN GOLF COURSE STILLWATER, MINNESOTA SEPTEMBER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT (Site and Date to be determined) OCTOBER 7 NORTHERN GREEN OUTDOORS ALDRICH ARENA MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 19 MPSFMA FALL WORKSHOP BRACKETT’S CROSSING C.C. LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 4 GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING FUNDRAISER FLAHERTYS ARDEN BOWL ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA SPRING 2025

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MPSFMA NEWS 3

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Another Great MPSFMA Spring Workshop!

1987 World Series Winning Twins Catcher Tim Laudner Provided Keynote The 2025 MPSFMA Spring Workshop took place on March 6th at the University of Northwestern | Saint Paul (UNWSP). The Spring Workshop is held annually at the UNWSP site. Once again, host Jeff Hintz, Director of Athletic Outside Facilities, along with UNWSP staff made the accommodations just right.

Dr. Jon Trappe provided a UMN Turfgrass Research Update. Weston Floyd, Texas A&M and Mark Kruse CSFM, City of Lakeville spoke on GPS spraying and spreading. Floyd gave a second talk on new technology in sports field management.

The Keynote Speaker was Tim Laudner, former Major League Baseball player/catcher and television broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins. Growing up in Brooklyn Center, Laudner will have a great perspective on the area fields and baseball in general from a local perspective.

Floyd gave a second talk on new technology in sports field management. Special thanks to the 37 exhibitors and all of our sponsors! Spring Workshop photos on Page 7.

Tim Laudner, former Minnesota Twins catcher and a current broadcaster for the club, provided the Keynote for the MPSFMA Spring Workshop.

Weston Floyd, Texas A&M and Mark Kruse CSFM, City of Lakeville spoke on GPS spraying and spreading. Floyd gave a second talk on new technology in sports field management at the MPSFMA Spring Workshop.

SPRING 2025

MPSFMA NEWS 5

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SPRING 2025

MPSFMA NEWS 7

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MTGF Donates $82,500 Towards Turf & Grounds Research for 2025 and $2,019,791 Since 2001 MINNESOTA TURF & GROUNDS FOUNDATION FUNDING 2024 2023 2022 2020 RESEARCH DOLLARS FROM 2001-2002 TURFGRASS SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT 45,000 45,000 35,000 45,000 50,000 TROE CENTER OPERATIONS TROE CENTER BUILDING PRE-DESIGN DR. ERIC WATKINS RESEARCH BRAD PEDERSEN LANDSCAPE PROGRAM UM FOREST RESOURCES AND PLANT PATHOLOGY PROGRAMS 50,000 DR. GILlMAN TREE RESEARCH / DUTCH ELM DISEASE DUTCH ELM DISEASE / ELM RESISTANCE MECHANISMS DR. ROBERT BLANCHETTE DED / MSA SUPPORT 15,000 9,500 7,500 5,700 UM YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN ARBORICULTURE 12,500 9,500 7,500 9,300 UM CONSERVATION UM ELM SELECTION UM PRUNING UM ESP RESEARCH BOB MUGAAS / UMORE PARK TECHNICIAN ARBORETUM TURF & GROUNDS RESEARCH UM HELP LINE ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY NATIONAL TURF RESEARCH INSTITUTE GRABOWSKI / MALVICK WHITE MOLD RESEARCH DR. JUZWICK OAK WILT STUDY DR. WALKER MINERALIZABLE NITROGEN STUDY DR. KRISTINA WALKER | UMN CROOKSTON 10,000 6,000 5,000 SAM BAUER CONVERSION TO LOW-INPUT TURFGRASS BAUER & ORSHINSKY PLANT DEFENSE MARY MEYER 10 PLANTS THAT CHANGED MINNESOTA UM FELLOWSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND ORSHINSKY PATHOLOGIST POSITION TREE TRUST - GRAVEL BEDS TREE TRUST - GREEN TEENS OTHER

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

65,000

65,000

60,000

60,000

70,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 47,000 37,114 60,500

49,715

60,000

30,000

2,750 4,077 13,000 10,000 20,000 20,000 15,000 15,000 12,000 15,000 10,000 26,000 10,415 7,400 10,000 10,000

20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 9,625 10,000 10,000 10,000 25,000 21,056 20,000 20,000 20,000 15,000 11,000 17,000 5,000

7,250 9,975 6,250 5,500 5,500 3,500 900

3,500

2,000

3,000 15,733 10,518 500 10,000 10,000 5,000

10,000

5,000

3,540 3,250 5,000

2,000

2,000

500

3,000

5,000 4,000 4,000 5,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 65,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 1,198

TOTALS 82,500 70,000 50,000 65,000 100,000 106,250 134,715 120,000 120,000 110,000 89,000 110,790 85,000 76,000 71,014 138,000 38,113 75,508 89,095 118,500 81,056

SPRING 2025

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The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) has now donated $2,019,791 towards Minnesota turf and grounds research primarily at the University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota | Crookston.

This year, three gifts were awarded totalling $82,500 to UMN Turfgrass Extension, UMN Department of Forest Resources, UMN Department of Plant Pathology and the UMN|Crookston golf and sports turf program.

The UMN Turfgrass Extension, headed by Dr. Eric Watkins, Jon Trappe, Ph.D. and Dr. Dominic Petrella, received $45,000 to go towards continued operations at TROE Center along with turfgrass research.

Ryan Murphy, Department of Forest Resources, along with Ben Held and Robert Blanchette, Department of Plant Pathology, received $27,500 to go towards youth engagment in tree climbing along with continued research on Dutch Elm Disease. New equipment is continually upgraded when possible with the help of these funds.

Dr. Kristina Walker, UMN | Crookston, received $10,000 for focused research on turf for golf and other sports i.e. football fields, soccer fields and baseball fields.

The mission of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation is to promote the green industry in Minnesota through support of research, education and outreach at the University of Minnesota and elsewhere. The MTGF pursues its mission in various ways. One of these is an annual "Call For Proposals," titled the "MTGF Research Gift Program," whereby researchers, instructors and outreach faculty and staff involved in turf and grounds work may submit requests for unrestricted gifts to support their activities.

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MPSFMA NEWS 9

Support the MTGF in Its Mission to Help Fund Green Industry Research and Youth Engagement!

Turf and grounds professionals in Minnesota and beyond have benefited greatly from innovative research funded by the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation.

Since 2001, we have donated over $1.75 million to the University of Minnesota (this is over $88,000 per year!). This funding has helped build strong applied research programs focused on turf and landscape management. The ongoing support from the MTGF has given these research programs a foundation from which to seek larger grants that generate new approaches to landscape management that help sustain our industry. Unfortunately, this past year has created a challenge for the MTGF as our primary revenue sources, Northern Green, which is a joint effort between MTGF and the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, was not

held in person and therefore did not generate sufficient income from which to make our annual donations for research.

To continue our important role in support of turf and grounds research, we are asking for donations from individual MTGF members. In a normal year, you would’ve contributed to our efforts by attending the Northern Green, where you would have learned from leading horticultural educators, visited with vendors on the impressive trade show floor, and networked with your fellow green industry professionals. This year, you can have a positive impact by making a donation to help the MTGF continue our mission of funding research, outreach, and education for the turf and grounds professionals.

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We hope you see this as an investment, one that will bring great returns in the form of new knowledge, more sustainable practices, and forward-looking approaches to maintain green spaces.If you are a member of one of seven allied associations, you automatically are considered member of the MTGF. MTGF has no membership fees associated with being a member or vendor member. However, you receive the full benefits through the mission of the MTGF. The MTGF Board is made up of two individuals from each of the seven allied associations plus two vendor members. The seven MTGF allied associations are:

s Bee Lawn Seed Mixture s Sod Quality (yellow tag) Kentucky Bluegrass Blend s Native Grass & Wildflower Seed s Erosion Control Products s Fertilizer s Creeping Bentgrass Seed s Fine Fescue Seed s Custom Seed Mixing

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www.twincityseed.com 10 MPSFMA NEWS

Funding provided by the MTGF through your participation has been able to leverage millions of more dollars for turf and grounds research. The ramification was felt when the MTGF had to decide to put a hold on research grant funding for 2021 in hopes that we can return to normal in time for the 2022 funding season. Your attendance at the 2024 Northern Green helps is key. The Green Industry as a whole has been rewarded year after year through the research dollars granted by the MTGF and we are now asking for extra help to be able to continue this same success.

Please visit the MTGF website (www.mtgf.org/donations) where you can find additional information on how you can donate to additional turf and grounds research.

SPRING 2025

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UMN|Crookston Competes in 2025 Student Challenge at SFMA Conference "I want to extend a congratulations to the University of Minnesota-Crookston Turf Bowl Team that competed in the Student Challenge at the National SFMA Conference on January 15th , 2025 in Palm Springs, California. It was great to see a team from Minnesota compete in the Student Challenge,” said MPSFMA President Trenton Waters.

“This achievement is a testament to your passion and commitment to excellence in the turf management field.”

—Trenton Waters Waters added “this achievement is a testament to your passion and commitment to excellence in the turf management field. The experience you've gained will undoubtedly serve you well as you continue your journey in the turf management field. Keep up the amazing work and continue to represent the U of M Crookston with pride. The future of turf management is in great hands with talented teams like yours."

From left to right: Aaron Norland, Connor O'Donoghue, Zach Larson, Quincy Squires, and Devin Messina.

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SPRING 2025

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BOWLING FUNDRAISERS HAVE RAISED MORE THAN $10,000

OFFICERS

Sofie Aspaas Receives MTGF|MNLA Foundation Scholarship for 2025 One student in the Turf Management program at University of Minnesota – Twin Cites recently received a scholarship sponsored by the Minnesota Turf and Grounds (MTGF) Foundation, and Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) Foundation. The scholarship recipient is Sofie Aspaas (Hurston, Texas). This scholarship was designed by MTGF and MNLA Foundation joint fundraiser for turf management scholarships.

The scholarship program recognizes superior students enrolled in horticultural and turf management studies programs in area colleges and universities. The purpose of the scholarship is to help grow future leaders in the nursery and landscape industry and strives to Improve the environment by investing in research and education.

Sofie is very passionate about nature and our environment. “I chose landscape architecture as my major because it allows me to study a wide range of subjects relating to the environment, including sustainability, horticulture, environmental policy, and more, while getting creative opportunities to solve environmental issues through design. These factors also led me to begin my work with the UMN Turfgrass Science Program as a research assistant.” Sofie will graduate in 2026 and plans to start her career as a landscape designer and planner in the Twin Cities area for public works and parks.

PRESIDENT TRENTON WATERS Minnesota Twins | Target Field VICE PRESIDENT MARSHALL SYVERTSEN City of Edina 2nd VICE PRESIDENT NATHAN WILLIAMSON University of Northwestern | St. Paul TREASURER ROGER WEINBRENNER, CSFM Minnesota Sodding Company PAST PRESIDENT DEREK HOLLANITSCH City of Saint Paul GENERAL MEMBER DIRECTOR LUKE WITTROCK, University of Minnesota KYLE LARSON, Minnesota Vikings COMMERCIAL MEMBER DIRECTORS TOM O’HERN, Pioneer Athletics PAULA SLIEFERT MTGF REPRESENTATIVES MARK KRUSE, CSFM, City of Lakeville BEN BOEDING, CSFM, Reinders, Inc. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY JEFF TURTINEN www.mpsfma.org

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14 MPSFMA NEWS

SPRING 2025

Sports Field Manager of the Year - Award Application PURPOSE To recognize a Sports Field Manager for their professional ability and contribution to the sports field industry in Minnesota.

To show gratitude to an individual for their efforts in leading the sports field industry into the future by creating safe, quality fields for athletes of all ages. The Minnesota Parks and Sports Field Managers Association wishes to promote excellence in management of sports fields for the citizens and athletes of Minnesota. If you feel you are one of the best Sports Field Managers in the state, please apply.

CRITERIA •Involved in a management role in the sports field industry (Does not need to be Head Groundskeeper or Parks Supervisor) •Engaged in regular professional development activities •Level of contribution by the field manager to the sports turf industry •Displays outstanding performance in any one of several key categories, suggested but not limited to:  Community contribution and outreach  Commitment to professional development  Environmental stewardship  Health and safety  Project management  Workplace improvements  Other •Previous recipients may re-apply if all requirements are met DIRECTIONS Please type or print clearly all information requested below. In addition to this award application, each nomination must be accompanied with a minimum of five (5) digital photos of the field/facility, summary of maintenance practices, and number of grounds employees.

NOMINATION FORM Name: Name of school, park district, or agency: Address:

City:

Phone #

State:

Zip:

Email:

Reference name: Reference phone number: Please provide a letter of explanation on why you should be recognized as MPSFMA Sports Field Manager of the Year. Supplementary information detailing why you meet the criteria and the particulars of why you should be considered for the Sports Field Manager of the Year Award.

I certify that the information in these nomination papers is true, current and complete. I understand that nomination materials may be used for publication in the MPSFMA News Magazine, website, and at the Annual Meeting.

Signature of nominee Mail all nomination materials to:

16 MPSFMA NEWS

Trent Waters 1 Twins Way Minneapolis, MN 55403

Email all nomination material to: Trent Waters trentonwaters@twins.com Please have the nomination form/materials submitted by October 31, 2025

SPRING 2025

L AW N C A R E + S P O RT S T U R F

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY. FOR PROFESSIONAL RESULTS. COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT APPLICATION Does Your Baseball/Softball/Soccer/Football Field or Playground Need to be Renovated?

The Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association has the answers! We will select a field from entries submitted and provide the labor for the renovation project. Some materials will be donated or provided at a reduced cost. Volunteers from your organization will be needed to perform the renovation project as well as to care for the field after the renovations are complete.

POSSIBLE RENOVATION IDEAS + Seeding + Sodding + Topdressing + Aerifying + Mounds + Homeplate + Skinned Areas + Irrigation Repair + Grass Areas + Field Layout ENTER YOUR FIELD BY COMPLETING THE FORM BELOW

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 15, 2023

Organization: _______________________________________________________________________ Name of Field: ______________________________________________________________________ Address of Field: ____________________________________________________________________ User groups (numbers, ages, sports) _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What do you want done to your field? ____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Why is the project needed? Safety issues? Field issues? _____________________________________ Whether a rough-and-tumble pro football field or high-use municipal fields, we know __________________________________________________________________________________ you need it green, pristine and resilient. Our experienced sales team can help you achieve green space youafter need with our extensive product availability, exceptional Who will do the the regular maintenance completion? _______________________________________ service, research-based solutions and data-driven insights. __________________________________________________________________________________ What is the window of time for renovation? ________________________________________________ What is the field's history? (age, maintenance, irrigation, uniqueness, etc.) _______________________ Contact info of person doing current maintenance: Field Maintenance Contact: ____________________________________________________________ CONTACT YOUR HERITAGE PPG REP TO AMVAC • Aquatrols • Bayer • BASF • BioSafe SEE HOW WE CAN DELIVER FOR YOU. CellPhone: ______________________________Email: _____________________________________ BioWorks • Civitas • Control Solutions • Corteva Nick Wilz Envu • FMC • Grigg • MGK • Nufarm • PBI Gordon MPSTMA Member Sponsor (not mandatory for submission) _________________________________ 612.719.7680 ProPeat • Redox • Sepro • Syngenta nick.wilz@heritageppg.com E-MAIL photos to: jeff.turtinen@mpsfma.org or mail to: Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association P. O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391 © Call Mike McDonald CSFM at (612) 328-5812 with questions about this project.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT APPLICATION Does Your Baseball/Softball/Soccer/Football Field or Playground Need to be Renovated?

The Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association has the answers! We will select a field from entries submitted and provide the labor for the renovation project. Some materials will be donated or provided at a reduced cost. Volunteers from your organization will be needed to perform the renovation project as well as to care for the field after the renovations are complete.

POSSIBLE RENOVATION IDEAS + Seeding + Sodding + Topdressing + Aerifying + Mounds + Homeplate + Skinned Areas + Irrigation Repair + Grass Areas + Field Layout ENTER YOUR FIELD BY COMPLETING THE FORM BELOW

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 1, 2024 APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 10

Organization: _______________________________________________________________________ Name of Field: ______________________________________________________________________ Address of Field: ____________________________________________________________________ User groups (numbers, ages, sports) _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What do you want done to your field? ____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Why is the project needed? Safety issues? Field issues? _____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Who will do the regular maintenance after completion? _______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What is the window of time for renovation? ________________________________________________ What is the field's history? (age, maintenance, irrigation, uniqueness, etc.) _______________________ Contact info of person doing current maintenance: Field Maintenance Contact: ____________________________________________________________ CellPhone: ______________________________Email: _____________________________________ MPSTMA Member Sponsor (not mandatory for submission) _________________________________ E-MAIL photos to: jeff.turtinen@mpsfma.org or mail to: Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association P. O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391 Call Mike McDonald CSFM at (612) 328-5812 with questions about this project.

18 MPSFMA NEWS SPRING 2025

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“Thank you to the University of Minnesota/Crookston Turfgrass students for spending the day with us at Target Field.

We appreciated your interest, enthusiasm and great questions—it was a pleasure having you out on the field with us!” said Trenton Waters, MPSFMA President and Minnesota Twins grounds manager. Waters is pictured third from the left.

SPRING 2025

MPSFMA NEWS 21

TURFCO|MPSFMA FIELD OF THE YEAR APPLICATION CRITERIA

2025

+ Active Member of MPSFMA + Located in the State of Minnesota. + Resourcefulness of staff, budget, maintenance practices, challenges in management of field. + Condition and aesthetics of the athletic field. + Number and type of games and/or events. + Previous recipients may re-apply if all requirements/applications are met.

Information Requested (use additional sheet if necessary) + School, Park District or Agency owning this Field: + Name of Field / Complex: + Street Address: + Age of Field: + Type of Field (Baseball, Football, Soccer, Lacrosse, etc.): + Natural Grass or Synthetic Turf? + Size of Field in acres: + Overall Maintenance Acreage: + Annual Maintenance Budget for this Field: + Number of full time staff employed to maintain field: + Number of seasonal staff employed to maintain field: + What type of irrigation? __ Automatic __ Manual __ Both __ None + Does your field have sports lighting? + Type of equipment used to maintain your field: + Type of maintenance program you employ (fertilization, aeration, topdressing, seeding, etc.): + How many months or days of the year is your field used? + Number of games played on your field or throughout your facility: + Besides sports, what other type of events are held on your field? + What special maintenance challenges have you encountered? + Why do you think your field is one of the best?

Signature: ____________________________________________ ___________ Date: ______________________ Note: Typing in Signature is accepted. I certify that the information on this form and in the accompanying entry is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that no material will be returned and may be used for publication and promotional purposes.

Send completed entries and photos to: MPSFMA, P.O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391 Or email to: jeff.turtinen@mpsfma.org

22 MPSFMA NEWS

www.mpsfma.org

SPRING 2025

MANAGED TURF SOLUTIONS

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Since 1932, the Ramy family has provided the upper Midwest with some of the highest quality seed materials available anywhere and we always will. We are here as a partner, not just a supplier, because we know it’s your success that will allow our success.

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RETURNING OCT. 7, 2025!

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SAVE THE DATE! October 7, 2025

2

SAME VENUE! Aldrich Arena + Grounds (1850 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109)

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FREE PARKING! There are large parking lots onsite, and over昀ow parking across St. Paul Rd at Woodland Hills Church.

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Consider a Career in Sports Field Management Managing sports fields as a career is a rewarding and significant occupation. Join a profession that is growing and will endure as long as there are sports!

This is an ideal career if you: (just be interested in one or more of the following and you are a solid fit for this profession!) s Enjoy the outdoors s Are involved in sports and want to stay involved s Consider yourself a sports fan s Want to use emerging technology such as drones, GPS, robotic equipment, and hi-tech turf apps s Care about protecting the environment s Interested in the art and science of creating and maintaining beautiful and safe fields for athletes s High School, Vo-Tech or University education programs in agriculture, landscaping design or maintenance How to Pursue s Traditional education s Attend a 2-year or 4-year collegiate program majoring in turfgrass management s Non-traditional: s Take SFMA 101 on-line FREE Certificate Course (just need to be a student member at $30). Go to sportsfieldmanagement.org. Students have one year to complete the course; some students finish it in one week! Each student who completes the course will receive a certificate of course completion. Achieving the certificate will prepare you to start a career at a sports field. s Local College or University online Certification in Sports Field Management . s Online Certification at non-local College or University. s Apprentice at a sports field.

Job Outlook There are more than 50 million acres of turfgrass in the United States, and the green industry is projected to be a $147 billion dollar industry. The environmental horticulture industry, which includes the turfgrass industry, is one of the fastest growing segments of the nation’s agriculSPRING 2025

tural economy with an estimated 1,964,339 jobs. It is estimated that there are more than 1 million sports fields in the United States. With more than 300 professional facilities, 3,500 colleges & universities, 7,800 parks and recreation districts, and 20,000+ school districts, jobs in the sports field management profession are abundant.

Salary The average starting salary for a first assistant is $44,000.

MPSFMA The Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association is an affiliated chapter of the national professional association, Sports Field Management Association (SFMA).

Its more than 2,700 members oversee facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums. Sports include football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, rugby and horse racing.

Sportsfield Management.org; @FieldExperts

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