MTGF CLIPPINGS - FALL/WINTER 2021

MTGF Clippings OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA TURF AND GROUNDS FOUNDATION VOL. 29,, NO. 2 FALL / WINTER 2021

PRESIDENT’S REPORT The Business of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation

By JAMIE BEZANSON President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers President Jamie Bezanson Highland Park GC, MGCSA Vice President Sam Bauer Ramy Turf, MPSTMA Secretary/Treasurer Tom Redmann Consultant, MASMS Treasurer Steve Balfany Balfany Farms, MTA Ex-Officio Matt Cavanaugh Rush Creek GC, MGCSA Directors

MASMS

Tracy Closson Northfield Schools

MAC

Dave Kemp The Catholic Cemeteries

MAC

Dominic Pierre Union Cemeteries

MGCSA

Michael Sonnek Royal Golf Club

MPSTMA

Joshua Gerth, CSFM Bethel University

MSA

Manuel Jordán Heritage Shade Tree Consultants

MSA

Chad Giblin City Forester

MTA

Bryan Lawrence Rocket Turf & Nursery

MTSC

Brent Benike Northern Excellence Seed

MTSC

Richard Magnusson Magnusson Farms

Vendor Representative Jim O’Neill EcoWorks Supply

Vendor Representative Andy Keating Twin City Seed Company

UM Representative Dr. Eric Watkins University of Minnesota

‘Curious’ — Eager to know or learn something I like to think of myself as a curious person which I suppose doesn’t make me unique as I believe most people are curious by nature. I often find my-self pondering the who, what, when, where, why and how’s of a multitude of things. There are so many questions to be answered and I’m realistic enough to realize I don’t have the time or energy to figure everything out. It’s impossible for one person to know everything in the world. I heard someone say once that the more you know the more you realize how little you know. I also heard, what makes one person more successful than the next person is that they are smart enough to recognize what they don’t know but are resourceful enough to find the person that can help discover the solution to their question. There is an abundance of naive idiots in this world who think they know everything. We need open minded individuals who are willing to ask tough questions and do research to continue to move forward. There are plenty of focused professionals out there who are very proficient at their craft and we need those people in our community.

We as a civilization continue to evolve our knowledge through trial and error, observation, investigation and conversation. We live in a world that is exceedingly complex where knowledge increases your probability for success.

Fortunately, we are living in a period of time where information has never been exchanged more freely. The invention of the internet and the world wide web allows for a seemingly endless amount of data. There is a wealth of useless information out there as well, but if you are willing to focus your search on a topic there is probably info available to consume. Most of us have the capacity to accumulate knowledge and wisdom which increases our likelihood of success.

While research may often be inconclusive there are still dedicated intellects who are willing to keep exploring the outcomes of their questions. I applaud the efforts and perseverance because, when a solution is found, it has the potential to dramatically impact everyone’s quality of life.

As President of the MTGF, I have the opportunity of being involved with the process of which research projects are funded and I’m appreciative of their initiative to keep moving forward. The MTGF continues to seek your support (See Back Cover) to help keep the University of Minnesota researchers’ curiosity engaged in these projects. At the end of the day we all benefit from their curiosity.

Sincerely,

* * * *

Executive Director Jeff Turtinen 763-703-4983 jeff.turtinen@mtgf.org P. O. Box 617 Wayzata, MN 55391

www.mtgf.org

Jamie Bezanson President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation

2 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL / WINTER 2021

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. www.MTGF.org

The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation, a non-profit organization, is a partnership of seven turf- and grounds-related associations and the University of Minnesota. Members of the following associations are also considered members of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation.

4 4 4 4

Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota

Society of Arboriculture Association of Cemeteries Park & Sports Turf Managers Association Educational Facilities Management Professionals

4 Minnesota Sod Producers 4 Minnesota Turf Seed Council 4 Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association

Inside this Issue of MTGF Clippings: 2

President’s Report: The Business of the MTGF

By Jamie Bezanson, Highland Golf Course

5

UMN Grounds & Parks Field Day Recap

By Maggie Reiter, University of Minnesota

9

Two Circle Pines Fields Renovated at MPSTMA Community Service Project

10 Don’t Let Today’s Supply Chain Challenges Hold You Hostage

By Joe Churchill, Reinders, Inc.

12 2022 Northern Green Daily Schedule 14 Master Classes Available January 11 At Minneapolis Convention Center During the Northern Green 15 MTGF Master Class: Doing More With Less

By Sam Bauer, Ramy Turf

17 Silent Auction at Northern Green “Donate or Bid” 17 1st Annual Green Industry Bowling Tournament 19 Help the MTGF Continue to Fund TROE Center Operations and Turf & Grounds Research at the U

www.MTGF.org

ABOUT THE COVER: The UMN Field Day that focused on golf courses on September 9 was well received by those in attendance. The group had golf course superintendents, architects, and affiliated industry. Topics for the golf audience included a demonstration of WinterTurf sensors, research about biostimulants for putting greens, and cultivar trials for golf greens and fairways.

MTGF Clippings Advertisers 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 15 16 18

McCarthy Well Company Plaisted Companies Gertens Frontier Ag Magic Turf Hartman Companies Eco Works Supply SMSC Organics Recycling Facility Ziegler CAT The Tessman Company

FALL / WINTER 2021 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 3

2021 UMN Grounds & Parks Field Day Recap

By Maggie Reiter University of Minnesota

Eric Watkins discussing turfgrass species and cultivar evaluations.

Our UMN Turfgrass Field Day for grounds and parks audiences took place on September 10 at the Turfgrass Research and Outreach Education Center in St. Paul. The 2-hour event featured research projects and a lineup of UMN speakers including: 1) Summary of turfgrass cultivar evaluations—Eric Watkins

2) Managing turfgrass under shade stress— Dominic Petrella 3) Performance of turfgrasses subjected to drought—Florence Sessoms 4) Rhizome formation in fine fescues—Nicole Mihelich 5) Selecting turfgrass for roadside environments— Dominic Christensen 6) Crabgrass control with natural and organic products—Maggie Reiter 7) Allelopathy and weed suppression in fine fescues—Florence Sessoms 8) Social science discussion of artificial turfgrass use—Michael Barnes We hosted 30 attendees; the group consisted of turfgrass managers from city, college, and cemetery groups, sales and manufacturing representatives, and keep an eye on MTGF channels for announcements about turfgrass field days. In the future we will showcase research related to fine fescue grasses, technology for irrigation management, natural and organic weed control, and ways to reduce pesticide use.

Florence Sessoms showing research on turfgrass mixtures under drought stress.

www.MTGF.org

(Continued on Page 6) FALL/WINTER 2021 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 5

Grounds & Parks Field Day-

UMN Turfgrass Extension Supporters and Funders

(Continued from Page 5)

Post-event survey respondents said the event was efficient, informative, and enjoyable. Over 94% of respondents said they increased their understanding of maintaining turfgrass during drought, selecting the right grass species, and managing turfgrass in shade. Several said they would change their management practices to select better grasses for drought or shade, reduce inputs of fertilizer and mowing, and communicate the latest information to their clientele.

We will do this again next year, so keep an eye on MTGF channels for announcements about turfgrass field days. In the future we will showcase research related to fine fescue grasses, technology for irrigation management, natural and organic weed control, and ways to reduce pesticide use.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and to all our supporters and funders over the years.

Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association Minnesota Park & Sports Turf Managers Association Minnesota Turf Seed Council United States Golf Association Minnesotya Department of Agriculture Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission Winfield United Reinders, Inc. Syngenta Corteva MIDC Enterprises MTI Distributing, Inc. Ramy Turf Frontieer Ag and Turf DLF Pure Seed Simplot Barenbrug EC Grow The Andersons Sustane Grigg The Toro Company Rain Bird Hunter Rachio Clesens Plaisted Companies, Inc. SiteOne Landscape Supply Superior Turf Services Hinspergers Poly Industries

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Two Circle Pines Little League Fields Renovated At 2021 MPSTMA Community Service Project For the 13th time Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association members renovated two adjacent Little League Fields in Circle Pines. The two fields, Carl Eck Field and Lion Field, were in dire need of renovation as the fields will host the 8-9 year old 2022 Little League State Championships.

CSP leader Mike McDonald, CSFM, who made sure all volunteers were busy. The Mound and Home Plate areas were renovated and the infield grass on both fields were replaced. McDonald has been the driving force of all 13 renovations.

Magic Turf’s Jerrod Brunelle did prep work on the renovation prior to the September 15 project and provided equipment and supplies and labor for this year’s CSP. The scope of MPSTMA’s involvement consisted of the building of two little league mounds with clay bricks/ag-

Joshua Gerth, a Certified Sports Field Manager at Bethel University, pictured front left, helped rebuild the homeplate area. Gerth is currently on both the MTGF and MPSTMA Board of Directors.

More than 30 MPSTMA members and about 25 local volunteers worked together and proved that numbers make the job go faster. Both fields were completed by early afternoon and volunteers went home after lunch.

Current MTGF Vice President Sam Bauer, Ramy Turf, volunteered his time at the MPSTMA Community Service Project in Circle Pines, MN.

lime; installation of rubber mats in both home plate areas; installing base anchors on both fields, and the sodding and grooming of both infields.

Special thanks to our commercial members who supplied equipment and product for the project. These vendors include: HLS Outdoor: 20 bags of Dura Edge Pro Drying Agent; Minnesota Twins: 1 case of I-25 irrigation heads and some field rakes; City of Lakeville: Two pallets of a 28-0-0 100% UMAXX fertilizer; Ramy Turf: One Bag of Athletic Grass Seed Mix, 70% blue 30% rye; MTI Distributing: One Workman Utility Vehicle; The Tessman Company: One pallet of turface clay bricks and two bags of athletic grass seed mix, and MagicTurf: Assisted with Ag-lime areas and pre-CSP work. www.MTGF.org

FALL/WINTER 2021 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 9

Don’t Let Today’s Supply Chain Challenges Hold You Hostage

By JOE CHURCHILL Reinders, Inc.

Last January, we began feeling the pinch associated with increased product costs and availability on everything from copy paper and office furniture to fleet vehicles and fertilizer. Initially, it created significant angst and frustration as we tried to sustain a normal work environment. We were told these “novel” supply chain issues would begin working themselves out by the end of the Second Quarter.

Here we are almost a year later and product availability continues to affect our businesses and prices continue to skyrocket. In some cases, products just aren’t available. A 6 to 12-month wait on big-ticket items has become the norm. What was perceived as a real dilemma less than a year ago has now become commonplace.

We just shrug our shoulders and accept it.

But now, as if matters weren’t bad enough, labor shortages have made things even worse.

Whether you’re trying to make a reservation at a favorite restaurant or attempting to keep your clients happy as you ask your skeletal staff to do more with less, keeping your business fully staffed has perhaps eclipsed any challenges around supply chain issues.

And what about the supply chain outlook? Pretty much more of the same forecasted well into 2022. As the U.S. economy rebounds from almost two years of pandemic shutdown, manufacturers, distribution companies and logistic providers are having a difficult time keeping up.

There’s still a lot of cargo ships filled with containers bobbing of the California coast waiting for their turn to get unloaded. The goods have arrived and consumers are poised to buy as we approach the holiday season.

So if neither supply nor demand is an issue, where’s the problem? The fly in the ointment is in the logistics. Dockworker shortages and an anemic transportation system hobbled by not enough truck drivers and an inefficient rail system unable to get the product from seaports to distributors and retailers in a timely fashion are the weak links in the supply chain.

Is this the new normal?

10 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL/WINTER 2021

How long will this continue?

As a friend of mine says, “Some days chicken salad.

Some days chicken doo-doo” [she actually used a more colorful descriptor here]. So, what then do we do-do?

There are ways you can manage challenges associated with supply chain issues. Some of these suggestions may fall into the common sense category but bear with me. · Get your mind right. Focus on managing those things in which you have control. Some things simply are not, like what you pay for something or how quickly you receive a product or service you purchased. And the big one- you can’t control other people. They will show up as their authentic self. People are judged by their actions, not by what they tell you. Connect with someone you feel you can trust rather than someone who is elusive and not forthcoming.

Work with those who under-promise and over-deliver rather than the other way around. · Look for alternative ways of doing things. We are all creatures of habit. Now is not the time to get stuck in a comfortable routine. That won’t serve you well during bizarre times like these. Look for creative ways of doing things or alternative products that are easier, quicker to get and cheaper to use. And remember, sometimes products that cost more will save you money somewhere else. Don’t get stuck on price. Taking these steps may not be your first choice, but they may bridge the gap as you wait for relief. · Look for ways to save labor. Consider outsourcing some services if possible. You may discover a new business partner in doing so.

Plan ahead!

Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase consumables and other products you need to run your business.

We have all been lulled into “just-in-time” thinking. We purchase something on Monday and expect to have it on Wednesday. That has worked in the past and hopefully, we’ll get back to that.

But right now, you better project ahead.

(Continued on Page 11) www.MTGF.org

Supply Chain Challenges-

Make a few concessions. Temporarily lower some expectations and increase thresholds around what is (Continued from Page 10) acceptable. Downplay perfection and embrace “that’s good enough this time.” Practice patience and empathy. Your Look for ways to save labor. Consider outsourcing personal and business health will thank you. And your cussome services if possible. You may discover a new business tomers & clients will understand. partner in doing so.

There’s a silver lining to this ugly pandemic and the Plan ahead! supply chain quandary it has Don’t wait until the last created. It has forced us to minute to purchase consumdo things differently. ables and other products you It has grudgingly made us need to run your business. change the way we operate We have all been lulled our businesses. These are into “just-in-time” thinking. changes we would have We purchase something on never thought about unless Monday and expect to have we hadn’t been backed into a it on Wednesday. That has corner. We have discovered worked in the past and hopethat some of these new ways fully, we’ll get back to that. have now become the right But right now, you better way. The smart way. project ahead.

There is no better Look at what you need time than now to in 8 to 10 weeks and plan rethink the way you run some of those purchases your business or do your now. job. This is a “When life For those of us in the gives you lemons, make Green Industry, start lemonade” moment. taking Integrated Pest Embrace it. Collaborate - Joe Churchill Management (IPM) with your peers, business more seriously. Embrace partners and suppliers to cultural practices and reduce find ways to do things differinputs when doing so will ently. Not just in the not compromise results or expectations. Focus your efforts moment, but for years to come. on sustainability. Look at water management, using less The holidays are approaching, Amazon is ready. Are fertilizer and fewer pesticides, carefully select plant materi- you? al and turfgrass species that need less of everything. Go (Editor’s Note: Joe Churchill has been involved in the green by converting combustible engine machinery to batMinnesota turfgrass industry since the 1980s and has served on tery-powered where it makes sense. If you haven’t already, the Boards of MGCSA, MPSTMA and MTGF throughout many of go paperless. those years. Joe is a representative of Reinders, Inc.)

“There is no better time than now to rethink the way you run your business or do your job.

This is a ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade’ moment.”

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Geoff Jordan (218) 213-2390 FALL/WINTER 2021 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 11

WEDNESDAY AT-A-GLANCE Some session titles and other details subject to change.

7:30 AM University of Minnesota Turf Research Update 8:20 AM Eric Watkins

1:15 PM 1:45 PM

Grow the GC: Plant Demos/Merchandising Contest GC Area

1:45 PM 2:15 PM

Allianz Field—The Beginning Years, Pt. 2 Ryan Moy | Theater Overview of Federal and State Legislative Priorities Forrest Cyr, Tim Malooly | Lakeshore

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Long-Term Performance of Urban Trees Eric North Drip Line Installation John Raffiani Naturalistic Planting and Ecology Tony Spencer – Streaming MDA Industrial Hemp Program and Industry Outlook Tony Cortile, Margaret Wiatrowski, Katherine Mutschler Communicating with Customers about Pesticides and Fertilizer | Dave Gardner GCSAA BMP’s Workshop, Pt. 2 Emily Fuger

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Hardscape Live! – How to Significantly Increase Paver and Slabs E ciency | Frank Bourque | Sandbox

2:00 PM 4:00 PM

INTERACTIVE TRACK PT. 2: Heartsaver® CPR AED Training Training provided by CPR professionals

2:20 PM 2:50 PM

The Meme Generation: Understanding Millenials from a Millenial Perspective Ryan McEnaney | Theater Health and Wellness: Recognizing Mental Health Issues in the Work Environment | Lakeshore Plants for Dry Shade | Mike Heger | Backyard

3:00 PM 3:30 PM

Contractor Horror Stories – How a Simple Project Can Cost You Thousands | Roger Axel | Theater The Top 10 Green Industry Legal Issues You Need to Know About!

Zlimen & McGuiness | Lakeshore Irrigation 101 Hunter Rep | Backyard

3:10 PM 4:10 PM

Tropicals Irvin Etienne Estimating Landscape Projects, Pt. 2 Kevin Kehoe Small Trees for Urban Landscapes Jason Rathe Jumping Worms Lee Freilich, Jim Calkins Virtual Consultations—What You Should Know Panel The Economics of Crabgrass and Nutsedge Control – Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck | Dave Gardner

4:20 PM 4:50 PM

Edible Ornamental Perennials Neil Anderson | Theater Tree Pruning 101 Lakeshore How Do Residents Compare Artificial vs. Natural Turfgrass?

Mike Barnes | Backyard

8:30 AM OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Recharge and Stress Less: 9:45 AM Beating Burnout Before It Brutally Beats You!

Dr. Jermaine Davis | Main Aud

10:00 AM 5:00 PM Trade Show Open 10:00 AM Estimating Landscape Projects, Pt. 1 11:00 AM Kevin Kehoe

Alternative Water Sources for Landscape Irrigation John Raffiani Keeping New Gardeners Gardening Julie Weisenhorn Wildscaping: Explorations in Naturalistic Planting Design Tony Spencer – Streaming GCSAA BMPs Workshop, Pt. 1 Emily Fuger Disease Resistant Elms Ben Held 10:00 AM INTERACTIVE TRACK PT. 1: Heartsaver CPR AED Training 12:00 PM Training provided by CPR professionals ®

10:05 AM Outdoor Lighting and Its Effects on Plants & Insects, Pt. 1 10:35 AM Theater

Walkthrough of the New Minnesota Turfgrass Decision-Making Dashboard | Maggie Reiter | Lakeshore MNLA Certification Exam Study Tips Certi昀cation Task Team | GC Area

10:40 AM Outdoor Lighting and Its Effects on Plants & Insects, Pt. 2 11:10 AM Theater

MNLA 101 Patrick McGuiness | Lakeshore Research for the Real World—The Year in Review Jim Calkins | Backyard 11:00 AM MN Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo 12:00 PM Sandbox 11:15 AM Grow the GC: Plant Demos/Merchandising Contest 12:15 PM GC Area 11:20 AM Bee Lawn Installation and Management 11:50 AM James Wol昀n | Theater

Professional Gardening Industry Chat Backyard

12:00 PM Hardscape Live! – Hardscape Tools & Technologies 1:00 PM Frank Bourque | Sandbox 12:15 PM Understanding the Biology and Management of Japanese 1:00 PM Beetle in Minnesota | Dominique Ebbenga | Theater

Landscape Design Industry Chat | Lakeshore Golf Topic TBD Backyard 1:00 PM 1:30 PM

Allianz Field—The Beginning Years, Pt. 1 Ryan Moy | Theater Arborist/Tree Care Industry Chat Lakeshore Dogwoods for Minnesota Gardens Debbie Lonnee | Backyard

COLOR KEY: Session in Seminar Room Session on Trade Show Floor Premium Content (upgrade required)

Education Generously Supported By:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

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January 11, 2022 MTGF Master Class at Minneapolis Convention Center

“DOING MORE WITH LESS” (Editor’s Note: Registration for the MTGF Master Class ios available at www.northern green.org) The 2022 MTGF Master Class will take place on Tuesday, January 11 from 9am-4pm with a focus on “doing more with less.”

Turf and grounds managers are constantly faced with the challenge of providing a high quality product with the least amount of resource and labor inputs.

As the price of fertilizer, plant health products, labor, and irrigation (to name a few) continue to increase, a focus must be placed on "Doing More with Less."

In this master class, attendees will learn about some of the most important maintenance practices for tree and turf care.

Attendees will leave with a list of strategies that they can implement to improve their bottom line, while improving plant health and playability.

The agenda is at the right:

www.MTGF.org

MASTER CLASS AGENDA 9:00 am "Soil and Fertility Programming; What You Need and Don't Need" Dr. Doug Soldat, UW-Madison 10:00 am "IPM Programs and Pesticide Use Reduction in Horticulture" Marissa Schuh, UMN Extension 11:00 am "Getting the Most from Your Staff" Matt Cavanaugh, Rush Creek Golf Club Noon - Lunch 1:00 pm "Minimal Maintenance Woody Plants; Selection and Maintenance Practices" John Ball SDSU 2:00 pm "Irrigation in the Land of 10,000 Lakes; Drought of 2021, Efforts to Change Consumer Habits," Shane Evans, UMN Turf 3:00 pm "Practical Applications For Low Maintenance Turf” Ross Braun, Purdue

FALL/WINTER 2021 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 15

The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation and the MNLA Foundation want to thank our past supporters who donated items to support scholarships, research, and career development for the Minnesota Green Industry. We are excited to kick off the new year with one of our signature fundraisers. This annual event attracts hundreds of attendees and is a perfect way to showcase your business or product, while supporting the important work of the Foundation! Auction funds are used to invest in the future of the green industry by providing scholarships to college students pursuing careers. You do not need to attend Northern Green to contribute or bid and thanks to today’s online auction software, virtual and in-person audience can enjoy plenty of benefits.

Donate and Bid anywhere with our online auction tool.

Benefits You will be able to include your company logo and contact information for further exposure as well as linking viewers to your website. We will publicly acknowledge you and your organization in the MNLA SCOOP and Northern Green marketing outlets. Your name and logo will be listed in the Catalog of Items. Donations have the option of being collected right from your business, giving you the opportunity to build more relationships with potential customers. Your donation will receive a charitable tax donation receipt.

How the Silent Auction Works Your donation will be listed online and at Northern Green longer, over 10 days! Since it’s virtual bidding, most items won’t actually be physical at Northern Green, rather a displayed description, photo, and bidding number which participants place their bids online. We’ll have tablets available for those who want to bid and don’t have a cell phone.

Now Accepting Donations!

While the sky is the limit for auction donations, we are looking for an interesting mix of items that will be attractive to Members and Non-members. It could be plants, hardgoods or services from your nursery, garden center or landscape company next Spring.

Or it can be items totally unrelated to the Green Industry such as tickets to sporting events, a concert or a theater event, a fishing or hunting expedition, a vacation get-away, a gift basket, jewelry, wine, or a gift certificate to a local business or to your own business.

Donate Online Go to www.northerngreen.org to donate. Create a company profile, create a catchy description, and upload a photo, OR complete the attached Donation Form and return your form by email, fax, or mail before December 21, 2021. An early response gets your name and logo displayed earlier and longer, and it eliminates follow-up emails and phone calls to you. We, at MNLA Foundation and MTGF Foundation greatly appreciate all donations. Your support helps to further our mission.

SAVE THE DATE AND GO BOWLING:

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

1st ANNUAL GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING TOURNAMENT @ FLAHERTY’S BOWLING CENTER / ARDEN HILLS Contact: Mike McDonald at mcdon015@umn.edu for more information. www.MTGF.org

FALL/WINTER 2021 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 17

Fargo, ND

St. Paul, MN Tea, SD

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(651) 487-3850

FARGO, ND Fargo, ND (701) 232-7238 (701) 232-7238

TEA, SD Tea, SD (605) 368-2586

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Join the MTGF in Its Quest to Fund Yearly TROE Center Operations and Turf & Grounds Research at UMN 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.

Make a Point of Attending the Northern Green in January!

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.

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 received this issue of MTGF Clippings in the mail, you are a member of one of seven allied associations, which makes you a member of the MTGF. MTGFG has no membership fees associated with being a member or vendor member.

However, you have received 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: + Minnesota Association of Cemeteries + Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals + Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents' Association + Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association + Minnesota Society of Arboriculture + Minnesota Sod Producers + Minnesota Turf Seed Council 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 2022 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 for 2021 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 in 2021.

Thank you for your consideration.

- Matt Cavanaugh, MTGF Ex-Officio, Superintendent, Rush Creek Golf Club.

www.MTGF.org

To donate: Use the form on the back or go to: www.mtgf.org/donations

FALL/WINTER 2021 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 19

PRST STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN

P. O. Box 617 Wayzata, MN 55391

ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS OF THE MINNESOTA TURF AND GROUNDS FOUNDATION

Show your support of MTGF’s mission to fund turf & grounds research and the continued operations at TROE Center by donating to the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation today!

Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Company: _____________________________________________________________________ Donating in the name of: _________________________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________________________________

Donation amount: $ _________________ PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION & SEND CHECK TO: Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation, P. O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391 or donate online at www.mtgf.org/donations