MTGF CLIPPINGS - FALL/WINTER 2020

MTGF Clippings OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA TURF AND GROUNDS FOUNDATION FALL / WINTER 2020 VOL. 28, NO. 2

JANUARY 11 - 14, 2021

Same as Always, Only Different!

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.

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers President Matt Cavanaugh Rush Creek GC, MGCSA

By MATT CAVANAUGH President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation

Vice President Jamie Bezanson Highland GC, MGCSA Treasurer Steve Balfany Balfany Farms, MTA Secretary/Treasurer Sam Bauer Bauer Turf, MPSTMA Ex-Officio Manuel Jordán Heritage Shade Tree Consultants, MSA Directors MASMS Tom Redmann Tom Redmann Consulting MASMS Tracy Closson Northfield Schools MAC Dave Kemp The Catholic Cemeteries MAC Dominic Pierre Union Cemeteries MGCSA Michael Sonnek Royal Golf Club MPSTMA Paul Griffin City of Woodbury MSA Kent Honl Rainbow Treecare 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 Chad Giblin University of Minnesota UM Representative Dr. Eric Watkins University of Minnesota * * * * Executive Director Jeff Turtinen 763-703-4983 jeff.turtinen@mtgf.org P. O. Box 617 Wayzata, MN 55391

I do not like to ask for help. It is well known within my circle of people that I will go to great lengths and exhaust every avenue to figure something out by myself before I even consider asking for help. This personal trait is even my go to answer for the ever-popular interview question of ‘What is your greatest weakness?’ Well, great esteemed interviewer…I never ask for help. I continually try to find answers by myself. I would rather put in a little leg work to solve a problem than to bother someone about the situation. If I can figure it out, then we all win. See how that works? It makes me look good, too. Prospective employers love problem solvers. Feel free to add that to your interview memory banks. I have even extended my lack of wanting help from others to this phrase “Use what you have.” The phrase has prompted me to do such things as turning over a righthanded glove for use on my left hand…You get the point. I used what I had, and I did not have to ask for anything, from anyone.

As many of you know, the Northern Green will be coming to us in a virtual platform this year. We all know the reasons why so I will not bother with that. What you may not know is how this new virtual Northern Green will happen and how you can benefit.

By going digital, the Northern Green is making it even more affordable through price and you can even participate virtually as a workplace team. You no longer have to worry about choosing between two sessions because they are running at the same time. You can experience one session during the scheduled time, then circle back to attend the other session in your spare time later that day. You will be able to use the chat and Q&A features during the education sessions to interact with the speakers. The Northern Green has also made it possible to visit with vendors in a virtual manner as well by using either video or text chat.

With all that and the benefits that a virtual Northern Green can have for you, why don’t we focus on how you can help (a large gasp from the reading audience). I said it, how can the green industry help? The benefits of the Northern Green go beyond what you gain in terms of education and what the vendors gain in customer interaction.

Participation from the whole industry provides valuable funds for green industry research.

Without your participation in the Northern Green funding would not be at the same level and the MTGF could not fund all the valuable green industry projects you see in the graph on Page 3 of this issue of MTGF Clippings. Think about that, 1.7 million dollars since 1993 for turf and grounds research. Most of which would not be possible without your support of the Northern Green.

So yes, I am asking your help. Participate, educate, and enjoy this new platform. I know many of us are already pretty worn out with virtual life, but at least this time of virtual education will help with your in-person work life. So, I hope to see you at the Virtual Northern Green January 11th to the 14th. Oh yeah, sory if their are any speling or grammactical errors with ths massage. I disable any computer-generated spell check help and I don’t ask anyone to proof my work.

Sincerely,

www.mtgf.org Matt Cavanaugh President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

President’s Report: - Matt Cavanaugh, Rush Creek Golf Club

5

Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation

5

Virtual Northern Green

8 Educational Opportunity: Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science 11 University of Minnesota Turfgrass Research Highlights 13 Educational Opportunity: Improve Your Urban Forest Webinar ABOUT THE COVER: A sod pallet at Braun Turf Farms in Hampton, MN. The Minnesota Turf Association, also known as the Minnesota Sod Producers are one of seven allied associations of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation..

15 MPSTMA Community Service Project

Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation Donates $100,000 Towards Research in 2020 and $1.7 Million Through the Years MINNESOTA TURF & GROUNDS FOUNDATION FUNDING 2020 RESEARCH DOLLARS FROM 2001-2002 TURFGRASS PROGRAM SUPPORT 50,000 TROE CENTER OPERATIONS TROE CENTER BUILDING PRE-DESIGN DR. ERIC WATKINS RESEARCH BRAD PEDERSEN LANDSCAPE PROGRAM DR. GILlMAN TREE RESEARCH / DUTCH ELM DISEASE UM ARBORICULTURE RESEARCH 50,000 DR. ROBERT BLANCHETTE DED / MSA SUPPORT UM YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN ARBORICULTURE 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. WALKER FIELD SAFETY ASSESSMENT STUDY 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

65,000

65,000

60,000

60,000

49,715

60,000

30,000

2015

2014

70,000 50,000

20,000 20,000

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

50,000 50,000 47,000 37,114

60,500

15,000 15,000 12,000 15,000

2008

10,000 26,000 10,415

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

20,000 20,000 9,625 10,000 20,000 20,000 11,000 2,750 4,077

20,000 10,000 25,000 20,000 17,000 13,000

20,000 7,500 10,000 20,000 21,056 15,000 5,000 5,000 10,000

7,400 10,000

10,000

2,500

3,500

3,500

2002 2001 27,500 26,570

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

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

10,000 10,000

5,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 10,000

65,000

10,000 15,000 1,198

TOTALS 50,000 106,250 134,715 120,000 120,000 110,000 89,000 110,790 85,000 76,000 71,014 138,000 38,113 75,508 89,095 118,500 81,056 35,000 27,500 26,750 TOTAL DOLLARS SINCE 2001 = $1,750,516

www.MTGF.org

FALL / WINTER 2020 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 3

Athletic Field • Construction • Re-Construction • Maintenance Golf Course • Tee Construction • Re-Construction

Our KORO TOPMAKER removes by stripping the face of the field sod or existing turf. The sod or turf is then loaded into a truck and hauled off-site. This process is better for a field’s future when making corrections versus roto-tilling existing sod or turf back into the ground.

• Sodding • Seeding • Over Seeding • Laser Leveling • Grading • Spraying • Aeration • Fertilizing • Detailing • Consulting

MIKE BRUNELLE 612-817-5296 magicturfs@msn.com

www.magicturfs.com

Here Today, Lawn Tomorrow!

11920 Park Dr., Rogers, MN 55374

Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation 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 is committed to supporting research, education and outreach programs, particularly those of the University of Minnesota, dedicated to creating, maintaining and enriching the careers of Minnesota's green industry professionals.

The MTGF is also committed to the education and training of Allied Association members as well as other green industry professionals that contribute positively to Minnesota's economy and quality of life through well managed green spaces and water resources, safe and functional recreation areas, preservation of natural habitats of both plant and animals, and increased opportunities for interesting and diverse tourism venues.

The MTGF believes that knowledgeable, well-trained Allied Association members, as well as other green industry professionals, contribute positively to the protection and enrichment of Minnesota's developed and natural landscapes utilizing environmentally sound maintenance practices, especially the application of fertilizers and pesticides, and selection and use of well-adapted, past resistant, non-invasive plant materials.

Who We Are Green industry professionals belonging to one or more of our seven Allied Associations: Minnesota Association of Cemeteries (MAC), Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association (MPSTMA), Minnesota Turf Association (MTA), Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association (MGCSA), Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSA), Minnesota Facility Management Professionals (MASMS), Minnesota Turf Seed Council (MTSC) and the University of Minnesota.

Allied Associations are committed to providing safe, attractive and functional landscape and recreational areas that enhance Minnesota's quality of life in an environmentally sustainable manner.

MGCSA: The Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association was created to advance the art and science of golf course management, to collect and disseminate among other member Superintendents practical solutions to problems with a view to more efficient and economical maintenance and production of golf courses, and to promote the welfare of the Superintendent and the profession.

MPSTMA: The Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association serves the entire Minnesota Park and Sports Turf industry. The mission of the MPSTMA is to encourage the collection and dissemination of scientific, educational and applied knowledge through association with those persons engaged in, and who are concerned with, the construction, maintenance and use of park and sports turf areas for high quality and safe playing conditions.

MASMS: The Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals Association (also known as MASMS) is a group of over 700 individuals in the area of facilities, grounds, health and safety operations for Minnesota K-12 and higher education. We are committed to promoting excellence in the operation and care of educational facilities. The purpose of MASMS is to develop www.MTGF.org

and maintain high standards in care, operation and development of buildings and grounds used by public and non-public educational facilities.

MASMS provides a means where members meet for discussion and education.

MASMS aids and cooperates with federal, state, and local educational agencies in promoting professional ideals and standards while engaging in other activities that promote the objectives of the association.

MAC: The Minnesota Association of Cemeteries (MAC) is a resource for cemetery managers and people looking for information about cemetery property.

MTSC: The Minnesota Turf Seed Council focuses on research and development of turf grass seed for the northwestern part of Minnesota.

MTA: The Minnesota Turf Association dba Minnesota Sod Producers are a group of family owned sod farmers that wish to inform and acquaint you on the use and benefits of quality sod.

Our goal is to make this site as informative as possible however if you still have questions, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

MSA: The Minnesota Society of Arboriculture is a leader in community forestry within our state. Our purpose is to advance the education, science, technology, and practice of arboriculture and community forestry, through awareness, appreciation, and benefits to our residential tree communities.

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FALL / WINTER 2020 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 5

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Ŧ January 11-14, 2021 Ŧ www.NorthernGreen.org NORTHERN N ORTHERN GREEN GREEN IS IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY: G ENEROUSLY S U P P O RT E D B Y:

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SCHEDULE OVERVIEW EDUCATION GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

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Monday, Jan. 11

Tuesday, Jan. 12

8:00am – 8:45am: Morning Coffee Chats

8:00am – 8:45am: Morning Coffee Chats

9:00am – 10:00am: Concurrent Sessions

9:00am – 10:00am: Concurrent Sessions

10:00am – 1:00pm: Trade Show Open; Vendors available to video chat live!

10:00am – 1:00pm: Trade Show Open; Vendors available to video chat live!

11:00am – 12:00pm: Concurrent Sessions

11:00am – 12:00pm: Concurrent Sessions

1:00pm – 2:00pm: LIVE Keynote Presentation

1:00pm – 1:30pm: Lightning Talks

2:00pm – 3:00pm: Concurrent Sessions

1:30pm – 2:00pm: Mini Sessions

3:00pm – 4:00pm: Virtual Game Hour

2:00pm – 3:00pm: Concurrent Sessions 4:00pm – 6:00pm: CEO & MGMT. Workshop: Solving the Labor Crisis PLUS Zoom Happy Hour

Wednesday, Jan. 13

Thursday, Jan. 14

8:00am – 8:45am: Morning Coffee Chats

8:00am – 8:45am: Morning Coffee Chats

9:00am – 10:00am: Concurrent Sessions

9:00am – 10:00am: Concurrent Sessions

10:00am – 1:00pm: Trade Show Open; Vendors available to video chat live!

10:00am – 12:00pm: Trade Show Open; Vendors available to video chat live!

11:00am – 12:00pm: Concurrent Sessions

11:00am – 12:00pm: Concurrent Sessions

1:00pm – 1:30pm: Lightning Talks

1:00pm – 1:30pm: Lightning Talks

1:30pm – 2:00pm: Mini Sessions

1:30pm – 2:00pm: Mini Sessions

2:00pm – 3:00pm: Concurrent Sessions

2:00pm – 3:00pm: Concurrent Sessions

4:00pm – 5:00pm: Green Industry Awards Virtual Celebration

Ŧ January 11-14, 2021 Ŧ www.NorthernGreen.org

Monday, Jan. 11

Northern Green Virtual Game Hour Bring a beverage as we laugh, play games, and win prizes.

Northern Green Virtual can’t happen without a little bit of fun!

Ŧ 3:00 pm on Monday afternoon Available only with an All Access Pass!

www.MTGF.org

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

FALL / WINTER 2020 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 7

ON-LINE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY:

GREAT LAKES SCHOOL OF TURFGRASS SCIENCE January 11–April 2, 2021 Any investment in quality continuing education opportunities benefits employees and employers alike. The 2021 Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science is designed to help meet the continuing education needs of any individual or organization. This 12-week program aims to provide participants with thorough and practical continuing education in turfgrass management. The course is directed by 12 turfgrass scientists and educators from five Land-Grant Universities and other organizations. We are very pleased to be offering this on the Greenkeeper University platform this year.

Turfgrasses are a resource in our urban community environments and best management practices are aligned with environmental, economic & societal priorities. The Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science provides participants with the science-based principles needed to effectively manage turf for recreation, sport, aesthetics and environmental protection. The Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science is a quality training opportunity for: s Practitioners that establish and maintain turfgrass for golf courses s Technical representatives from industry (suppliers of equipment, plant protectants, fertilizer, etc.) s Those new to the industry - wanting to get trained and off to a great start

Sam Bauer, BauerTurf Coordinator of the 2021 Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science

s Those with experience in the industry - to review/update their knowledge and practices Students will have access to the course and materials at their convenience during the 12-week period via moodle class management system. The fee for the course is $550, which includes supplemental materials and a certificate after successful completion of the program. Visit this link to register: greenkeeperapp.com Early registration is encouraged and pre-registration is required.

(Editor’s Note: For more information, contact Sam Bauer at sam@bauerturf.com or 904-271-0250.)

ECO WORKS SUPPLY Supplier of Organic and Natural Products to the Turf Industry

Also Supplying:

Corona Virus Disinfectants & Cleaners, Ice Melt and Robotic Painters w Granular fertilizer w Liquid fertilizer w Soil Amendments w Crew Clothing w Compost and Mulch w Grass Seed w TerraMax (Tazo B) Products w Turf Marking Paints w Synthetic Turf w Athletic Field Covers w Netting Member of the MTGF, MGCSA and MPSTMA

Jim O’Neill (612) 710-1718 8 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL / WINTER 2020

w Pitching Mounds w Batting Mats w Pitching Machines w Sports Accessories

Doug Daniel (612) 868-9615

Geoff Jordan (218) 213-2390 www.MTGF.org

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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA TURFGRASS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Below are a few updates of ongoing research conducted by the Turfgrass Science group at the University of Minnesota. Our research program is designed to address the short and long-term needs of turfgrass managers across Minnesota. We thank the MGTF for its valuable support and collaboration over the years.

New Extension Educator Maggie Reiter is your new Extension Educator for Turfgrass

We are happy to announce that Maggie Reiter joined University of Minnesota Extension as the Extension Educator for Turfgrass. Maggie has been with University of California Cooperative Extension since 2016. Prior to that, she earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees at the University of Minnesota. Maggie will be working for University of Minnesota Extension to provide statewide technical assistance and educational programming leadership for professional turfgrass personnel as well as homeowners in urban areas. She will collaborate closely with the turfgrass science research program, other Extension Educators, industry representatives and other stakeholders to extend research into practice.

Maggie can be reached at reit0215@umn.edu.

Increasing Ecological Sustainability Best Management Practices for No-Mow Fine Fescue Lawns

Funding: United States Golf Association No-mow fine fescue areas are popular to reduce management inputs and time. Despite these desirable traits, establishment may be difficult and weed invasion is a common problem. The fine fescue stands can become thick, which may reduce playability and require labor efforts for biomass removal. The objective of this research is to determine the optimum seeding rate and mowing timing (spring, fall, or both) on hard fescue for maximum weed suppression, above ground biomass, and aesthetics.

Preliminary results indicate that seeding rate influences a number of characteristics, mostly in the first year after seeding; the lowest seeding rate (1.8 lb/1000 ft2) resulted www.MTGF.org

in low weed pressure but high levels of leaf material affecting density. All mowing treatments resulted in better recovery from winter than leaving plots unmowed.

Integrating New Tech and Products Precision Irrigation Technology Scaled Up Through On-Course Demonstration Funding: United States Golf Association A number of technologies are available to help superintendents and land managers reduce water use, but many have not been scaled up across a golf course or larger facility. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate that adoption of soil moisture sensor and mapping technologies can provide golf course superintendents with actionable information that conserves resources. We have completed a second summer of data collection at Edina Country Club, where we are testing 3 different irrigation scheduling approaches: (1) soil-moisture sensor based scheduling; (2) ET-based deficit irrigation scheduling (60% ET, 3 times per week); and (3) traditional scheduling as determined by the golf course superintendent. Preliminary results indicate that the ET-based treatment used more water than traditional or soil moisture-based treatments. In fact, the soil-moisture sensor approach used the least water with 55% less water applied than for ET-based areas.

Mycorrhizal Inoculation And Turfgrass Performance Funding: Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association The use of mycorrhizal inoculum and other microbial products is often promoted for turfgrass as a way to reduce inputs while maintaining and even increasing plant health. These products have not been studied extensively in field evaluations. Turfgrass managers are presented with opportunities to purchase these products and left to analyze marketing claims without much data. To (Continued on Page 12) FALL / WINTER 2020 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 11

UM Turfgrass Research (Continued from Page 11) address this need, we tested a mycorrhizal inoculum with 2 different fertility treatments (0.1 and 0.03 lbs N/1000 ft2 applied every 10 days) on 4 different golf greens (sand or native soil, creeping bentgrass or fine fescue). Data was collected on turf quality and color. There was a weak positive effect of mycorrhizal inoculation for the turfgrass health. We will continue to collect data through 2020 to validate if this positive effect continues.

Improving Winter Stress Tolerance And Recovery Springtime Re-Establishment of Turfgrass Following Winterkill Funding: United States Golf Association Collaborators: University of Massachusetts Winter damage causes loss of turfgrass areas, resulting in costly re-establishment, delays in facility openings, lost revenue, and unhappy users. This project explores potential barriers to spring establishment of grasses like creeping bentgrass.

We are conducting experiments to address the impacts of temperature fluctuations, light intensity, and priming agents on seedling vigor of turf cultivars. Sunny conditions on cold spring days may further slow down establishment through photoinhibition, a process where excessive amounts of light can damage and stress plants. Our initial results indicate that if there are significant drops in temperature during the first few weeks of turfgrass establishment, adding shade cloth to reduce light intensity can decrease turfgrass stress without artificially increasing air temperature.

WinterTurf: Mitigating the Effects of Winter Stress on Turfgrasses In Northern Climates Funding: Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association; Michigan Turf Foundation Collaborators: University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, University of Massachusetts, Rutgers University, Iowa State University, Oregon State University, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research We are leading a multi-institutional effort that aims to reduce the problem of winter kill on turfgrasses. The goal of this project is to investigate the causes of winter damage. To do this, we are building a new sensor

device that will continually collect information such as soil temperature, soil moisture, solar radiation, oxygen concentration, and carbon dioxide concentration. We will deploy these custom sensors on several sites in Minnesota and Michigan to learn more about the environmental conditions under which turf suffers damage. Results will help guide management recommendations, inform plant breeding programs, and be used to develop winter stress prediction models that can be easily accessed by turf managers throughout the cold climates of the northern hemisphere.

(Editor’s Note: For more information about these and other ongoing projects in the turfgrass program, please visit turf.umn.edu or follow us on Twitter at @UMNturf.)

12 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL / WINTER 2020

www.MTGF.org

Improve Your Urban Forest by Improving Your Work Specs and Contracts Webinar An 4-hour, online Webinar on how to “Improve Your Urban Forest by Improving Your Work Specs and Contracts” will take place on December 3, 2020 beginning at 8am.

Registration cost is $60. The webinar is worth 3.75 ISA CEUs (CA, MA, BCMA-M).

The work that is performed in the urban forest is usually only as good as the specifications on a contract. This online workshop will go through the true costs of not having good pruning and planting specs, what good planting and pruning specs should look like, and how to develop contracts that attract qualified contractors. Three experienced presenters will share their knowledge of the need for good work specs and how to develop them for your community.

Moderators and Presenters: + Chad Giblin, City Forester LLC – Moderator + Ryan Gustafson, Davey Resource Group – Moderator + Rich Hauer, UW – Stevens Point – Presenter + Jim Vaughan, City of St. Louis Park – Presenter + Jacob Busiahn, Tettegouche Tree Care – Presenter Topics/Concepts Covered in this Session: + The cost of doing nothing + Proper planting specification

+ Proper municipal pruning specification + Developing contracts to attract qualified contractor Each individual will be required to provide an email address to register as your session access link is unique to each registrant.

Individual log-ins are required in order to track attendance and provide CEU credit.

We will send registrants an email with a link to access the workshop a couple days before and another email reminder one hour before the workshop. The link is unique to you (see note above) so please do not share it.

CEU Note: In order to receive ISA CEUs for this workshop, you must stay logged in. Your access link is keyed to your registration so when you join the webinar, your attendance/participation is tracked. ISA requires 80% participation in the workshop in order to receive CEUs. If you provided your ISA Certification # during registration, we will process your CEUs following the event with ISA. & To register, go online to: http://msa-live.org/improving-your-work-specs-and-contracts-workshop.

Program Partners: Davey Resource Group; City Forester LLC; Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation, and the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture.

Your Twin Cities Professional Turf Supply Destination

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gertenswholesale.com | P: 651-450-0277 | F: 651-450-9380 | E: wholesale@gertens.com Eagan Location 1980 Seneca Road Eagan, MN 55122

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Loretto Location 6265 County Rd 19 Loretto, MN 55357

Elk River Location 906 Hwy 10 Elk River, MN 55330

Inver Grove Heights Location 5500 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 FALL / WINTER 2020 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 13

MPSTMA Members Rise to the Occasion and Volunteer Time and Resources to Renovate Legion Field in Buffalo Once again, members of the Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association rose to the occasion and renovated a baseball field each year since 2001. This year’s project was Legion Field in Buffalo, MN. In general, the field was in good shape prior to the renovation but needed work on the mound and home plate areas. MagicTurfs' Mike Brunelle and Dave Simeon along with Ben Wallin, City of St. Francis, did prep work on the renovation prior to the August 19 project. MagicTurfs also provided equipment and supplies and labor for this year’s CSP. The project itself was led by retired MPSTMA member and certified sports field manager Mike McDonald who made sure all volunteers had something productive to do. McDonald has been the driving force behind all the

MPSTMA renovations. Those who participate in the CSP’s know how valuable McDonald’s knowledge, work ethic and managing abilities are to MPSTMA’s annual project. McDonald noted that he "would like to personally THANK all the vendors, their donations and all of the volunteers that took their valuable time to help out in this year's CSP 2020. Without your help this would not be possible."

The City of Buffalo was represented

by Adam Farrell, Carrie Kutiliner,

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14 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL / WINTER 2020

Adam Lettimgo, Tim Pearson and Thomas Eckstein. Other’s from Buffalo included high schoolers: Carson Schwartz, Jack Lauer, Jon Euerle and Jake Duke. Ramon Vega, a former Buffalo town ball player and now a coach with a homerun record on the field paid close attention to the renovations and will make sure those maintaining the mound and field will do it properly. Vega was in the San Francisco Giants Baseball Club system.

Luke Wittrock, University of St. Thomas, took control of recreating the

The following projects were performed at Legion Field: Home Plate Circle Renovation; Pitcher

Mound Renovation; Arc Restoration/3rd Base Overrun Repair, and Ag-lime Restoration.

(Continued on Page 15)

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Community Service Project(Continued from Page 14) Home Plate Circle: + Plate raised 2 inches + Clay added and graded + Front of circle: cut out, graded, sodded Pitcher Mound: + Mound returned to 18 ft. diameter + Mound rebuilt to specs with clay Arc Restoration/3rd Base Overrun: + Arc restored to 92” + Lip from 2nd to 3rd removed and restored + Overrun at 3rd restored to match 1st Base Ag-lime: + Fill Base paths + Grade Infield Each year, the MPSTMA chooses a CSP from a list of applicants by visiting the fields that apply.

If your field is in need of renovation, go to the CSP tab at www.mpstma.org and apply or volunteer your services next year and do a hands-on renovation!

This is also a great opportunity to learn about

Luke Whittrock, University of St. Thomas, renovating the mound at the MPSTMA Community Service Project in Buffalo on August 19, 2020.

field renovation from the most knowledgeable turf managers in Minnesota. Members from any of our MTGF allied associations are welcome to participate in this satisfying event.

CEO & MGMT. WORKSHOP

SOLVING THE LABOR CRISIS

PLUS ZOOM HAPPY HOUR Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 4:00pm – 6:00pm Today’s employee shortage is the result of a thriving landscape industry that creates a great market for potential employees, especially those with skill and experience. Finding reliable and skilled workers is the biggest issue preventing companies from growing. Surveys have shown that 77% of GSQTERMIW MR XLI PERHWGETMRK ƼIPH FIPMIZI XLEX XLIMV MREFMPMX] XS ƼRH ERH keep quality employees is hindering their growth and 80% have found HMƾGYPX] ƼRHMRK WOMPPIH IQTPS]IIW 8LI] WMQTP] GERRSX OIIT YT [MXL the demand because they can’t adequately staff their company.

Join us for a workshop devoted to recruiting, developing, and keeping employees. &EWIH MR WGMIRXMƼG WXYH] FYX TVIWIRXIH MR ER MRXIVEGXMZI ERH TVEGXMGEP manner, Neal Glatt, Grow the Bench will equip SUPPORTED BY: attendees with the skills they need to hire for talent, develop their workforce, and manage teams to get the highest possible level of performance.

As always, the MPSTMA Community Service Project needed volunteers and equipment to complete the work in one day!

www.MTGF.org

The workshop will be followed by a Zoom Happy Hour.

FALL / WINTER 2020 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 15

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

P. O. Box 617 Wayzata, MN 55391

MTGF ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS

MTGF CLIPPINGS ADVERTISERS Fall / Winter 2020 4 5 8 9

Town & Country Landscaping Frost, Inc. Eco Works Supply Ziegler CAT

10 Plaisted Companies Inc. 13 Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf 14 Twin City Seed Company 16 SMSC Organics Recycling Facility