VendorJamesRepresentative Wolfin Twin City Seed Company
University of Minnesota
Turfgrass Extension
Jon Trappe Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Turfgrass Extension
Dr. Eric Watkins
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Dept. of Forest Resources
Ryan Murphy
University of Minnesota
Executive Director
Jeff Turtinen
763-703-4983
turtinen@mtgf.org
P. O. Box 617
Wayzata, MN 55391
www.mtgf.org
The Business of the MinnesotaTurf and Grounds Foundation Make the Most of Education and Networking Opportunities
By SAM BAUER President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation
Well, that’s a wrap on another growing season—and what a weird one it was. Coming off the heels of the warmest meteorological winter in state history, from December 2023 to February 2024, we set another record with the wettest April to June in Minnesota history. No matter where you are in the state, it was hard not to notice the increased frequency and volume of this year’s spring/summer precipitation. Then, to add insult to injury, an intense fall dry spell had many of us begging to see the rain return to replenish our soils and plants before winter. Fortunately, a wet November helped recharge much of the moisture in our soil, followed by an abrupt end to the growing season at the end of the month. At the moment, there are officially a few inches of snow on the ground in my area near Detroit Lakes, MN.
As I reflect on the growing season, the state of our industry, the challenges delivered by Mother Nature, and what lies ahead, I can’t help but bring my thoughts back to our foundation and the opportunities available to assist you in dealing with these challenges. The opportunities come in many different forms, and some of them are available to you firsthand and in person, such as the education at the Northern Green 2025 conference in St. Paul. Other strides we make in the industry come in the form of funding research and advancing our discipline. While some of this research might not be tangible to you immediately, it is the backbone of what we know, and it directs how we operate. The large WinterTurf project, directed by the University of Minnesota in collaboration with nine different institutions, is a good example of a long-term research project that will likely influence how many of us operate in the future. You can learn about this project and many other topics related to your job by attending the Northern Green 2025 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.
Being our second year at the RiverCentre, this year’s conference is sure to meet your education and networking needs. We’ve tested the model, worked out the kinks, and put together a fantastic program that will not disappoint. As always, pesticide recertification and PLT relicensure are available the day before the conference on Monday, January 20th.
The conference then officially kicks off on Tuesday, January 21st, with a keynote speaker, followed by village education sessions. We tested out the village concept last year, and it was well-received. On Tuesday, the village education groups to attend include: Golf, Landscape/Hardscape, Landscape Design/Architecture, Water/Irrigation, and the Management Path.
Wednesday is dedicated to the tradeshow, with an excellent lineup of green industry vendors, ‘Ask the Expert’ sessions and demonstrations. Education continues on Thursday with numerous sessions available for village groups, including Turf / Grounds / Snow, Garden Center / Grower, Professional Gardening Services, and Tree Care/Arborist. I look forward to seeing you at this conference, and please do not hesitate to reach out to a MTGF or MNLA representative if you have any questions or comments about this year’s event.
While the Northern Green Indoor event has been popular for quite some time, this fall we held the first annual Northern Green Outdoor event at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood on October 8th. Being an industry with a lot of large equipment and a desire to see some of it in action, the outdoor event was a great complement to the indoor event.
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President’s Message(Continued from Page 2)
In total, almost 700 people attended, and 90% of attendees were satisfied with the quality of the tradeshow. While choosing the perfect time for this trade show can be a challenge, I believe the future of this offering is very bright. If you weren’t involved this year, either as an attendee or exhibitor, please consider joining us for this event next year.
As I conclude this President’s Message, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your involvement in our foundation. It is through collaborative effort that we can truly achieve great things. I look forward to continuing on this journey and I encourage you to never stop learning.
Sam Bauer President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation
Register on or before January 13 to receive your best price for all Northern Green 2025 tickets. Go to www.NorthernGreen.org and click on REGISTER NOW today!
Members of the following associations receive a $20 discount: MNLA, MGCSA, MPSFMA, MAC, MASMS, MSA, MTA, and MTSC.
Save 10% more when registering 10 or more people for a 1-Day educational pass or greater! Not valid for Student or Trade Show Only passes. Valid only for pre-registration completed online with all registrants entered in one registration.
2025 Northern Green registration badges generously supported by:
Worried about a snow event on a show date? We’ve got you covered with our “Snow Insurance” Rate Lock! Pay $30 now and lock in the pre-registration rate for your onsite registration! Offer only available for Northern Green on Tuesday & Thursday, and must be purchased during pre-registration dates. Choice of registration must still be selected. If ticket holder cannot attend show, the $30 payment is non-refundable.
Missed the deadline? If you miss the Jan. 13 pre-reg. deadline, you must register onsite Jan. 21-23, and pay the onsite rates. Pre-conference? To attend Monday’s pre-conference sessions (PLT or Pest. Recert.) you MUST pre-register before Jan. 13.
Where do I pick up my badge? When you register by January 3, your badge will be mailed to you in advance. If you register between January 4-13, you must print a badge at the Self-Check-In kiosk onsite.
Other questions? Contact the Northern Green o ce for assistance at 651-633-4987
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UMN WinterTurf Project Participation Request
By JON TRAPPE, Ph.D. University of Minnesota Turfgrass Extension
The WinterTurf project is led by the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with University of WisconsinMadison, Michigan State University, University of Massachusetts, Iowa State University, Oregon State University, Rutgers University, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, and hundreds of golf course superintendents across North America and Europe. Welcome to the latest WinterTurf newsletter. This newsletter will bring you project updates, new resources, and event announcements. For more background about the project, see press releases from the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University.
For the last three years, researchers from across the U.S. and northern Europe have been working to identify solutions to winter stress damage. Our goals for this WinterTurf research project include developing best management practices to prevent and recover from winter
injury, breeding more winter hardy turfgrass species, and exploring alternative snow mold control strategies, all in an effort to develop easy-to-implement solutions for turfgrass managers in cold climates.
We Need Your Help!
Please consider helping our team (and by extension, turfgrass managers across the globe) by signing up to collect data at your course over the 2024-2025 winter season. We’ll ask you to monitor at least one green throughout the winter – measure snow, take pictures, and record any other interesting observations on a regular basis. Early data modeling results are promising, and with your help we can make even more progress toward our ultimate goal of reducing the harmful effects of winter stresses on golf courses.
Why Participate in WinterTurf Data Collection?
Hear from your peers: ‘It is an important industry topic that warrants participation. Why would you not participate? It doesn't take much time and valuable information is obtained.’
(Editor’s Note: To participate, contact Jon Trappe, Ph.D. at jtrappe@umn.edu)
The WinterTurf season is underway, with golf courses kicking off data collection and researchers starting the next round of studies! Photo by Stacy Bonos
JANUARY 21—23, 2025
Saint Paul RiverCentre
WWW.NORTHERNGREEN.ORG
MONDAY Pre-Conference Sessions: PLT Relicensure and Pesticide Recerti昀cation will be available on Monday, January 20 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
TUESDAY, JAN. 21
Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education. From trends to business strategies, 昀nd everything you need to thrive!
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22
Dedicated trade show day!
THURSDAY, JAN. 23
Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education, plus the trade show will be open in the morning! Turf, Grounds, & Snow Management TRADE
9:00am-12:00pm
3:30pm-5:30pm
MGCSA Research Support
By CHRIS AUMOCK Executive Director
Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association
The last few years have seen many successes for the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (MGCSA). Our membership numbers are slowly rising, while event engagement continues to grow as well. One of our main pillars remains to be research support, which we have been able to recover from some less impressive years. To help with that, we explored new ways to improve our research and fundraising efforts.
“[MGCSA was] excited to raise $35,000 this year for turfgrass research at the University of Minnesota, through these programs and additional member support”
The last few years have seen a rebound in our research revenue, as we continue to push hard for our Rounds for Research (R4R) campaign, which sells donated golf certificates donated from our local golf facilities; Our Scramble Golf Event also generates revenue for our research fund. This year we had over 100 attendees once again in support of those efforts. We were excited to raise $35,000 this year for turfgrass
- Chris Aumock
research at the University of Minnesota, through these programs and additional member support.
Recent years saw these numbers dwindle, partly because we changed our donation structure, but mostly because we lacked effective marketing and outreach for our larger fundraiser, R4R. To improve this, we moved our auction online, allowing us to reach further than our historical buyer base allowed.
Over the past two years, we have seen additional bids, and increased amounts on our higher end golf certificates, from those outreach efforts to the general public. That included increased allied messaging and
even a Social Indoor digital ad campaign.
This year, we had five golf certificates sell for over $1,000, where in the past we would only have one. We are optimistic about future efforts, as we continue to expand on that public buyer pool, looking to drive revenue even higher. This effort will continue to push our fundraising efforts forward, and much like MTGF, will allow us to continue to fund local research at the University of Minnesota.
One downside this year was our Scramble event was on the same day as the new Northern Green Outdoor day. An unfortunate circumstance that we will work harder to avoid in the future. Golf industry attendance was lower than desired, but the overall goal of the day, which is connecting industry professionals, and raising money to support various research opportunities, was still alive and present at both events.
The MGCSA remains a proud allied group of the MTGF, as we both work to ensure the future successes of our collective outdoor industries.
Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation Treasurer Tom Redmann
1
NORTHERN GREEN 2025
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Our venue is the Saint Paul RiverCentre and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium & Exhibit Hall (175 West Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102). There are many options for parking and dining nearby.
The most convenient parking is in the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on 150 West Kellogg Blvd. This ramp is located directly across the street from Saint Paul RiverCentre and is connected via skyway.
There are many other parking options as well, indicated on the map below with a blue box:
2 Access into the RiverCentre is:
From the Parking Ramp Skyway
Along the street level of Kellogg Ave.
From the Rice Park entrance (between the Ordway and Herbie’s on the Park)
Signs will point you to REGISTRATION to pick up your badge and begin your day!
3
The Saint Paul RiverCentre is a cashless venue. Please plan accordingly if you need to purchase food or beverage.
Kellogg Boulevard
Solid Speakers, Pruning Demo Highlight MPSFMA Fall Workshop in Lakeville
MPSFMA members and co-workers who attended the MPSFMA Fall Workshop at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville on November 20 were treated to a great lineup of speakers, topics and an outdoor live pruning demo on actual golf course trees.
Speakers included Brad Jakubowski from PennState and Matt Duncan, DLF Pickseed. Also at speaking at the event ewere Toro's Nolan Bangert and Jeff Drake who gave a talk about the upcoming electrification journey for lawn and landscape professionals. Dick Bremer, the longtime TV voice of the Minnesota Twins, keynoted the event and shared his history and memorable moments and responded to a variety of questions from the audience.
Dan Gjertsen from the University of Minnesota Plant Pathology Department was climbing trees and giving a live pruning seminar to interested attendees. At the same time but indoors, Ben Boeding CSFM, Reinders Inc. led a roundtable amongst members talking about what “winning” is at various facilities. Pre-registration figures reached 271 for the November 20 event. Great vendor support maxed out the size of the exhibiting room. It was a successful workshop for MPSFMA. The next workshop for MPSFMA is March 6, 2025 at the University of Northwestern Saint Paul.
Dan Gjertsen from the UMN Plant Pathology Department was climbing trees and offering a live pruning seminar to interested attendees.
4th Annual Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser Raises Scholarship Funds for a Turf Student
The 4th Annual MTGF/MNLA Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser will took place at Flaherty's Bowl in Arden Hills on December 5.
This year’s Baker Round Green Industry Masters Cup winning team was from Wilson Nurseries and consisted of Andy Wilson, Cal Inman, Steve Mielke and Matt Gorzlancykl. Playing with this foursome, was current MPSFMA Vice President Marshall Syvertsen, City of Edina.
Event organizer Paulette Sorenson, Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association indicated that three previous events have been successful enough to award Green Industry Students scholarship money each year and this year’s event will too. The four fundraisers have raised more than $10,000 for turf scholarships at Anoka Technical College and the University of Minnesota. The MNLA and MTGF partner in this event.
The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation is a group of Green Industry professionals belong-
ing to one of MTGF’s Allied Associations: Minnesota Association of Cemeteries, Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association, Minnesota Turf Association, Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, Minnesota Society of Arboriculture, Minnesota Facility Management Professionals, Minnesota Turf Seed Council and the University of Minnesota.
The MTGF Allied Association’s goals are to provide safe, attractive and functional landscape and recreational areas that enhance Minnesota's quality of life in an environmentally sustainable manner.
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 Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association consists of Green Industry Professionals in Landscape & Hardscape Design & Install, Garden Services & Landscape Management, Garden Centers, Nursery & Greenhouse Growing, Irrigation & Water Management, and Arboriculture & Tree Services. MNLA helps members operate businesses more successfully by providing education, networking, cost savings, marketing tools and industry insights; monitoring and influencing government affairs; promoting professionalism and collegiality; and responsibly improving and maintaining our environment.
WILSON NURSERIES WINS 4TH ANNUAL GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING FUNDRAISER BAKER ROUND MASTERS CUP! From the left, are: Andy Wilson, Cal Inman, Steve Mielke and Matt Gorzlancykl. Playing with this foursome, on the far right, is current MPSFMA Vice President Marshall Syvertsen, City of Edina.
High Roller of the Day was Troy Schwab from Plaisted Companies who rolled a 225.
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2024 Northern Green Outdoors Draws 671 Attendees, Vendors to Inaugural Event
The first Northern Green Outdoors event took place on October 8 in Maplewood, Minn., at Aldrich Arena and its surrounding grounds including Goodrich Golf Course. Total attendance reached 671 and roughly 145 of those were people deemed to be decision-makers as they were owners, managers, superintendents and designers.
The weather was perfect for an outdoor event as the temperature was pleasant and the sun was shining. The Northern Green Outdoors held speaker sessions inside of Aldrich Arena where attendees were treated to a hot lunch from Tinucci’s.
Vendor booths were set up in the parking lot at Aldrich Arena for attendees to network.
Understandably, some people did not attend this year because they wanted to execute a wait and see approach and hear the feedback. Those people will be pleasantly surprised as vendors and attendees showed a willingness to participate again in 2025 and some indicated they will bring more people for year two.
(Continued on Page 14)
An Irrigation session was available to all attendees at neighboring Goodrich Golf Course in Maplewood.
Northern Green Outdoors-
(Continued from Page 13)
industry segment breakdown at the Northern Green Outdoors
MPSFMA, Minnesota Twins and Toro Partner For a St. Paul Community Service Project
The Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association, an allied association of the MTGF, partnered with the Minnesota Twins and The Toro Co. to perform a Community Service Project on September 5th at Dunning Sports complex in St. Paul. Twenty-one MPSFMA members teamed with volunteers and representatives from the Twins and Toro and performed a variety of work including
Hotels for Northern Green Book Now!
A limited number of discounted room rates have been secured for Northern Green 2025 at the hotels below. We encourage you to book your rooms early to ensure you get the ideal room and rate for your circumstances. Space and discounted rates are limited at each hotel, so book early to get your 昀rst choice. Note: Prices at most hotels will go up after December 20, 2024. Book early for the best rates.
HAMPTON INN & SUITES
200 7th Street W, St. Paul, MN 55102
Rate: $117 (single/double rate)
Reservation Line: 651-224-7400
Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: $24.
THE SAINT PAUL HOTEL
350 N Market Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Rate: $144 (standard room)
Reservation Line: 651-292-9292 or 800-292-9292
(Ask for the 2025 Northern Green rate)
Online Reservation Link under “rate type” choose “group/block” and enter 4446247.
Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: Rates vary (call for information).
HOLIDAY INN ST. PAUL DOWNTOWN
175 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Rate: $129 (single/double rate)
Reservation Line: 651-225-1515
Parking: Onsite parking in connected ramp ($21 per day).
Offsite parking directly across the street (prices vary).
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
150 Smith Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55102
Rate: $149 (single rate)
Reservation Line: 651-204-4050 (identify yourself as a Northern Green participant)
Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: $35.
Larry DiVito, right, the head groundskeeper for the Minnesota Twins is pictured with Mike McDonald, a retired sports field manager and co-founder fo the Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association ;and has been the leader of most all previous Community Service Projects the group has participated in.
Community Service Project-
(Continued from Page 20)
Mayor of Saint Paul and Minnesota House Representative Rep. Samakab Hussein who used the area growing up near the complex.
This was a great opportunity to help make the complex that Joe Mauer, Dave Winfield, Jack Morris and Paul Molitor played on even better than it already was. Special thanks to Toro's Liz Ramirez and Marnie Wells for their efforts in making this eventful day possible. The scope of the work was: Dunning Softball Fields: Reset the base anchors, HP and Pitching Rubbers (three Fields) and aerated the outfield grass.
Jim Kelly Field: Revamped the bullpens and new plates and rubbers, painted wooden bleachers, installed UnderGuard along the fence lines and aerated the outfield grass.
Billy Peterson Field: Added ag lime and regraded; aerated the infield and outfield; edged; lightly topdressed and overseeded infield grass; sodded around the mound; did a mound re-do with ag lime and new pitching rubber; added a new HP; revamped the bullpens and added a new rubber and plate; added a retaining wall behind the dugout; cleaned up garden areas and re mulched and added Under Guard under all the fencing.
Pictured from left to right at the Community Service Project are: Joe Churchill, Reinders Inc.; St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter; Hall of Fame Baseball Player Joe Mauer; MPSFMA Past President Derek Hollanitsch; MPSFMA President Trent Waters, Minnesota Twins; MPSFMA Board Member Peter Braun, Minnesota United, and Community Service Project Chair Mike McDonald, CSFM.
Pictured are Ben Boeding, CSFM, Reinders Inc., with Trent Waters, Minnesota Twins and current President of the MPSFMA. Both were a tremendous help throughout the full day Community Service Project with the Minnesota Twins, The Toro Company and MPSFMA. Contact MPSFMA if you have a field you’d like considered for 2025.
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• Explore the pro昀les of speakers and attendees
• Send in-app messages and exchange contact info
• Receive update noti昀cations from organizers
• Access the event agenda, maps, and parking directions at your 昀ngertips
• When provided by the speaker, digital session handouts are available on the app.
Job Boards are now exclusively in the app. Your listing stays posted before and after the show! Click on Community at the bottom, then scroll down to Job Openings. Search openings already posted, or 昀ll in the form to post opportunities at your company.
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.
Make a Point of Attending the Northern Green in St. Paul January 22-24, 2025
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. MTGF 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 Golf Course Superintendents' Association
+ Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management 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 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. Thank you for your consideration.
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. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, funding approved by the MTGF will not be subjected to overhead or other indirect charges or costs. The dates for submission, review and approval may change on an annual basis as well as the protocol stipulated for the submission of gift requests.
