There are large parking lots onsite, and over昀ow parking across St. Paul Rd at Woodland Hills Church.
4 LUNCH IS PROVIDED!
SAINT PAUL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
President Dominic Pierre
MAC Union Cemetery
Vice President
Mark Kruse
MPSFMA
City of Lakeville
Secretary/Treasurer
Tom Redmann
MASMS Consultant
Treasurer Steve Balfany
MTA
Balfany Farms
Ex-Officio
Sam Bauer
MPSFMA
Ramy Turf
Directors
MASMS
Tracy ClossonNorthfield Schools
MGCSA
Chris Aumock
MGCSA
MGCSA
Jason Scharfencamp MGCSA
MPSFMA
Ben Boeding Reinders, Inc.
MSA
Hannibal Hayes Davey Research Group
MSA
Graham Wessberg
City of St. Louis Park
MTA
Bryan Lawrence
Rocket Turf & Nursery
MTSC
Brent Benike
Northern Excellence Seed
VendorJimRepresentative O’Neill Eco Works Supply
VendorJamesRepresentative Wolfin
Twin City Seed Company
University of Minnesota
Turfgrass Extension
Dr. Eric Watkins
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Turfgrass Extension
Jon Trappe Ph.D.
University of Minneso
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
The MTGF Exists to Serve You
By DOMINIC PIERRE President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation
Greetings MTGF Members,
It is both an honor and a privilege to step into the role of President of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation. For those of you whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, I’m Dominic Pierre: Secretary-Treasurer of the Minnesota Association of Cemeteries and the superintendent at Union Cemetery on the east side of Saint Paul. My daily work—overseeing the health of turf, the precision of plantings, and helping grieving families through the aesthetics of our cemeteries—has given me a profound respect for the challenges and triumphs that define our green industry. I am excited to bring that perspective to the MTGF Board and, together, cultivate an even stronger foundation for professional growth across our state.
As many of you know firsthand, the life of a turf and grounds professional is marked by long hours, unpredictable weather, and the relentless pace of a season that never quite pauses. From spring’s first green-up through the lush days of summer and into the fallen leaves of autumn, we’re on call— mowing, trimming, fertilizing, draining, and tree care. It’s backbreaking work, yes, but it’s also deeply gratifying to see a lawn thrive, a landscape come to life, and a community take pride in its green spaces. In my own work at Union Cemetery, I witness every day how high-quality turf and well-maintained grounds can comfort grieving families, uplift neighborhood aesthetics, and honor our shared history.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every superintendent, technician, installer, landscape architect, and seasonal crew member who pours sweat and skill into Minnesota’s parks, campuses, cemeteries, athletic fields, and residential communities. Your expertise fuels our collective success, and your dedication during this peak season does not go unnoticed. Whether you’re battling dry spells, juggling staffing shortages, or racing against the clock to prepare for an important community event, please know that your efforts form the green backbone of our state’s infrastructure and quality of life.
The MTGF exists to serve you. We understand the pressures you face: Rising material costs, shifting environmental regulations, labor concerns, and the constant pursuit of sustainable practices. That’s why I’m eager to hear from you and from our allied associations. What programs would make the biggest difference for your organization? Which educational seminars or hands-on workshops would help your crew sharpen their skills? Are there scholarship opportunities, research grants, or regional networking events you’d like to see prioritized? Your insights will guide our strategy as we strive to add tangible value, strengthen professional bonds, and foster the next generation of turf and grounds leaders.
Please reach out and share your thoughts. You can contact me directly at dominic.pierre@unioncem.org, or, as always, connect with our Executive Director, Jeff Turtinen, at turtinen@mtgf.org. Together, we will build on a legacy of excellence in Minnesota’s turf and grounds community, ensuring that our green industry remains vibrant, innovative, and deeply connected. Thank you for your commitment, your craftsmanship, and your passion. I look forward to working alongside each of you in the seasons ahead.
Warm regards,
Dominic Pierre
Dominic Pierre President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation
2025 MTGF ALLIED ASSOCIATION CALENDAR
MSA June 16-17
MASMS June 24-25
MGCSA June 25
MPSFMA June 25
MPSFMA June 25
MASMS June 27
MGCSA August 4
MPSFMA August 21
MGCSA August 25
MGCSA September 9
MAC September 16-18
MSA September 18
Decay-Testing, Biology and Biomechanics Workshop, St. Paul
MASMS Custodial Grounds & Maintenance Days, White Bear Lake
MGCSA Championship - Highland National GC, St. Paul
MAC Annual Convention
MSA Tree Climbing Workshop
MGCSA September 22 The Scramble - St. Croix National GC
MGCSA October 6
MTGF October 7
MASMS October 22
MSA October 30
MASMS November 12
MASMS November 14
MPSFMA November 19
MASMS November 20
MASMS November 21
MGCSA December 2-3
MASMS December 10
MASMS December 18
MASMS December 19
MTGF January 20-22
Wee One - Oak Ridge CC, Hopkins
Northern Green Outdoors - Aldrich Arena, Maplewood
Northwest Chapter Meeting: Hampton Inn, Bemidji
MSA Fall Conference, Plymouth
Metro Chapter Meeting: Bunker Hill Event Center, Coon Rapids
Northern Chapter Meeting: Arrowwood, Brainerd
MPSFMA Fall Workshop - Brackett’s Crossing CC, Lakeville
West Chapter Meeting: Lakes Country Service Coop, Fergus Falls
Southern Chapter Meeting: SCSC, Mankato
The Mega - St. Croix National GC
Metro Chapter Meeting - Mall of America, Bloomington
Northwest Chapter Meeting: Hampton Inn, Bemidji
Northern Chapter Meeting: Timberlake Lodge, Grand Rapids
Northern Green, RiverCenter, St. Paul
Maximize the beauty and functionality of your grounds with MTI’s turf solutions.
Our comprehensive range of reliable equipment, backed by more than 70 years of industry expertise and support, helps you maintain pristine landscapes. Offering the top brands in the industry, we provide the tools and support you need to create safe, inviting, and sustainable outdoor spaces.
Contact us today for an on-site product demonstration or to learn more.
turf pro 500
From performance and cost savings to more time to focus on the bottom line, the Toro Turf Pro puts innovation and efficiency at your command. With GPS RTK technology, the Turf Pro navigates with a 0.75– 1.25" (2–3 cm) level precision, enabling it to mow a consistent pattern with a minimal overlap.
Birches and the Borer
By Ryan Murphy Department of Forest Resources | University of Minnesota
The first tree I ever learned to identify was surely the paper birch. I still recall trips to a family cabin in Wisconsin where they grew naturally and the accompanying urge to peel away the papery outer layer of bark (probably as kindling for our intricately prepared fires).
Minnesota is home to five native birch species; yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.), heart-leaved birch (B. cordifolia Regel), river birch (B. nigra L.), paper birch (B. papyrifera Marsh.), and bog birch (B. pumila L.). All of these birches are relatively tall trees excepting bog birch, which is a multi-stemmed shrub. Identifying birches in natural stands may be confounded by the fact that these species have the ability to hybridize if growing near each other. Birches have the characteristics of an early successional species, possessing an ability to grow on disturbed sites with a rather strong aversion to shade, especially paper and river birch. Yellow birch and heart-leaved birch both have an increased tolerance for shade compared to the others. River birch as its name implies is usually found naturally occurring on flood plains and can be commonly found along the Mississippi in Southwestern Minnesota.
they have been shown to be exceedingly more susceptible to bronze birch borer. This mechanism of host susceptibility to an unrecognized pest is the same one currently unfolding with emerald ash borer.
Ash species endemic to the native range of emerald ash borer are generally only killed off when stressed or already in decline; however, our native ash lack the defenses inherent in the Asian ash species.
A 20-year study on the resistance of various birch species to bronze birch borer is reported by Nielsen et al. 2011. This study looked at seven commonly planted birch species including paper birch, ‘Whitespire’ gray birch, river birch, European white birch, downy birch, monarch birch and Szechuan birch. After the young seedlings were established, the plot was inoculated with bronze birch borer by introducing infested logs.
As it is with any good story, our hero (the birch) would not be complete without its rival, the bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius). Bronze birch borer is a Minnesota native flat headed borer. It is related to two other well-known pests, two-lined chestnut borer and emerald ash borer. Bronze birch borer injures birches in much the same way as its other borer relatives affect their host trees. After adults emerge, they will feed for a short time on leaves before mating and laying eggs on the outer bark. Larva will hatch from the eggs and chew through the bark and begin feeding on the water and nutrient conducting tissues of the host tree. This feeding creates galleries which disrupt the flow of water and nutrients within the tree, leading to decline and possibly death.
Birch species vary in their susceptibility to bronze birch borer. Our native birches have the capacity to tolerate a certain level of infestation. Bronze birch borer tends to become a major issue when trees are suffering from some other stressor such as drought or growing in soils with higher pH.
Due to the popularity of birch as a landscape tree, non-native birch species from both Asia and Europe have been introduced to the nursery trade. While these species may be desirable for their growth characteristics and aesthetics,
The results of the study are telling. Within eight years of planting, all European white birch, downy birch and Szechuan birch had died, additionally, monarch birch mortality was 88%. Conversely, after 20 years, the native North American birches showed much higher resistance with 25% mortality in paper birch, 27% mortality in Whitespire gray birch and only 3% mortality in river birch. It was noted by the researchers that most mortality of gray and paper birch occurred following a severe drought. The cause of mortality in river birch was not attributed to bronze birch borer as no evidence of colonization within river birch was ever observed during the 20-year study. Furthermore, this study showed that paper birch and gray birch both tolerate a certain level of bronze birch borer infestation as 100% of these trees had larval colonization.
Admittedly, the results of this study were perhaps extreme due to the artificial inoculations of the plot. However, those planting near naturally occurring birch stands may want work under the assumption that bronze birch borer populations are already present. Furthermore, try and choose a planting site where stress from drought can be mitigated either through inherent site characteristics or artificial water supplementation. And if you want nothing to do with bronze birch borer at all, go with river birch (though light infestation has been observed on river birch growing in alkaline soils)
References: Lloyd J. and Hahn J. Bronze birch borer and twolined chestnut borer in Minnesota. University of Minnesota Extension. Found online 12/1/2017 at lt;https:// www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/bronze-birch-borer/> Nielsen D., Muilenburg V. and Herms D. 2011) Interspecific Variation in Resistance of Asian, European, and North American Birches (Betula spp.) to Bronze Birch Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Environ.Entomol. 40 (3): 648-653
Birch species are often planted as clumps for aesthetics. This can lead to issues in the future due to stem compression and inclusions which may result in decline or failure.
2025 MTGF DONATION: $27,500
2025 University of Minnesota Proposal to MTGF for Teaching, Research, and Outreach Programs at University of Minnesota Departments of Forest Resources
& Plant Pathology
Principal Investigators:
Ryan Murphy | Alicia Coleman University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources
Benjamin Held | Robert Blanchette University of Minnesotata Department of Plant Pathology
Cooperators: Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation and Minnesota Urban Foresters and Arborists
Urban and forested areas are invaluable resources that bring many benefits to Minnesota communities. However, tree canopy cover is dwindling due to invasive threats like Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer as well as environmental stressors like successive years of drought, burdening the resources for forest management in the landscape. Sustained efforts are crucial to restore and preserve canopy to provide a sustainable future urban forest for both residents and land managers. We aim to accomplish these tasks by researching tree diseases and pests, assessing tree species performance, providing meaningful professional ontinuing education, and conducting outreach with youth to help recruit the next generation urban foresters, arborists, and scientists. The long term support of MTGF to the Departments of Forest Resources and Plant Pathology has created many opportunities for growth in the areas of academic research and outreach to industry professionals, school-age youth, and others. We are requesting funds to accomplish this work through continued general support of the Urban Forestry Outreach & Research Lab as well as the University of Minnesota Elm Selection Program.
Support from MTGF continues to be critical in providing staff and student salary support, equipment acquisition, and development of novel research methodologies at the UMN Urban Forestry Outreach & Research Lab and the UMN Elm Selection Program
forestry and arboriculture, technical tree climbing, and methods of rope access used to safely enter and explore tree canopies.
2025 Anticipated Outcomes
● Ten species of tree will be studied for hardiness and transplantability. In addition to planting new trees, existing trees previously planted in the landscape will be identified and added to a database for long term observation.
● Youth Tree Climbing experiences will be conducted on and off UMN St. Paul Campus (3-5 events) which will provide professional rope access arboriculture experiences to over 100 youth.
Materials & Methods
Rationale, Benefits to Grounds Managers
Continued development of high-quality instruction, research, and outreach programs to grounds managers, arborists, and school-age youth increases the value and investment in urban and community forests statewide. Additionally, research and workshop programming provided by University of Minnesota faculty and staff throughout Minnesota help to engage our communities and enhance the benefits of urban natural resources.
Objectives
1. UMN Urban Forestry Outreach & Research Programs (UFOR)
2. University of Minnesota Elm Selection Program (UMESP)
1. UMN Urban Forestry Outreach & Research Programs
2025 UFOR Objectives:
● Expand the local knowledge of novel tree species for MN land managers and residents in partnership with UMN Extension. Adaptable tree species are being studied around the state for their performance in Minnesota’s managed landscapes. Through the support of MTGF, we will be able to purchase and plant trees of novel species in collaboration with land managers to increase the available palette of selections to create more resilient landscapes.
● Continue the support of youth outreach, engagement, and recruitment programs in the metro as well as the exploration of programs that reach K-12 kids in greater Minnesota. This includes development of skills and knowledge related to urban
Adaptive Novel Tree Species for Minnesota: Tree pests and disease are an ecological and economic risk for land managers. Tree epidemics such as Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer have resulted in greater awareness about the benefits of a diversified tree species mix. Hardiness zone maps were recently updated pushing the Twin Cities area into Zone 5, originally Zone 4. This theoretically opens up the possibility of planting new species with historical ranges which were further south. Furthermore, a number of studies have forecasted the ways in which global climate change will affect the forests and woodlands of Minnesota, and these researchers have published experimental protocols to further study how impacts in cities affect broader landscape changes over time (e.g. the North American Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change [ASCC], with an experimental urban forest site in Saint Paul). Research like this has inspired expert groups, like UMN Extension, to develop lists of climate change-adapted tree species for a range of land managers to plant trees that are expected to grow and persist in uncertain futures, including the investigation of the potential migration of new-to-region species. However, much of this work has not yet occurred in the context of city forests and metropolitan regions, and the survival and health of climate adapted trees across core cities and metropolitan areas has not been critically studied. Given the complicated history of pests and pathogens in cities of Minnesota, we also have anecdotal evidence that land managers are reluctant to plant too many unfamiliar tree species. Communities of researchers and practitioners would benefit from an empirical understanding of perceived resilience and risk for large-scale tree planting decisions across different cities and urban ecosystems of Minnesota. This project aims to expand on nationally and locallyrelevant research and theoretical frameworks applied to urban forests and city tree planting conditions (Brandt and
(Continued on Page 8)
MTGF Funding-
(Continued from Page 7)
This project aims to expand on nationally and locally-relevant research and theoretical frameworks applied to urban forests and city tree planting conditions (Brandt and Windmuller-Campione 2020, Hobbie et al. 2021) and will be guided by the following research questions:
1. What are the characteristics of climate change vulnerability, resistance, resilience, transition, and inaction of currently inventoried urban forest stock across ecoregions and urban areas of Minnesota?
2. How well do “climate ready” urban trees perform across site types, cities, and ecoregions of Minnesota? We will observe and plant novel species in managed landscapes.
3. How are self-reported tree selection decisions related to stewardship behavior, tree knowledge, and tree preferences in the context of lesser-known species across site types and management actors? Species of interest for this work include but may not be limited to: bitternut hickory, mockernut hickory, shagbark hickory, eastern redbud, common persimmon, Osage orange, American sycamore, sassafras, northern pecan, post oak, chinkapin oak, and bald cypress. Youth Engagement in Arboriculture (YEA): The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation has been critical to the sustainability of the YEA program. Funding from MTGF supports hiring contracted professional arborists and UMN technical staff to provide handson instruction in professional arboriculture techniques in a safe and fun environment to youth and young professionals entering the green industry. MTGF Funding is also an important part of maintaining a collection of safe tree climbing equipment; including ropes, helmets, harnesses, rigging equipment, and other essential personal protection equipment and first aid.
In 2025, YEA will once again be collaborating with the University of Minnesota’s Youth Programs to provide a week-long climbing experience for participants. Additional climbing events will be conducted at various municipal Arbor Day events, the MN Festival of Trees / Tree Climbing Championships, and with other developing partner groups such as the Girl Scouts.
2024 YEA Climbing Events
● UMN Youth Climbing Camp - 28 participants
● Festival of Trees / MN Tree Climbing Championships in Maple Grove, MN - 83 participants
● Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers Program at the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa - 15 Participants
2. University of Minnesota Elm Selection Program (UMESP)
Objectives
1) Continue to identify putatively resistant elms in the Minnesota landscape, clonally propagate, and screen for DED resistance. 2) Study mechanisms of resistance in resistant trees. 3) Maintain elm research plots for long term resistance screening and for non-native resistant species.
Materials & Methods
Every year our database of survivor elms across the state continues to grow as community engagement has steadily increased. This is a valuable tool as these trees are a source of potential scion material for clonal propagation and DED screening purposes. Collections and propagation are done using traditional methods and we continue developing enhanced propagation techniques. However, the main method used is grafting, because it quickly produces fast growing seedlings that can be planted in the field for future screening. We also currently
have a large collection of elms (over 100 selections) that were propagated from survivor elms in areas of heavy disease pressure from across the state and will continue to propagate them to numbers suitable for trials. Screening is done by inoculating elm selections with the DED pathogen, Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. In late spring when earlywood is being formed, an injection is made using a quantified concentration of spores of a lab grown culture of the pathogen into the tree via a small drill wound in the main stem. Ratings take place beginning four weeks post inoculation using an 11 point scale where 0=no wilt and 11=complete wilt and continue into the next and following growing seasons.
2025 Anticipated Outcomes
We continue to add additional selections from Minnesota to our collection of elms for DED screening and have several selections showing resistance to first round inoculations. A large field trial completed in 2022 consisted of 15 new selections with 7 selections having six or more reps. Ratings from last growing season show 13 selections with a rating of 3 or lower (0=no wilt and 11=complete wilt). Many of the selections from this trial are also duplicated in a second block that will be inoculated in the late spring of this year as well as new selections totaling 20. Propagations have continued that include new selections as well as selections showing resistance. Selections that have survived previous inoculations will be propagated for a future study with additional replicates. These selections exhibited symptoms but were able to effectively wall off the pathogen and survive one year from inoculation. Studies and refinement of propagation methods will also continue through the spring and summer of 2025. Funding from MTGF supports research on the potential of nonnative elm species in Minnesota. While our primary goal remains the development of Dutch elm disease (DED)-resistant American, rock, and red elms, certain non-native elm selections have demonstrated strong assistance to DED. We maintain a collection of these promising selections, which offer potential for specific landscape applications due to both their disease resistance and desirable growth forms.
In addition to our nursery on the St. Paul campus, we manage an elm trial plot at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This site serves as a valuable testing ground for evaluating the performance of non-native elm varieties. Moving forward, we will continue to expand and maintain this collection, with a particular focus on selecting and propagating Ulmus parvifolia genotypes and advancing trials of Ulmus ‘Rebella’ for use in Minnesota landscapes.
2025 University of Minnesota | Crookston Proposal for Funding Support for the Golf and Sports Turf Management Program
Principal Investigator:
Kristina S. Walker, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Agronomy
University of Minnesota |
Crookston Agriculture & Natural Resources Department
The purpose of this grant proposal is to secure funding from the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation for the Golf and Sports Turf Management Program at the University of Minnesota Crookston. This gift would support the undergraduate turf management students and the turfgrass management program in three key areas: teaching, research, and outreach. The goal is to provide current students with handson learning experiences through teaching and research while also recruiting future students into turfgrass management through outreach and enrichment activities. Retaining current and future students in the green industry is the joint mission of the MTGF and the University of Minnesota.
Rationale
Dr. Walker teaches courses in several programs including Agronomy, Horticulture, Soils, and Golf and Sports Turf Management at the University of Minnesota Crookston. She advises undergraduate students from all three program areas. She is the program lead for the Golf and Sports Turf Management. She coaches the turf students in the annual GCSAA Turf Bowl and the SFMA Student Challenge. She is also the advisor to the Turf Club. Dr. Walker has been at the University of Minnesota Crookston for 16 years.
in their interest area. Projects initiated by the student do not have grant funding to support their efforts. The University of Minnesota does offer an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) to fund student research projects. It is extremely competitive as it is open to all U of M undergraduate students and only provides up to $300 in expenses/supplies for the proposed project. Additional funding is needed to help initiate and manage the non-grant-funded projects involving undergraduate students. Below is a list of research projects that undergraduates have either worked on with me or have initiated themselves. Ten undergraduate students have participated in these projects. Only 3 projects were funded through the U of M UROP.
The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) Golf and Sports Turf Management Program is requesting support funding from the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation. This funding would go directly to the turfgrass program to support undergraduate student activities and turfgrass management program initiatives in three areas: teaching (education), research, and outreach (extension). There are currently 12 students in the Turf Management Program and 12 students in the Horticulture Program which includes an environmental landscape emphasis (6 students).
Teaching
The Crookston campus of the University of Minnesota is known throughout the state as a teaching institution. Our focus is on undergraduate students and providing hands-on experiences in the classroom, lab, and field. These high-impact practices within our courses cost money to provide our students with these experiences. The hands-on experiences we provide give our graduates an advantage when applying for jobs within the green industry. These experiences also help us retain these students on our campus and in the turf or green industry. The experiential learning practices we provide include but are not limited to:
1. Use of equipment and technology in the lab and/or field.
2. Field trips to golf courses, sports fields and facilities, lawns, and turf businesses (both local and regional)
3. Trips to conferences (regional and national) for educational sessions, networking, trade shows, and competing in the annual Turf Bowl (GCSAA) and Student Challenge (SFMA)
Research
The research conducted on the Crookston campus is carried out by undergraduate students alongside a faculty mentor. We currently have no graduate programs on our campus. Research includes current faculty projects (1-5 have all been published) or projects designed and implemented by the student or students
1. Water conservation practices and nitrogen fertility for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on creeping bentgrass putting greens (https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030016)
2. The effects of cultivation practices and fertilizer use on the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from Kentucky bluegrass athletic field (https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080869)
3. Shade and nitrogen fertilizer effects on greenhouse gas emissions from creeping bentgrass putting greens (https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080832)
4. The effects of fertilizer sources and site location on greenhouse gas emissions from creeping bentgrass putting greens and Kentucky bluegrass roughs https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses2020008)
5. Using agronomic data to minimize the impact of field conditions on player injuries and enhance the development of a risk management plan (football and soccer; 2 students; https://doi.org/10.3233/JSA-200538)
6. The determination of soil organic matter in calcareous soils: How it impacts nitrogen fertilization and turfgrass cultivation management practices in turf (2 students)
7. Low input turfgrass management strategies on reducing wear and soil compaction on Kentucky bluegrass athletic fields
8. Organic fertilizer applications on pumpkin development and productivity
Ongoing Projects
1. Incorporating Sulfur-Based Fertilizers in Annual Turfgrass Fertility Programs to Suppress Typhula Blight and Microdochium Patch 2. The Effects of Cultivation Practices and Topdressing Use on the Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens Additional support for these students could lead to more undergraduate students pursuing graduate degrees in turfgrass management. One of these UROP students went on to earn his Master’s degree in Soil and Crop Sciences from Texas A&M University.
(Continued on Page 10)
THE TESSMAN COMPANY
The Tessman Company is a trusted wholesale distributor providing a comprehensive selec琀on of fer琀lizers, chemicals, grass seed, golf course supplies, greenhouse soils and plas琀cs, landscape materials, pest control products, and ice melters.
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
• Lawn Care Professionals
• Snow Removal Professionals
• Landscapers
• Golf Courses
• Athle琀c Field Managers
• Greenhouses
• Nurseries
• Pest Control
MTGF Funding-
(Continued from Page 10)
Outreach
Outreach to the community and young people has never been more important to the future of our industry than now. It is not just about recruiting students to UMC but also about recruiting people into the green industry. Employment opportunities exist, but there are not enough students to fill open turf positions in the industry. I am constantly engaging with folks in the community or with young people through outreach activities to share my experiences (why I went into turfgrass management or being a female in our industry) and teaching about turfgrass management. Listed below are both past events and planned outreach events. Supplies for these activities cost money. While registration fees or the university covers most costs, some are not. One example is last summer’s Adventure Camp where I purchased 5 soccer balls, 5 tape measures, and 10 orange safety cones.
1. Agriculture and Natural Resources Activities Day (UMC)
2. Adventure Camp (CREST-Center for Rural Education in Science and Technology)
3. Exploration Days (Turf and Horticulture)
4. 4-H Forage/Grass Education Session
5. College in the Classroom (UMC)
6. Career Day (City of Crookston)
7. X-Camp (UMC)
8. AG Academy (UMC, summer 2025)
9. 4-H Camp (UMC, summer 2025)
10. EnviroSTEM Camp (UMC, summer 2025)
11. County Fairs (Regional)
Potential Benefits to Turf and Grounds Professionals
Supporting student activities and turfgrass management initiatives through teaching, research, and service at UMC can lead to the recruitment and retention of students in the turfgrass profession especially here in Minnesota. Currently, there are not enough turfgrass management students to cover the open turfgrass positions in Minnesota. 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. Currently, the Crookston campus is the only U of M campus in the system with undergraduate students. While the MTGF has consistently supported research on the Crookston campus, additional support is needed for our students and our program.
Objective
1. Support undergraduate student activities and turfgrass management initiatives at the University of Minnesota Crookston in the following areas:
a. Teaching
b. Research
c. Outreach (Extension)
Materials and Methods
Below is a more detailed list of examples of current or proposed expenditures to the turf management program in teaching, research, and outreach.
Teaching
1. Equipment and Technology-verticutter and nutrient meters
2. Field Trips-university vehicle rental
3. Trips to conferences-hotel and airfare
4. Turf Bowl and Student Challenge-study materials for the library (textbooks and identification tools)
Recruiting prospective students through outreach and retaining current students through teaching and research initiatives is key to preserving the future of the green industry in Minnesota and elsewhere. Support from the MTGF would greatly impact the Golf and Sports Management Program at UMC and our students.
Deliverables
1. Offering UMC students more hands-on learning experiences in their courses.
2. The ability of our students to network with industry professionals.
3. More visibility of UMC students at green industry events.
4. Increased numbers of undergraduate students doing applied research in their field.
5. Improved recruitment and retention of turfgrass management students at UMC and within the green industry.
and 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."
"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
2025 MTGF DONATION: $45,000
2025 University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science Research Program Support
Principal Investigators: Dr. Eric Watkins
| Jon Trappe, Ph.D. | Dr. Dominic Petrella University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science
We are proud of the partnership between the University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science Program and the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation. Since 2001 nearly $2 million dollars has been donated to the University of Minnesota from the MTGF. In return, we have conducted research to increase economic efficiency for turf managers and improve the ecological sustainability of turfgrass landscapes. This request includes $45,000 of general support to continue our research and outreach activities in the next year. MTGF funding is essential to maintain staff and land at the Turfgrass Research, Outreach and Education Center on the St. Paul campus. Ongoing projects are outlined below, and include improving turfgrass winter stress tolerance, improving turfgrass shade tolerance, conserving irrigation inputs, and implementing new technologies for data-based decision making.
Rationale for Research
We are proud of the partnership between the University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science Program and the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation. Since 2001 nearly $2 million dollars has been donated to the University of Minnesota from the MTGF. In return, we have conducted research to increase economic efficiency for turf managers and improve the ecological sustainability of turfgrass landscapes.
the diversity of sod production through sustainable turfgrass adoption. This new project, a collaborative effort with Kansas State, Purdue, and Rutgers, aims to identify best practices for establishing and growing low-input turfgrass sod, and also exploring approaches to develop new cultivars that can more quickly produce harvestable sod. In addition, we will work with Professor Chengyan Yue at UMN to help identify ways to better inform and educate consumers about low input sod.
Over the years we have leveraged support from MTGF to procure millions of dollars in support from other funding sources. The list of funding successes is extensive, ranging from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to the United States Department of Agriculture. Each funded proposal benefits the membership of the MTGF and amplifies the dollars invested. In recent years, we have leveraged MTGF funding to obtain additional research grants, including:
● Metropolitan Council. $418,997. Reducing water use on Twin Cities lawns through assessment, research, and demonstration. This is new funding as of January 2025 that is a continuation of a long-term collaboration aiming to reduce water use on lawns in the Twin Cities. For this new funding, we will be expanding our efforts to educate Twin Cities residents about lawn water conservation, including expanding a program we call “Lawn Leaders” whereby Master Gardeners from around the region host lawn education events at their homes/lawns/garages. Our team trains these Master Gardeners to lead demonstrations that help residents solve lawn challenges such as clogged irrigation nozzles, weed problems, seeding new lawns, fertilizing properly, etc. We are also beginning to work with townhouse associations on best practices for reducing water on their grounds. Finally, we will be working with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to provide consumers and professional turfgrass managers with state-recommended turfgrass seed mixtures for lawn water conservation. We will accomplish this by testing a series of species mixtures at four sites in the Twin Cities and then work with BWSR and turfgrass seed vendors to develop a list of recommended species ratios for approved mixtures. This will be very valuable for defining seed mixtures in projects that go out for bid and also provide general consumers with easy-to follow seed mixture recommendations using an existing, trusted public entity (BWSR).
● USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative: $8,000,000. WinterTurf: A holistic approach to understanding the mechanisms and mitigating the effects of winter stress on turfgrasses in northern climates. This project, led by our team, involves researchers in 7 states and Norway, and aims to increase our understanding of winter stresses of turfgrass, while providing new solutions for turfgrass managers. This is the largest federal grant ever awarded to a turfgrass research project; our success in leading this project would not be possible without the years of support from MTGF and other allied organizations. Current work in Minnesota is aimed at improving perennial ryegrass for winter stress survival and determining ice encasement thresholds for annual bluegrass survival. This work is resonating with turfgrass managers worldwide.
● Minnesota Department of Transportation. $275,928. Regional optimization of roadside turfgrass seed mixtures phase 3: Assessing long-term performance and creating a web-based decision tool. This project is evaluating the long-term performance of multi-species mixtures on 14 roadside sites around the state. This project is delivering valuable information to public agencies making decisions about turfgrass seed for roadsides and helping us learn about optimized mixtures for low-input landscapes such as parks, cemeteries, and home lawns. For example, we have found that as the number of turfgrasses in a mixture increases, there is an increase in functional green cover of a turf area, along with a reduction in weeds and exposed soil. Through this work we are also starting to see the value of buffalograss use for some low-input applications.
● United States Golf Association: $10,000. Examining the impact of light quality on creeping bentgrass putting green light requirements. Previous research has developed light requirement threshold (i.e. Daily Light Integral [DLI] thresholds) to help golf course superintendents make decisions on shaded greens. However, this research never took into consideration changes in light quality that occur under shade. With this seed funding from USGA we will examine how much light requirement thresholds change when the ratio of red to far-red light is reduced on shaded field plots. We also have continuing projects in turfgrass breeding, bee lawn establishment, soil moisture sensors, early spring creeping bentgrass establishment, dormant seeding best practices, breeding grasses for improved shade tolerance, turfgrass stress physiology, and more. Benefits of Research to Turf and Ground Managers.
(Continued on Page 16)
MTGF Funding-
(Continued from Page 14)
Ongoing projects are outlined below, and include improving turfgrass winter stress tolerance, improving turfgrass shade tolerance, conserving irrigation inputs, and implementing new technologies for data-based decision making.
Rationale for Research
Over the years we have leveraged support from MTGF to procure millions of dollars in support from other funding sources. The list of funding successes is extensive, ranging from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to the United States Department of Agriculture. Each funded proposal benefits the membership of the MTGF and amplifies the dollars invested. In recent years, we have leveraged MTGF funding to obtain additional research grants, including:
● Metropolitan Council. $418,997. Reducing water use on Twin Cities lawns through assessment, research, and demonstration. This is new funding as of January 2025 that is a continuation of a long-term collaboration aiming to reduce water use on lawns in the Twin Cities. For this new funding, we will be expanding our efforts to educate Twin Cities residents about lawn water conservation, including expanding a program we call “Lawn Leaders” whereby Master Gardeners from around the region host lawn education events at their homes/lawns/garages. Our team trains these Master Gardeners to lead demonstrations that help residents solve lawn challenges such as clogged irrigation nozzles, weed problems, seeding new lawns, fertilizing properly, etc.
We are also beginning to work with townhouse associations on best practices for reducing water on their grounds. Finally, we will be working with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to provide consumers and professional turfgrass managers with state-recommended turfgrass seed mixtures for lawn water conservation. We will accomplish this by testing a series of species mixtures at four sites in the Twin Cities and then work with BWSR and turfgrass seed vendors to develop a list of recommended species ratios for approved mixtures. This will be very valuable for defining seed mixtures in projects that go out for bid and also provide general consumers with easy-to follow seed mixture recommendations using an existing, trusted public entity (BWSR).
● USDA Agricultural Marketing Service: $477,952. Increasing the diversity of sod production through sustainable turfgrass adoption. This new project, a collaborative effort with Kansas State, Purdue, and Rutgers, aims to identify best practices for establishing and growing low-input turfgrass sod, and also exploring approaches to develop new cultivars that can more quickly produce harvestable sod. In addition, we will work with Professor Chengyan Yue at UMN to help identify ways to better inform and educate consumers about low input sod.
● USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative: $8,000,000. WinterTurf: A holistic approach to understanding the mechanisms and mitigating the effects of winter stress on turfgrasses in northern climates. This project, led by our team, involves researchers in 7 states and Norway, and aims to increase our understanding of winter stresses of turfgrass, while providing new solutions for turfgrass managers. This is the largest federal grant ever awarded to a turfgrass research project; our success in leading this project would not be possible without the years of support from MTGF and other allied organizations. Current work in Minnesota is aimed at improving perennial ryegrass for winter stress survival and determining ice encasement thresholds for annual bluegrass survival. This work is resonating with turfgrass managers worldwide.
● Minnesota Department of Transportation. $275,928. Regional optimization of roadside turfgrass seed mixtures phase 3: Assessing long-term performance and creating a web-based decision tool. This project is evaluating the long-term performance of multi-species mixtures on 14 roadside sites around the state. This project is delivering valuable information to public agencies making decisions about turfgrass seed for roadsides and helping us learn about optimized mixtures for low-input landscapes such as parks, cemeteries, and home lawns. For example, we have found that as the number of turfgrasses in a mixture increases, there is an increase in functional green cover of a turf area, along with a reduction in weeds and exposed soil. Through this work we are also starting to see the value of buffalograss use for some low-input applications.
● United States Golf Association: $10,000. Examining the impact of light quality on creeping bentgrass putting green light requirements. Previous research has developed light requirement threshold (i.e. Daily Light Integral [DLI] thresholds) to help golf course superintendents make decisions on shaded greens. However, this research never took into consideration changes in light quality that occur under shade. With this seed funding from USGA we will examine how much light requirement thresholds change when the ratio of red to far-red light is reduced on shaded field plots.
We also have continuing projects in turfgrass breeding, bee lawn establishment, soil moisture sensors, early spring creeping bentgrass establishment, dormant seeding best practices, breeding grasses for improved shade tolerance, turfgrass stress physiology, and more.
Benefits of Research to Turf and Ground Managers
We have active projects that impact all types of turf and grounds managers. Our work in seed production improvement, both through breeding and agronomics, has a major impact on the practices used by members of the Minnesota Turf Seed Council. Research on the improvement and use of fine fescues is important for many types of turf managers, especially those among the Minnesota Association of Cemeteries, Minnesota Park and Sports Field Managers Association, and Minnesota Facility Management Professionals. Ongoing studies to understand turfgrass shade stresses are relevant to the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture. We have several recent and upcoming experiments to support sod production efficiency and the Minnesota Turf Association. Finally, we work closely with the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association to address challenges of particular importance to golf course superintendents such as precision turfgrass management and winter stress mitigation. Our
(Continued on Page 17)
MTGF Funding-
(Continued from Page 14)
extensive work on dormant seeding has utility across a range of turfgrass management situations. To improve access to turfgrass research generated by our team, we organized three field daysduring 2024, including one focused on winter stresses in on April 11, 2024; one targeted for parks and sports field managers on June 26, 2024; and one for homeowners on August 15, 2024.
Our series of field days reached public parks and school grounds managers, municipal water agencies, lawn care operators, sod farmers, product sales representatives, Master Gardeners, and homeowners. These were successful, and we will continue to hold three to four field days for various audiences in 2025.
Objectives
The objectives of our program are to increase economic efficiency for all turf managers in Minnesota, improve the ecological sustainability of our turfgrass landscapes, and protect Minnesota’s natural resources. We do this through research in the areas of breeding and genetics, turfgrass management, plant physiology, and social science. Materials and Methods (Current Projects) and Anticipated Outcomes We have dozens of active projects benefiting multiple turfgrass stakeholder groups. Outcomes from these projects include improved best management practices, data-driven solutions for difficult turfgrass challenges, new turfgrass cultivars, and new prediction models to guide turfgrass manager decision making.
Publication of Results
We regularly publish our results as blog posts, scientific research papers, and magazine articles aimed at professional turf and grounds managers. We also post brief research updates on our blog (turf.umn.edu). We present our work to other researchers at national conferences. Whenever possible, we publish scientific papers in journals that can be open access, thereby allowing all Minnesota stakeholders to access our work without having to pay.
Summary of 2024 outreach and Extension
Outreach to turfgrass stakeholders is of primary importance for our program. From turfgrass seed producers in the very northern reaches of the state, to golf course superintendents along the state’s southernmost border, our reach is extensive. We devote considerable time and resources to this work.
Mass Media
In addition to direct instruction, Jon Trappe also served as an expert in 18 mass media interviews or guest appearances that included local (WCCO Radio, WCCO-TV, KSTP-TV, FOX9), regional (Star Tribune, MN Daily, PBS Prairie Yard and Garden, WCMU), or national (Axios, This Old House, and Martha Stewart Living) organizations reaching hundreds of thousands of people. Our team also provides content for online accessibility, including creating permanent Extension webpages and writing timely pieces of content for turf-related newsletters, including Clippings Magazine, Hole Notes, Lawn Care Newsletter (UMN Turf - 1489 subscribers) and Yard and Garden News (UMN Extension - 8,000 subscribers).
CUSTOM BLENDED MIXES
CONSISTENT QUALITY
We custom blend mixes using a computerized Accublender™, controlling quality & consistency.
RESPONSIVE DELIVERY
Experienced drivers operate a fleet of more than 45 trucks. Our GPS locator helps us set the standard for the most responsive delivery in the 5-state area.
MINNESOTA FAMILY BUSINESS
Our mining reserve supplies the finest quality products in the region including: golf, athletic soils, top dressing, engineered soils, MNDOT & MPCA mixes, iron aggregate mixes, rain garden and rooftop garden mixes. We precisely engineer soils using our computerized Accublender™ to provide you with consistent quality everytime.
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 for public works and parks.
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.
