Year In Review

Spring Turf Day a Success

Members came from near and far to participate in NESTMA’s Spring Turf Day on June 20, 2018. The weather was spectacular and provided the perfect backdrop for the beautiful fields and facilities at Governor’s Academy in Byfield, MA.

In the morning, participants rotated through a series of informative education stations including trend-setting equipment and technology demonstrations provided by some of the industry’s leading suppliers. Highlights included the latest drone technology, robotic field painting, and state-of-the- art turf management equipment.

The Governor’s Academy hockey arena provided a unique setting to enjoy a delicious midday barbecue, as well as the chance to catch up with friends and colleagues. The afternoon session, “Turfgrass Selection to Enhance Turf Health”, presented by Brad Park, Research and Outreach Agronomist at Rutgers University was well attended and informative. Attendees also joined Matt McDonnell, Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds at Governor’s Academy, for an insider look at what it takes to manage sports fields at the oldest continuously operating boarding school in the United States. At the end of the day, everyone came away with a fresh arsenal of best practices, great ideas, and new connections to keep their facilities running smoothly and profitably.

Summer Field Day A Hit

Roth Schmigdall and his crew at Wellesley College hosted a fantastic Summer Field Day on August 8, 2018. More than 100 members participated in a day filled with great education, informative field trials, and productive networking.

A highlight of the educational program was the keynote presentation by John Sorochan, Ph.D. of the University of Tennessee. John, one of the industry’s foremost experts on sports turf performance and safety, shared the latest research from the UT Center for Athletic Field Safety. The cutting-edge information he provided was eye opening and a lively audience discussion followed his presentation. A .pdf version of John’s PowerPoint presentation is available via the NESTMA website: NESTMA.org.

John Kelly, Corporate Agronomist with Redox Chemicals in Burley, Idaho provided the science behind the sustainable phosphorus management program at Wellesley College and Bob Mann, Director of State and Government Relations with the National Association of Landscape Professionals offered his insight on public policy affecting the sports turf profession.

Members also had a chance to visit Wellesley’s impressive athletic fields where Roth Schmigdall, Assistant Head of Grounds & Athletic Fields, has been examining the pros and cons of various sustainable turfgrass applications in athletic fields. Roth, along with his industry partners Redox Chemicals, Precision Labs, Hillcrest Turf Services, and Tom Irwin Advisors, provided a first-hand look at what’s working, what isn’t, and what they’ve learned through these extensive field trials.

NESTMA’s Summer Field Day at Wellesley College provided a great opportunity for industry thought-leaders, researchers, and trend-setting suppliers to address the unique opportunities and challenges of managing sports turf in New England. Attendees took away powerful new connections, sure-fire solutions, and a fresh perspective on best practices and proven strategies for success.

Great Turnout at Golf Tournament

NESTMA and MALCP members enjoyed a great round of golf for a good cause on October 4, 2018. Nearly 100 golfers gathered at Butter Brook Golf Club in Westford, MA to play this beautiful course. Golf was followed by a delicious barbecue lunch, the highlight of which was a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds from the annual Tournament benefit the Terry Mellor Scholarship Fund and MALCP’s scholarship programs.

Fall Workshop Provides Great Information

Brian Boesch and his team at URI hosted a terrific Fall Workshop on October 10, 2018. NESTMA members and commercial partners spent the morning learning about pre-emergent herbicides and grassy weed control from Matthew Elmore, Ph.D. of Rutgers University; Heather Faubert of URI’s Plant Protection Clinic updated the group on what’s ahead with respect to pests and diseases in the landscape; and Brian Boesch led the group on a tour of URI’s impressive facilities that included his insight on best maintenance practices and IPM programs to support healthy athletic fields.

Thank you to our commercial partners who generously supported NESTMA events throughout the year!