Virginia Turfgrass Journal - January / February 2015

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

January/February 2015

The Status of

BMP Adoption

by Virginia Golf Courses

What Are Your Options for Organic Turf Care?

Education Programs for the VTC’s 55th Annual Turf & Landscape Conference & Tradeshow and Come to the Bay Event

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | January/February 2015

24

20 14 Upcoming Event

Preview of the VTC’s 55th Annual Turf & Landscape Conference & Tradeshow, January 26–29

18 Upcoming Event Come to the Bay! February 24–25

20 Cover Story

The Status of BMP Adoption by Virginia Golf Courses 24 Turf Talk

30 Departments 6 President’s Message

from Fred Biggers, CGCS

8 Director’s Corner

from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.

What Are Your Options for Organic Turf Care?

10 Editor’s Perspective

30 Special Feature

12 VTF Report

Grass Roots Exhibit Opens at U.S. National Arboretum

from Mark Vaughn, CGCS from Betty Parker

33 Turfgrass Calendar 34 Advertiser Index

On the cover and photo above left: the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Photos by Liz Nutter, managing editor for the Virginia Turfgrass Journal.

4 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

President’s Message

Fred Biggers, CGCS 2014–2015 VTC President

W

An Expanded Conference and Show for 2016

ell, the off-season has now arrived, and most of us are busy with winter projects, staff training and preparing for the upcoming season. And soon, we will be meeting together in Fredericksburg for the 55th Annual VTC Conference and Show to be held January 26–29, 2015. This year’s event looks to be one of our best in recent years, with many distinguished presenters speaking on a wide variety of topics for golf, sports turf, sod production and professional grounds management (see pages 14–16).

Of course, planning for the following year’s conference (for 2016) is already underway. This past June, at the Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Field Days, conversations between a few VTC representatives and VT researchers with board members from the Maryland Turfgrass Council and researchers from the University of Maryland renewed interest in an old idea — combining forces to create a larger turfgrass conference and show to draw the entire Mid-Atlantic area to a regional gathering.

A meeting was held in northern Virginia in late October to explore the possibility of putting on a MidAtlantic Turfgrass Conference and Show (MATCS). Let me say this first — the VTC’s only initial stipulation was that this new conference would stay in Fredericksburg, since it is familiar to (and popular with) our Virginia attendees and vendors, and also it is centrally located for attendance from most areas of Maryland. Another of the VTC’s chief concerns with this new conference proposal is that it needs to be a good fit with the major players in Virginia’s turfgrass industry — golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, lawn care operators, professional grounds managers and sod producers.

With cooperative input from everyone, we hope to put together educational programs that will be exciting and informative for all of these different groups that make up the turf industry in Virginia.

The possibilities of conducting a new Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Conference and Show are endless. There are

many positive reasons to join together with our counterparts in Maryland:

#1. Attendance will increase, due to our ability

to draw turf professionals from all parts of Maryland and Virginia, along with some folks attending from southeast Pennsylvania.

#2. The conference educational programs

can be custom-tailored by each of the allied VA/MD associations to attract attendance by their members.

Over the next six months, the VTC/MTC will be working to help create an educational conference that each group can get excited about.

#3. The tradeshow’s size will likely increase because of increased conference attendance, along with having a larger geographical area from which to draw interested companies to display and promote their equipment, products and services.

Many other considerations must be factored in over the coming months concerning this possible new MidAtlantic Turfgrass Conference and Show. Our goal, as always, is to support the advancement of turfgrass in the state of Virginia. These next several months will be exciting, with many new programs being put together to serve all of the component groups that make up the VTC. Let us hear what you think about the expansion of the VTC Conference and Show into the Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Conference and Show. Many details need to be investigated and tweaked to make this new venture successful, so your input is important to us.

Best wishes for a successful New Year!

Fred Biggers, CGCS

2014–2015 VTC President

6 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

Director’s Corner

Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director

Tree Education Is Key

for All Turfgrass Professionals

The

Golf Course Superintendent Association of America’s October issue of Golf Course Management contained two articles about trees: ”Saving a Giant” and “Compelling Force.” The former outlines strategies employed at the Grandfather Golf and Country Club to save majestic trees being threatened by hemlock woolly adelgids. The other article presents a very compelling reason — the safety of players and personnel — for immediately identifying and correcting tree risks.

These two examples could be repeated many times over if I include the contents of other industry turfgrass publications.

Recognizing this trend, the VTC has added a tree care track to our February Come to the Bay Symposium. In addition to providing state-of-the-art training for arborists, the schedule is structured so that turfgrass attendees may alternate between the tree and the turfgrass tracks.

Why is information about trees important to turfgrass professionals? I found at least three reasons. One, trees and turfgrass both exist in the landscape and compete for light, nutrients and water. A very interesting overlap of interest pertains to nutrition. Ground applications for trees and turfgrass are often made independently, and sometimes by different companies, with the potential of over-fertilization. Two, as noted in the Golf Course Management article, tree risk is a very real concern and must be addressed to prevent harm to persons and

property. Three, turfgrass professionals must be able to recognize when to call a professional arborist and must be able to justify the extra expense to the client.

Come to the Bay is scheduled to be held in Virginia Beach at a great hotel and conference center located on the Chesapeake Bay. The event starts on Tuesday, February 24, with a full range of pesticide recertification classes. We are offering Categories 3A, 3B, 5A, 6, 8, 10 and 60, and we are seeking to add Category 2. In addition to recertification classes, we will provide training for the Core Pesticide Examination and Certified Fertilizer Applicator Training.

On Wednesday, February 25, everyone is together in the morning for a presentation on the challenges and rewards of caring for The National Mall in Washington, D.C. Next, we divide into tracks, one for turfgrass professionals and one for arborists. Class titles include Trees and Turf — An Antagonistic Relationship; Basic BMP Maintenance; Interpreting Soil Tests; The Arboriculture Industry’s New Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Program; Soils – Structure, Biology and Chemistry; Why Trees Fail; Tools for Lake Management; Environmentally Sound & Effective Solutions for Pest and Disease Problems; and Trees for Hampton Roads. The complete list of classes and registration information are on page 18 of this issue of the Journal and on the Events page of www.vaturf.org.

Make plans to come to the Chesapeake Bay this February. You will not be disappointed. c

8 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 vaturf@verizon.net Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editor Mark Vaughn, CGCS VTC OFFICERS President Fredrick Biggers, CGCS Wintergreen Resort (434) 325-8252 Vice President Rick Owens, CGCS Laurel Hill Golf Club (703) 674-6934 Treasurer Brian Vincel, CGCS Spring Creek Golf Club (434) 566-2580 Past President Frank Flannagan msg1sg@verizon.net (804) 356-1535

Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2014 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37068-0142, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524. Deadlines are the first of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1 for the September issue.)

VTC DIRECTORS Marc Petrus Mark Roberts Christian Sain Michael Skelton Steve Smith Rick Viancour, CGCS Jimmy Viars Scott Woodward ­ VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. Erik Ervin, Ph.D. David McCall Executive Director/ Director of PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 464-1004 Virginia Turfgrass Foundation Betty Parker (757) 574-9061

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

|9

Editor’s Perspective

Mark Vaughn, CGCS Virginia Turfgrass Journal Editor

And the Seer Sayeth…

2015 Predictions

T

wo Oh One Five. Tick, tock. Time marches on.

Time waits for no one. Time…. keeps flowing like a river… to the sea. Depressed yet? How ‘bout this one: “It is better to have lived one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep!”

Which brings us to our next factoid about 2015. You followers of the Chinese lunar calendar (close relatives, I am convinced, of the religious followers of the Farmer’s Almanac) already know this, but for you uneducated dolts out there, here’s a brief explanation. We have just exited the Year of the HORSE — a powerful, energetic animal and apparently also lucky — and we have stumbled… into the… dreaded… Year… of… the…

SHEEP. (Read that out loud, just as printed. Captain James Tiberius Kirk, no?) Babies born this year will most certainly be meek followers, unlucky in love and business, and they will struggle to find happiness. So all you Generation X, Y and Z’ers out there who are contemplating when to have little Jr. or June-yette might want to declare this the Year of Celibacy and just hang on.

Still not a believer? I present for your examination a brief description of the year 1956: “People born in the Year of the MONKEY are witty, intelligent and have a magnetic personality. Personality traits like mischievousness, curiosity and cleverness make them very naughty.

Masters of practical jokes.” Need I say more?

Well, enough of this hocus-pocus. Let us move from the spirit world into the factual realm of our annual VTC-endorsed, solid-as-a-Presidential-Promise, politically incorrect, true-as-the-Carolina-Way predictions and guidelines for your life — 2015.

Prediction #1

Celebrity Death Match (the ONLY thing I miss about MTV) makes a triumphant return on the Golf Channel.

First up: former PGA of America head Ted Bishop and tweeter extraordinaire Ian Poulter. Poulter is subjected to a vicious pounding by Bishop in the early rounds, due primarily to poor footing in his stilettos. The match ends quickly in the third round, however, when the Englishman realizes the power of his footwear and kangaroo punches Bishop, gouging out both eyes at the same time. Next week: Tiny Tom Watson vs.

Phil the Thrill, with celebrity referee Brandel “The Hair” Chamblee.

Prediction #2

The WOTUS Act wins preliminary approval from that bastion of science and technology, the U.S. Congress.

On hand for the vote are representatives of that other bastion of science and technology, the Screen Actors Guild. Things go a bit sour later in the evening when the Hummer limo carrying the SAG members overheats and boils several gallons of fresh antifreeze and water onto Capital streets. The celebrity passengers have their limo impounded and spend the rest of the evening in jail for polluting the WOTUS.

Prediction #3

In a beyond bold move, the GCSAA brings Miley Cyrus to San Antonio to provide entertainment at the closing gala of the GIS Show. “Strategically” coated in bentgrass seed, the quirky twerker unveils her newest dance

10 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

creation — the “aerifier.” Old Tom Morris winner Dan Jenkins is rushed to the hospital during the act, suffering from heart palpitations.

Prediction #4

Tiger Woods announces his new “team” — swing coach Anna Rawson, hypnotist Nicole and trainer Christie Brinkley. When asked about the lack of, uh, the Y chromosome in his entourage, TW shrugs his shoulders and replies, “I found that I was being too analytical about selecting my most trusted advisors. This time, I decided to let Google randomly select my peeps, and amazingly, out of thousands of possibilities, these three ladies were picked.” Woods adds that he will be playing more events this year and traveling by motor coach, because road trips are now “so much doggone fun!”

Prediction #5

Republicans capture both the U.S. House and Senate.

Hey, I have to write this stuff sooooooo far in advance, the elections haven’t happened yet. Okay, I’m lying.

BUT, in his first executive move/order/move, the Prez declares Congress insignificant and abolishes the entire Legislative branch. An outraged Mitch McConnell and John Boehner set up camp in Lafayette Square and begin nailing the White House with low-flying Pro V1’s struck with Hogan Apex two irons. As the “shelling” goes on, the Prez calls a press conference and goes on the offensive. “I’ve played golf with Boehner, and I’m not worried. He can’t hit it high enough to reach the windows in the White House living quarters. And this is but another example of two old whiteys stuck in the past. Who hits a TWO iron anymore?”

Prediction #6

Continuing the effort to make golf properties more appealing to the masses (bigger drivers, long putters, FootGolf, 8" putting cups, movie nights, concerts, car washes, free childcare, etc.), a facility in Southside Virginia reinvents itself. The Goodyear All Terrain Golf and Racing Club debuts to rave reviews. Explains Supt.

Sting (nematode, not the singer, for you copyright lawyers reading along), “This booger rocks! Instead of going old-school Indianapolis and putting the golf course inside of the racetrack, we went totally rad and wove the track through the course. Think bunkers are high maintenance and a waste of time? Not if you’re on a Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon X01 blasting through the whoops, shooting up the face and doing a Superman Seat Grab Indian Air fifteen feet above the bentgrass.

Wanna flatten those Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus/fill-inthe-architect, pain-in-the-rear mounds from the late ’90s? Whoa there, Sparky. Strap yourself into a CanAm

Outlander, and let the games begin!” Asked about golfer complaints, an irritated Sting replies, “Get out of the 1900s dude. Today’s player wants to get the adrenaline flowing for about 30, then grab a set of rental clubs we have stationed strategically on course and bring it down for about 45, and then climb back on the iron and go all Fast and Furious back to the clubhouse for 20 or so. Yin and Yang man. It’s inside of us all.

Get in touch.”

Prediction #7

Sports turf managers are taken aback by the new law protecting minors passed in Fairfax County. Declaring athletic facilities “fields of death,” the group No Mas (Northern Outraged Mothers Against Sports) successfully petitions their local jurisdiction to plow under hundreds of acres of turf. “We already knew they were toxic-waste dumps, full of harmful chemicals poisoning our offspring,” says spokesperson Melanie Kumbaya.

She continued, “But this campaign is about the harmful, destructive effects of sports in general. We believe a much better and SAFER path for our little ones is to sit quietly in front of a video screen with their Cheetos and energy drinks and play games where EVERYONE can catch passes, score goals and hit it 300 yards.”

Citing their past efforts, Kumbaya goes on to say, “Just look at how much better our world has become since we removed high diving boards, trampolines, playground equipment and the mandatory PE curriculum from schools. And when little Johnny comes home to live after getting his college degree, his play things will be just where he left them!”

Prediction #8

And finally… Bubba Watson says he’s “just not feeling it” and decides not to make the trip to Augusta to defend his title. Shocked Masters officials hurriedly regroup and invite fellow Milton High School alum and good ol’ boy Boo Weekley. “Boo/Bubba, we’re just glad to have someone from Baghdad, Florida, in our toonament,” says chairman Billy Payne. Unfortunately, things continue to go wrong in Augusta when No Mas reveals that Boo once spanked his son. “He missed his first shot at a big buck, and I just gave him a love pat on the behind for encouragement,” claims an exasperated Weekley. Never ones to back down from a fight, Masters officials say they are satisfied with Boo’s explanation and declare the “Buttgate” controversy closed.

There you have them. Another successful year laid out for you. If this doesn’t pan out, don’t blame me. I can’t control what other people may be led to do. Golly, shucks, I’m just an ol’ coach. c

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 11

VTF Report

Betty Parker VTF Manager

F

Welcome to the VTF

rom time to time, I repeat myself for a very worthwhile cause, and in this article, I hope to remind you of just what the VTF represents and why we exist.

For starters, the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt, scientific and educational organization 501(c)(3). All contributions are tax deductible.

Since 1988, the VTF has been able to support research projects that have enhanced not only the quality of turfgrass, but also ultimately the overall quality of life.

Fungicide research, control of grasses in grasses, biostimulant research and sports field management are just some of the topics of research trials that have been conducted and supported by the VTF. In an effort to achieve our mission of funding quality, innovative turfgrass research, our ultimate goal has been the establishment of a stable endowment fund.

We are aiming for $1 million so that the interest generated by this fund each year can be used for turfgrass research while leaving the principle intact. We are headed in the right direction. Currently this fund is growing and has a balance of $552,868.96. Once we reach our goal, the amount we currently support (approximately $70,000) will be doubled! Our very talented turfgrass researchers at Virginia Tech deserve so much more than we are currently funding them. Here is how you can help.

1.

If you haven’t already done so, mail in or call me with your pledge from the recent fundraising-campaign information you received in October. Any amount is appreciated and adds up so quickly when we all pitch in. Already, we have raised $5,800. Thank you to those who have already given during this campaign. You serve as a great catalyst to the rest of the industry: Jeff Berg Bill Brockett Rick Fritz

Jack Hall Randy Houff Steve Madden

Jeremy Parker Virginia Beef Corp.

Ray Weekly

2.

Come by our booth at the conference, and participate in our wildly popular Putting for Research Contest.

You know you’re better than your colleagues… come prove it in the name of research!

3.

And lastly, please feel free to call on me, or any of our dedicated board members. They can come talk to your organizations and showcase what we are all about.

They can also relay suggestions for research that you would like to see done by our research team at Virginia Tech. We are here to get answers for you through the research we support, and the bottom line is you actually help yourself when you support us. c

VTF Officers

VTF Directors

President Adam Dixon, CSFM Hampton Roads Soccer Council (757) 478-2291 adamdixon@verizon.net

Jeff Berg Goose Creek Golf Club (703) 729-2500 jberg@kempersports.com

Vice President Sean K. Baskette Hidden Valley Country Club (540) 989-6222 hvccmaint@comcast.net Secretary/Treasurer Fredrick S. Biggers, CGCS Wintergreen Resort (434) 325-8252 fbiggers@ wintergreenresort.com

12 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

Samuel W. Coggin (757) 784-4224 swcoggin@yahoo.com Frank Flannagan (804) 356-1535 msg1sg@verizon.net Rick Owens, CGCS Laurel Hill Golf Club (703) 674-6934 rickjowens@yahoo.com

Upcoming Event

Preview of the VTC’s

55th Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Tradeshow January 26–29, 2015 • Fredericksburg, VA • Fredericksburg Conference & Expo Center For up-to-the-minute updates and to register online, visit http://turfconference.org. Dress for the event is business casual.

Monday, January 26, 2015 ODGCSA Class 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Hydroseeding I ntroduction to Hydroseeding: What a Hydroseeder Can Do Reports from the Field

Leading Change in Your Organization Amy Wallis, Ph.D., Wake Forest University

Regulatory Update

Lunch (on-site, free for attendees)

C an Zoysiagrass Withstand the Traffic, or Is It Too Slow to Recover?

Dr. Milt Engelke, Texas A&M, Emeritus; Team Zoysia; Turfgrass Development, Inc.

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

VGCSA Forum

2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

VTC Annual Meeting 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Main Session 8:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

2 014 U.S. Open Experience and Managing Crews by the Golden Rule Mr. Kevin Robinson, CGCS, Director of Golf Course Operations, Pinehurst Resort, and Mr. John Jeffreys, Superintendent, No. 2, Pinehurst Resort W hy Zoysiagrass, and What Do I Do with It Once I Have It? Dr. Milt Engelke, Texas A&M, Emeritus, Team Zoysia; Turfgrass Development, Inc. VTC Awards

Sports Turf

A rtificial or Real Turfgrass: Pros and Cons Dr. Mike Goatley, Virginia Tech A rtificial or Real Turfgrass: Utilizing Sod Grown on Plastic Mr. Chad Price, Carolina Green A rtificial or Real Turfgrass: Panel Discussion

General Turf Caring for America’s Front Yard Mr. Michael Stachowicz, Turf Specialist for the National Park Service, National Mall and Memorial Parks I ntegration of Tenacity and Pylex into Weed-Management Programs for Turfgrass Dr. Jeff Derr, Virginia Tech

Break

O rganic Amendments for Turfgrass Dr. Greg Evanylo, Virginia Tech

Breakout Sessions

Virginia Tech Update Video

10:20 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Golf Track U SGA Green Section: Year in Review Mr. Darin Bevard, USGA Green Section, and Mr. Elliott Dowling, USGA Green Section W arm-Season Putting Greens in Richmond?

Dr. Erik Ervin, Virginia Tech

n-going information about the O latest Virginia Tech research.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Fellowship Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Hot Topics/What’s New 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

S od on Plastic: Alternative to Artificial Turf?

Mr. Chad Price, Carolina Green L ogistics: a Web-Based Order Management and Routing System for Turf Farms Mr. Drew Wagner, Sod Solutions P roper Plant Selection: The Key to a Good Night’s Sleep Mr. C.D. Prillaman, Prillaman Landscape Dimensions, Inc.

Mechanic’s Seminar

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

See page 15 for details; separate registration required.

Tradeshow and Lunch 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon Program for Sod Growers 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Questions & answers with Virginia Tech professors.

Pesticide Recertification for 3A and 3B only 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 29, 2015 Free for VTC Members!

Pesticide Recertification

Lunch (on-site, free for attendees)

(for 3A, 3B, 5A, 6, 8, 10, 60) 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tradeshow

Pesticide Certification Training (for Core Exam)

12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

12:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Please visit with our exhibitors!

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Reception

Pesticide Certification Examination (must have

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

On the Tradeshow floor.

VDACS letter to take exams) 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Fertilizer Certification 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

14 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

Registration Form on Page 16

Special Seminar for Mechanics Wednesday, January 28, 2015

During the 55th Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Tradeshow of the Virginia Turfgrass Council Fredericksburg Expo Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Sign-Up Form (Please Print) The Cost:

• $60 for members of the VTC • $85 for non-members of the VTC

Join the VTC for $75

(Membership good thru December 31, 2015.)

* Attendees who pay the Conference Registration – either full or Wednesday only – are granted entry into the Mechanic’s Seminar without extra charge.

Sign up for:

o Mechanics Seminar

(Wed. Jan 28)

o VTC Membership ($75)

Price: $_________ $_________

__________________________________ Name

__________________________________ Address

__________________________________ City, State, Zip Code

__________________________________ Company/Organization

__________________________________ Phone

__________________________________ Email

Time

Schedule

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

OSHA & Small Engines

Topics

Method of Payment o Check o Visa

o MasterCard o American Express

__________________________________

• 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Trade Show & Lunch

Credit Card No.

• Electrical Diagnosis

• 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hydraulics

Sec. Code

Speakers

Sponsored By

Signature

• Greg Womble, Revels Turf & Tractor

Virginia Turfgrass Council

Virginia Turfgrass Council

• Tier 4 Diesel Engines

• Micky McCord, Consultant • Kenneth Glass, Stihl

________________ ________________ Exp. Date

__________________________________

P.O. Box 5898 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Phone: 757-464-1004 Fax: 757-282-2693

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 15

Upcoming Event continued

VTC 55th Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Tradeshow Registration Form Name:______________________________________________________________________ Phone:________________________ Company/Organization:______________________________________________________ Fax:___________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________ City:________________________________________________________________________ State:______ Zip:________________ Monday Class and Lunch _______ $75 (same price for any or all classes offered on Monday) (Sponsored by ODGCSA and VGCSA) _______ Free – VTC Annual Meeting Tuesday Only

(Includes Tues. workshops, Tues. tradeshow, Tues. lunch and Tues. reception)

_______ $120 – Postmarked by January 10 _______ $145 – If Postmarked after January 10 Wednesday Only

(Includes Wed. tradeshow, Wed. workshops and Wed. Lunch)

Wednesday Special Mechanic’s Seminar Wednesday, January 28 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tier 4 Diesel Engines and Electrical Diagnostics

_______ $115 – Postmarked by January 10 _______ $140 – If Postmarked after January 10

Tuesday and Wednesday Only — Best Value

(Includes tradeshow, Tues. and Wed. workshops, Tues. reception, Tues. and Wed. lunch)

_______ $210 – Postmarked by January 10 _______ $235 – If Postmarked after January 10

Thursday Only — Pesticide/Fertilizer Day _______ Free for VTC Members _______ $60 – Non-Members if Postmarked before January 10 _______ $85 – Non-Members if Postmarked after January 10 Persons seeking to take a Pesticide Exam Must Have an Approval Letter from VDACS Virginia Turfgrass Council Membership _______ Regular: $75 (dues expire December 31, 2015) _______ Group: See Box A (dues expire December 31, 2015) _______ Subtotal _______ Less Discount for Group Members (Print Name of Group) _______ $35 — Surcharge for Non-VTC Members _______ M echanic’s Seminar Only — $60 for VTC Members $85 for Non-Members (this event is included in any registration that includes Wednesday) _______ Total Due

Box A Group Membership Platinum ($1,200) 11–20 Members 10% Discount to Conference Year-Round listing and link from VTC Web Site Gold ($750) 6–10 Members 10% Discount to Conference Silver ($350) 1–5 Members 10% Discount to Conference

Make check payable to VTC or Charge Card #______________________________________________________________________ o MC/Visa

o Amer. Exp.

Exp Date:________________________ Master Card and Visa “V Code” (last three digits on back):_ _____________________ Signature:___________________________________________________________________ Date:__________________________

Mail to: Virginia Turfgrass Council • P.O. Box 5898 • Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Phone: 757-464-1004 • Fax: 757-282-2693 • Email: vaturf@verizon.net • Web: www.vaturf.org 16 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

Upcoming Event

2015 Come to the Bay! February 24 – 25, 2015 Free for VTC Members!

Virginia Beach Resort Conference Hotel (Shore Drive at Great Neck) Tuesday, February 24 Pesticide Recertification for VA Categories 3A, 3B, 5A, 6, 8, 10, 60 (We are also seeking Category 2 for VA, NC, WV and MD.) Initial Pesticide Certification Training For CORE Initial Pesticide Testing (for persons pre-approved by VDACS) Initial Fertilizer Certification

Wednesday, February 25 9:00 a.m.

Caring for America’s Front Yard Michael Stachowicz, Turf Specialist for the National Park Service, National Mall and Memorial Parks The National Mall in Washington D.C. hosts 29 million visitors annually and more than 1,100 permitted events. This type of use pressure has made the successful rebuilding of the 17 acres of turf between the Capitol and the Washington Monument that is considered “America’s front yard” very challenging. It required state-ofthe-art athletic field standards, design for high levels of public use, implementation of modern agronomy programs and changing the way events are managed. Only with all of these components functioning can turf survive on the Mall.

Turfgrass Track

Session Chair: Wes Bray, Lawns & Gardens Plus

10:00 a.m.

Soils: Structure, Biology and Chemistry Greg Moore, Plant Food Company Presented by Turf & Garden

11:00 a.m.

Trees and Turf: An Antagonistic Relationship Joe Murray, Consulting Arborist and Educator 12:00 p.m.

Lunch (on your own) 12:45 p.m.

Tools for Lake Management Steve Weekly, Aquatic Resource Management Presented by Aquatic Resource Management 1:45 p.m.

Basic BMP Maintenance Periodic inspections, pruning, dredging, etc.

2:45 p.m.

Interpreting Soil Tests Dave Lawson, Landscape Supply Presented by Landscape Supply

3:30 p.m.

Close Arborist Track Session Chair: Kristina Bezanson, Tidewater Community College 10:00 a.m.

Trees and Turf: An Antagonistic Relationship Joe Murray, Consulting Arborist and Educator 11:00 a.m.

Trees for Hampton Roads Kristina Bezanson, Tidewater Community College What do you look for when selecting trees for the Tidewater area? We often hear, “Right plant, right place,” but what does that mean for trees? Trees will often outlive their owners if they’re

18 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

grown in the right conditions, and they will appreciate in value as they get older.

Which trees you recommend to plant and where can bring future generations multiple benefits or could turn into an expensive burden. Important steps in the process of choosing trees for clients will be discussed. Topics include: site evaluation, client evaluation, species selection and selecting quality trees from the nursery. Several tree species and cultivars will be covered.

12:00 p.m.

Lunch (on your own) 12:45 p.m.

The Arboriculture Industry’s New Tree Risk-Assessment Qualification Program Joe Murray, Consulting Arborist and Educator 1:45 p.m.

Tools & Techniques of Practical Tree Risk Assessment Luke McCall, City of Richmond 2:45 p.m.

Environmentally Sound and Effective Solutions to Pest and Disease Problems Trent Dicks, Arborjet Presented by John Deere Landscapes 3:30 p.m.

Close

Registration Information VTC members — FREE Non-members — $60 for both days, $40 for one day) Register today online, at www.vaturf.org/ come_to_the_bay.html.

Cover Story

The Status of

BMP Adoption

by Virginia Golf Courses

By Chantel Wilson, MS. Primary Investigators: Erik Ervin, Ph.D., and Stephen Schoenholtz, Ph.D., Virginia Tech

V

irginia Tech researchers have been collecting information for a study entitled “Effect of Golf Course Turfgrass Management on Water Quality of Non-Tidal Streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.� The overall goal of this project is to quantify the effect of golf course turf management on the water quality of local streams and to determine the proportion of nitrogen contributed to Chesapeake Bay tributaries at baseflow (non-storm) conditions.

Our investigation seeks to clarify whether changes in water quality are occurring in association with turfgrass management and, if so, to what extent. This project may allow for refinement of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model used to construct the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load limits, and it may help to properly inform future regulatory directions for water-quality legislation protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Our research

Golf course superintendents were asked to consider completing a short online survey to help assess the management and adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on golf courses in Virginia, even if they were located outside of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. A total of 70 complete responses were received.

20 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 21

Cover Story continued

Our results

Figure 1 shows the adoption rate of selected golf course BMPs for optimal turfgrass growth, nutrient management and water-quality protection as

recommended in the Environmental Best Management Practices for Virginia’s Golf Courses handbook (VGCSA, 2012).

Many golf courses are using BMPs, and most of the BMPs have an adop-

tion rate of 50% or higher (21 of 32 listed below).

Our water-quality studies on seven golf courses in the Chesapeake Bay watershed suggest that no significant

Figure 1. Adoption rate of selected golf course BMPs (best management practices) for optimal turfgrass growth, nutrient management and water-quality protection.

A Nutrient Management Plan used

36%

Regular soil testing conducted annually on greens

86%

Soil testing conducted at least every 3 years on fairways/roughs

83%

Fertilizer applied during periods of optimal turf growth

91%

Phosphorus applied based on soil-test need or at establishment

84%

Grass clippings returned to rough to recycle nutrients

84%

Grass clippings removed/spread in rough areas

83%

Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers used near water sources

80%

Fertilizer use avoided on high-gradient slopes near water surfaces

46%

Vegetative buffer strips used around most irrigation ponds

65%

Vegetative buffer strips used around most flowing surface waters

58%

Native plants used in ponds/buffer zones

55%

Streambank erosion controlled

58%

Constructed or native wetlands used

48%

Detention/retention ponds or basins used

58%

Sediment removed/dredged in small basins/ponds/forebays

17%

Ponds mechanically aerated

46%

Grass carp used for lake management

48%

Irrigation system audits performed

46%

Soil moisture sensors used to inform irrigation decisions

49%

Irrigation based on evapotranspiration (ET) demand

34%

Grass clippings removed from equipment before washing

54%

Fill stations situated away from drains to surface water

60%

Wash pad discharges kept out of surface waters

53%

Wastewater recycling system used

13%

Mower blades checked regularly and sharpened

100%

Height of cut raised/lower inputs used on shaded turf

31%

Height of cut raised during summer to improve stress tolerance

71%

High-traffic areas cored/tined/sliced as needed

90%

Greens rolled

94%

Greens drain to grassed or wooded area

77%

Integrated pest management practices used

94%

0 22 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

20

40 60 Adoption Rate (%)

80

100

continued Cover Story

degradation of local streams appears to be occurring as a result of golf course management. The water-quality status of these golf courses may be explained, in part, by the widespread adoption rate of several BMPs as found in the survey.

Most golf courses (54%) routinely test the water quality of their irrigation ponds, while only 21% routinely test the water quality of streams running through or adjacent to their golf courses (17% of courses did not have any streams present on their courses).

Water testing of streams flowing out of the course is particularly important since these waters may connect to Chesapeake Bay tributaries or other watersheds.

The majority of golf courses are annually fertilizing their greens with 3.0 to 3.9 lbs. N/1,000 ft2, tees and fairways at 2.0 to 2.9 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 and roughs at 0 to 1.9 lbs. N/1,000 ft2.

These are within the Virginia Nutrient Management Standards and Criteria, which recommend annual fertilization rates of 3 to 6 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 for greens, 2 to 5 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 for tees, 2 to 4 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 for cool-season fairways, 3 to 4.5 lbs. N/1,000 ft2 for warm-season fairways (fairway fertilization rate depends on the intensity of management) and 1 to 3 lbs. N/ 1,000 ft2 for roughs (VADCR, 2014).

Only 36% of courses currently have a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) in use. The Commonwealth of Virginia is mandating the development of NMPs for all golf courses by 2017.

risk areas that are specific to individual golf courses, while allowing superintendents to make more targeted, effective BMP implementation when needed. c

Citations VGCSA. 2012. Environmental Best Management Practices for Virginia’s Golf Courses. Virginia Golf Course

Superintendents Association. http:// www.vgcsa.org/sites/images/373/ VirginiaBMP.pdf Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. 2014. Virginia Nutrient Management Standards and Criteria. VADCR Division of Soil and Water Conservation. http://www.dcr. virginia.gov/documents/Standards andCriteria.pdf

Summary

Overall, the management of golf courses in Virginia appears to be environmentally focused, and many BMPs are being used to grow high-quality turfgrass while protecting natural resources. Furthermore, 30% of golf courses surveyed are currently members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf, and 58% of courses either plan to obtain certification or are considering doing so.

As the deadline for the mandated NMPs nears, we expect the adoption rate of BMPs to increase. Nutrient Management Plans will highlight the Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 23

Turf Talk

What Are Your Options for

Organic Turf Care?

By Charles H. Peacock, Ph.D., NC State University

E

nvironmental awareness and sustainability in turf management have been at the forefront of the turf industry at all levels for many years. Often, questions arise as to what options there are to the use of synthetic materials for pest control in an organic approach to turf care.

Before delving into options for organic approaches to turf care, the first issue is to define exactly the organic approach. A few years ago, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service published “Sustainable Turf Care: Horticultural Systems Guide.” The abstract indicates that the publication was written with the emphasis on organic and leasttoxic turf-care practices for lawncare professionals, golf course superintendents or anyone with a lawn or other turf area. The organic and least-toxic practices they promote are: • Establish and maintain a healthy soil environment.

• Include a diversity of species in the turf environment.

• Use cultural practices that reduce stress on turf growth.

• Understand and work with your

local soil and climate conditions.

• Use biological pest-control methods.

If all of this sounds familiar to you, the reason could be that these are the foundational approaches for any good integrated pest management (IPM) program, which is something that university turf experts have been promoting for over 25 years!

What is IPM, and why is it important?

IPM is a program that uses information about turfgrass pest problems and environmental conditions that may precipitate these problems, and it integrates these with turfgrass cultural practices and pest-control measures to prevent or control unacceptable levels of pest damage.

In another sense, IPM is a philosophy on how turf should be maintained. It is a preventative approach that incorporates a number of objectives, including the following: • Development of a healthy turf that can withstand pest pressure.

• Judicious and efficient use of chemicals.

• Enhancement of populations of

24 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

natural, beneficial organisms.

• Effective timing of handling pest problems at the most vulnerable stage, often resulting in reduced pesticide usage.

IPM is an ecologically based system that uses biological and chemical approaches for pest control. As with best management practices (BMPs), IPM strategies should be incorporated into every aspect of turf management, especially as these relate to environmental impact.

There are six basic components of IPM that are utilized in a sound program for plant and environmental protection, as follows:

1. Genetic

Selecting improved grasses that perform well in specific areas and show a resistance to environmental stress and pest problems.

2. Physical

Mechanically removing pests (i.e., hand-weeding in selected areas), and cleaning equipment to prevent spreading of diseases and weeds from infected areas.

Turf Talk continued

3. Regulatory

For a limited number of pest problems, biological control can be used whereby natural enemies are favored or introduced to effectively compete with the pest. Biological control can also include developing habitat to favor natural predation, such as installing bird and bat houses, thus favoring an increase in populations that feed on insects.

are predictable based on site history and prevailing environmental conditions. As with any material that is regulated under state and federal law, materials must be applied strictly in accordance with label instructions, at labeled rates, under appropriate environmental conditions (i.e., no spraying on windy days or when rain is forecast) and using equipment to reduce the possibility of drift.

Also, materials should be rotated among families of compounds for specific uses. This will deter the development of resistant strains of pests that may require more frequent and/or higher rates of pesticide applications.

5. Cultural

Bio-rational materials

Using certified seed and sod to prevent unwanted weed contamination and to guarantee true-to-type seed, sod and sprigs of the best-adapted turfgrass species and cultivars.

4. Biological

Following recommendations made for proper cultural practices, which will maintain the turf in the healthiest condition and influence its susceptibility and recovery from pest problems.

Proper application of practices such as proper mowing techniques, good nutrient management, sound irrigation management, aerification, vertical mowing and top-dressing should produce a high-quality turf.

6. Chemical

Pesticides are often a necessary and beneficial approach to turf pest problems, but use can be restricted in many cases to curative rather than preventive applications, thus reducing environmental exposure.

IPM was never meant to be a pesticide-free program. However, when there is a concern about protecting environmentally sensitive areas within an ecosystem, pesticide selection can be based on an ecological risk-assessment approach that strives to use only pesticides that are based on effectiveness, are not toxic to non-target species, act quickly, degrade quickly and are not overly persistent in the environment.

Few pesticide applications should be made on a regularly scheduled basis. Exceptions may include preemergent herbicides and fungicides used to control specific diseases that

If there are restrictions as to the types of materials that can be used (based either on a regulatory or philosophical issue), the use of bio-rational materials can be considered for a limited number of control options, mostly for insect pest management. Pest-control materials that are relatively nontoxic with few ecological side effects are sometimes called “bio-rational” pesticides, although there is no official definition of this term. Some, but not all, bio-rational materials qualify for use on organic farms.

Available materials that fall into this category of products include the following.

Corn gluten meal

Corn gluten meal was patented in 1993 by Dr. Nick Christians at Iowa State University as a pre-emergent herbicide primarily for control of crabgrass. The technology is based on the use of hydrolyzed proteins extracted from corn.

The material is labeled as both an herbicide and a fertilizer. It is a 9-1-0 material. The use information is to apply 10 to 20 lbs. of product per 1,000 ft2 of turf area, and if there is no rainfall within 5 days, to apply 0.25" of water to activate the material. The material is active as an herbicide for five to six weeks. Corn gluten meal is available through several online retailers.

26 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

Advantages

• Natural material and is nontoxic.

• Provides 1 to 2 lbs. of N per 1,000 ft2 as a fertilizer.

Disadvantages

• Provides 1 to 2 lbs. of N per 1,000 ft2 as a fertilizer. This is a concern in the spring on the coolseason species in the transition zone. It is recommended not to overly apply N fertilizers in spring, which will make the turf more susceptible to summer disease problems.

• Inconsistent results with this material in control of weeds. This is most likely related to the unpredictability of the spring transition from cool to warm temperatures in the transition-zone climate.

• Cost: From $13 to $26 per 1,000 ft2 of turf just for the materials.

Spinosad

Spinosad is an insecticide produced by a soil actinomycete, so it is a natural product. Spinosad is a mixture of the two most active, naturally occurring metabolites (spinosyns A and D) produced by Saccharopolyspora spinosa.

Spinosad as an insecticide is primarily for caterpillars (i.e., cutworms, armyworms, sod webworms).

Advantages

• A high degree of activity on targeted pests and low toxicity to non-target organisms (including many beneficial arthropods).

Disadvantages

• Short residual (two to nine days).

• Not systemic.

• Cost: $4 per 1,000 ft2 of turf area for material.

Azadirachtin

Azadirachtin is an insecticide for caterpillars. The key insecticidal ingredient extracted from the neem tree is a naturally occurring substance. The chemical structure is similar to insect hormones called “ecdysones,” which control the process of metamorphosis as the insects pass from larva to pupa to adult. This material blocks molting

Turf Talk continued

and disrupts the life cycle. It is nontoxic to mammals. It has a low environmental impact unless it introduced into an aquatic environment, where it is very toxic.

Advantages

• Naturally occurring material.

• Nontoxic to mammals.

Disadvantages

• Must be ingested by insect when in early immature stages.

• Cost: $5.25 per 1,000 ft2 of turf area for material.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins

These spores and crystalline insecticidal proteins produced by B. thuringiensis are used as specific insecticides under trade names such as Dipel and Thuricide. Because of their specificity, these pesticides are regarded as environmentally friendly, with little or no effect on humans,

wildlife, pollinators and most other beneficial insects.

Advantages

• Natural process affects insects after bacteria are ingested.

• Cost: several cents per 1,000 ft2 of turf area for material.

Disadvantages

• Must be ingested (i.e., no residual activity).

• May take up to five days for it to act; the insects are still active until it is effective.

• Label reads, “It is recommended that this product be applied late in the afternoon or on cloudy days, since Bt breaks down in sunlight.”

Beauvaria bassiana

Beauvaria bassiana is a fungus that kills insect pests by infection as a result of the insect coming into contact with fungal spores. It is considered nontoxic to animals, birds and plants. It

28 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

works best on beetles and caterpillars.

The NC State Pest Control Recommendations publication lists it for chinch bug control.

Advantages

• Natural product.

• Environmentally safe.

Disadvantages

• May take up to five days to work.

• Spores are susceptible to desiccation.

• May be toxic to honeybees.

• Poor to good control in different studies (inconsistent results).

• Cost: $9 per 1,000 ft2 of turf area for material.

Beneficial nematodes

These are live, microscopic round worms that occur naturally in soil throughout the world and are parasitic to certain insect pests, primarily cutworms, armyworms, and some beetle grubs.

continued Turf Talk

Advantages

• Naturally occurring.

• Environmentally safe.

Disadvantages

• Must be applied every two weeks until pest infestation subsides.

• Must be applied pre-dawn or dusk and watered before and after application.

• Cost: $10 per 1,000 ft2 of turf just for material.

Chromobacterium

Sold under the trade name Grandevo PTO, Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 bacteria and spent fermentation media are used for insect control.

Advantages

• Naturally occurring.

• Environmentally safe.

• Cost: $1.75 per 1,000 square feet.

Disadvantages

• Label reads, “Contains not less than 1,000 Cabbage Looper Killing Units (CLKU)/mg. Note: The percent active ingredient does not indicate product performance, and potency measurements are not federally standardized.”

• Must be applied with at least 2.5 gallons of water per 1,000 ft2.

• Control efficacy: • White grubs — 37% • Chinch bugs — 80% at 7 DAT, greatly reduced at 14 DAT • Caterpillars — 60 to 70% control at 7 DAT • No indication of residual activity.

Final thoughts

It should be noted that many, although not all, of these options are listed in the “2014 Pest Control for Professional Turfgrass Managers”

publication from NC State University, which can be found at www.turffiles. ncsu.edu.

A sound IPM program that incorporates the use of these bio-rational organic materials should follow a sound approach, which includes the following: • Monitoring of potential pest populations and their environment.

• Determining pest injury levels and establishing treatment thresholds.

• Decision-making, developing and integrating all biological, cultural and chemical control strategies.

• Educating personnel and clients on all biological and chemical control strategies.

• Timing and spot treatments utilizing either the chemical, biological or cultural methods.

• Evaluating the results of treatment, and making adjustments to program as necessary. c

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 29

Special Feature

Grass Roots Exhibit Opens at the U.S. National Arboretum

By Geoff Rinehart, “Grass Roots” Initiative Coordinator

A

first-of-its-kind interactive outdoor exhibit at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., Grass Roots had its grand opening on October 16, 2014.

The exhibit is the centerpiece of a four-year initiative that focuses on the environmental, economic, aesthetic and recreational benefits of turfgrass in landscapes, golf courses and athletic fields. Thematically linked to gardens and displays throughout the Arboretum’s 446-acre grounds, the exhibit shows how turf and grasses are used for a wide range of functions in the environment, from soil and water retention to activities and aesthetics.

The outdoor interactive exhibit highlights the results of turfgrass research and demonstrates that the best grasses are developed and managed with their purposes in mind: linking landscape elements, conserving soil and preventing erosion, managing stormwater runoff, beautifying landscapes and providing safe places for recreation and green space in urban environments. The exhibit also features agronomic grasses and research by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) aimed at sustaining the productivity of grain crops.

Ornamental grasses tie the entire exhibit together.

The exhibit design was developed by a team led by the Arboretum’s

head horticulturist, Scott Aker, and included Rain Underground (a Baltimore-based landscape architect firm), Arboretum staff and representatives from the National Turfgrass Federation. “This initiative illustrates how we can connect ARS science to something that is familiar to just about every person in America,” says research leader Margaret Pooler.

The outdoor exhibit is part of the Grass Roots Initiative, a collaborative effort between the U.S. National Arboretum and the National Turfgrass Federation. The program consists of an outdoor interactive exhibit,

30 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

extensive turfgrass-management information on the web that complements the outdoor exhibit and workshops, product demonstrations and symposia. The Initiative will also lead the effort for development of the National Greenscape Corridor — a cooperative effort linking the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the National Arboretum.

The outdoor Grass Roots exhibit is in a 1.3-acre space adjacent to the Arboretum’s Administration Building and Visitor Center. There are 12 stations, including a scaled-down golf hole, irrigation and fertilizer displays,

Special Feature continued

sports fields, a kiosk featuring information about common turf diseases and pests and a lawn display featuring swards of 12 different warm- and cool-season grass varieties.

The “Danthonia” station informs visitors about the development of a potentially new turfgrass species and how science plays a major role in improving it. Danthonia spicata is a native grass common on the East Coast of the United States, and research is focused on its unique reproductive biology and its ability to tolerate low-fertility soils. “Future turfgrasses will be more drought-tolerant, pest-resistant and persistent under harsh environmental conditions, which are areas of ARS research,” says Pooler.

The irrigation station conveys a message any visitor can use: “save water.” It features information to help consumers learn about smart water usage, including a display of different water-efficient sprinkler heads. “These tips can help visitors save water and result in healthier turf,” says Pooler.

The sports turf station introduces visitors to the complexities of sports field construction, provides a side-byside comparison of a bermudagrass field and an artificial field surface, and provides a space to play traditional and modern lawn games.

More than 75 invited guests attended the “Grass Roots” grand opening on October 16, 2014.

Attendees included representatives from “Grass Roots” sponsor organizations, USDA representatives, Arboretum staff, local cooperative Extension agents and members of the media.

Speaking to attendees prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Dr. Charles Walthall (USDA-ARS National Program Leader), Dr. Margaret Pooler (U.S. National Arboretum Interim Director), Scott Aker (U.S. National Arboretum Head of Horticulture) and Kevin Morris (National Turfgrass Federation President).

On October 18–19, 2014, the Grass Roots exhibit welcomed the public for grand opening weekend. “Grass Roots” staff members were on site to speak with visitors and provide small

U.S. National Arboretum Interim Director Dr. Margaret Pooler welcomes attendees to the Grass Roots grand opening.

Donors to the Grass Roots exhibit mingle at the opening preview.

group tours of the exhibit. Visitors had the opportunity to view and engage with the interactive displays, pick up lawncare information bulletins from Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland and participate in various family-oriented activities, including putting on the golf green and learning about golf maintenance equipment, playing soccer on the sports field, croquet, pushing toy bubble mowers around the lawns and a “turf scavenger hunt.” About 800 visitors attended the exhibit for opening weekend. With good weather, Grass Roots personnel staffed the exhibit for an “encore” of the opening weekend activities on Saturday, October 25,

32 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal January/February 2015 www.vaturf.org

and hosted more than 400 visitors that afternoon.

In colder weather, attendance is expected to drop, but planning is already underway for outreach and educational programs on the Grass Roots exhibit for next season. Plans include hosting a series of lawncare workshops in the spring, an equipment field day, professional symposia and staffing the exhibit on busy weekends during the growing season.

For more information about the exhibit or the Grass Roots Initiative, or visit www.usna.usda.gov/education/ turfgrass.html or the Initiative Facebook page at facebook.com/ NTFGrassRootsInitiative. c

Turfgrass Calendar January 13–16 STMA Conference and Exhibition

Denver, CO

January 26–29

VTC 55th Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Tradeshow

Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Fredericksburg, VA

February 16–19

TPI International Education Conference and Field Day

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad, CA

February 19–20

Chesapeake Green 2015 — A Horticulture Symposium

Maritime Institute & Conference Ctr. Linthicum Heights, MD

February 21–26 Golf Industry Show

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX

February 24–25

Come to the Bay! Pesticide Certification and Recertification, Fertilizer Certification and Classes for Tree Selection & Maintenance, Plus Pond/Lake Mgmt.

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center Virginia Beach, VA

June 2

Bob Ruff Jr. Memorial Research Golf Tournament

Wintergreen Resort — Stoney Creek Course Wintergreen, VA

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 33

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