Turfgrass Deemed Largest ‘Crop’ in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
A recently released report from the Chesapeake Stormwater Network entitled The Clipping Point: Turf Cover Estimates for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and Management Implications, indicates that turfgrass may be the largest single ‘crop’ in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, exceeding total individual acreage for row crops, pastures, or forages.
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Penn State Turfgrass Science Class of 2010
Penn State had over 50 students graduate with a B.S. degree in turfgrass science this year. A full 41 graduates donned the cap and gown and participated in commencement ceremonies. Others were already at their new jobs and were unable to attend commencement.
Even in this down economy, entry level positions for newly graduating turfgrass science students seem available. We've seen a nearly 100% placement rate for graduating seniors who want to work in the turfgrass industry and are willing to relocate.
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2010 Penn State Turfgrass Field Days
A summary of the program schedule for the 2010 Penn State Turgrass Field Days has been posted on the Penn State Center for Turfgrass Science web site. Pennsylvania pesticide credits are expected to be offered to all paid attendees.
New for 2010 are sports field tours including Beaver Stadium and Jeffrey Field. Registration is now open.
E.H. Griffith Endowed Scholarship Awarded to Penn State Turf Student
The Penn State Turfgrass Project is pleased to announce the first annual award of the E.H. Griffith Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving Penn State Turfgrass Science student nominated by the faculty at Penn State.
E.H. Griffith created an endowment at Penn State, the proceeds from which will be used to fund this annual scholarship.
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Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council Awards Scholarships
On Thursday, May 6, 2010 the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council (PTC) Awarded scholarships to three outstanding graduating seniors in Penn State's undergraduate turfgrass science major.
The $2,000 scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and leadership potential. The students were honored at a recent luncheon meeting at the Nittany Lion Inn.
Mark Your Calendar
- Penn State Turfgrass Field Days, August 11–12, 2010, Valentine Turfgrass Research Center, University Park, PA
- Penn State Golf Turf Conference, November 16–18, 2010, Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA
- 2011 Eastern PA Turf Conference & Trade Show, January 11–13, 2011, Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, King of Prussia, PA
- 2011 Northeastern PA Turf Conference, Tentative date: January 27, 2011, The Woodlands Resort, Wilkes-Barre, PA
- 2011 Western PA Turf Conference & Trade Show, February 22–24, 2011, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North, Mars, PA
Penn State Takes Two Spots in Top 10 at GCSAA Turf Bowl
The Penn State Turfgrass Program finished in 5th and 9th spot out of the 67 teams competing in this year's GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl in San Diego, CA. Due to the generosity of John Deere, the top ten teams earned cash prizes ranging from $300 to $4000. The two teams from Penn State finishing in the top 10 earned a total of $1000 for the Turf Club. Iowa State took home the 1st place trophy.
Penn State Turf Students take First in Both 4-Year and 2-Year Divisions at STMA Student Challenge
Penn State Turfgrass Science Students take first in both 4-yr and 2-yr division in the Sixth annual STMA Student Challenge in Orlando FL in January 2010. The awards are presented in partnership with the SAFE Foundation and Hunter Industries. Hunter Industries’ continued sponsorship picks up the tab for all Student Challenge competitors' STMA Conference registration. Through the generosity of SAFE, the Student Challenge provides the winning two-year team and the winning four-year team each with a $4,000 grant to fund a practical learning lab at their college or university. See the previous blog posting for information on how the students used last years winnings.
Paul Heller (May 11, 1948 – January 18, 2010)
The faculty, staff, and students at Penn State, as well as the PTC membership, are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Paul Heller. Paul worked tirelessly for Pennsylvania’s turfgrass industry for over 30 years, identifying pest problems and researching control measures. Paul was also a talented and dedicated teacher and extension educator. He extended many acts of generosity and kindness to his students and friends, usually anonymously. We will remember Paul as a caring, talented, and humble person. Throughout his battle with cancer, Paul advised his friends to “…reduce your stress and keep healthy!” His advice is important for all of us. We will miss him immensely.