Mark Your Calendar
- 2012 Northeastern PA Turf Conference and Trade Show, January 26, 2012, The Woodlands Inn and Resort, Wilkes-Barre, PA
- 2012 Western PA Turf Conference & Trade Show, February 7–9, 2012, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North, Mars, PA
- 2012 Penn State Turfgrass Field Days - August 9 and 10, 2012. Joseph E. Valentine Turfgrass Research Center, University Park, PA
- 2012 Penn State Golf Turf Conference - November 13, 2012 8:00AM to November 15, 2012 11:00AM. Nittany Lion Inn, University Park, PA.
Jerred Golden to Receive Dr. George Hamilton Distinguished Service Award
Jerred Golden (Director of Grounds, Hershey’s Mill) will receive the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council’s Dr. George Hamilton Distinguished Service Award on November 15 at the Penn State Golf Turf Conference in University Park. This award is presented to individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to Pennsylvania’s turfgrass industry, and is considered the Council’s highest individual honor.
Some Observations on Imprelis Injury to Trees
Damage to trees due to leaching or drift of herbicides applied to turf is a rare event; but when it does occur, it can create a lot of anxiety and customer dissatisfaction. This year, professional turfgrass managers from Iowa to New Jersey experienced damage to certain tree species (primarily Norway spruce and white pine) following spring applications of a new herbicide called Imprelis. The following article provides information about Imprelis and tree injury resulting from spring applications.
New Endowment to Enhance Penn State Turfgrass Programs
Penn State turfgrass research and education will get a boost as the result of a recent gift to the College of Agricultural Sciences. Pennsylvania Turfgrass Research Inc. gave the college $300,000 to establish an endowment — the Pennsylvania Turf Research Innovation Fund — that will provide financial support for studies to address important issues facing the turf industry, while creating new research opportunities for students.
Nutrient Restrictions in Turf: What’s Down the Road for Pennsylvania?
Unless you’ve been living in a deep, dark hole, you have probably heard that nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers are on the hot seat in the United States. Several states are either considering or have enacted legislation involving nutrient restrictions in turf. If the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has its way, Pennsylvania and the other five states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed will soon have laws governing the application of phosphorus, and perhaps nitrogen fertilizer on turf. The following is a summary of EPA’s new program for reducing nutrient loading into the Chesapeake Bay, and how it may affect golf courses and other turf sectors in Pennsylvania.
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.
More…
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.
More…
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.
More…
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.
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.