New National Turf Research Foundation

By Jerry Rousseau

The Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation has recently evolved into the ‘National Turfgrass Research Foundation’. 

From the website:

The National Turfgrass Research Foundation (NTRF) is Canada’s new leader in advancing turfgrass science and sustainability. We connect researchers, industry leaders, and environmental innovators to drive solutions that benefit communities, recreation, and the environment.”

For nearly 50 years, we operated as the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation (OTRF), funding groundbreaking research, building trusted industry relationships, and championing sustainable turf practices across the province. This deep history forms the foundation of our work today.

In 2025, we evolved into the NTRF to reflect our expanded mandate and national scope. While our name has changed, our core purpose remains the same — to invest in turfgrass research that delivers measurable benefits for industry, communities, and the environment nationwide.

Ron Craig, Lifelong OTRF Member & University of Guelph Alumni is quoted as saying, “The transition from being the OTRF to becoming a national foundation is an obvious step for the growth and sustainability of turfgrass research throughout Canada.  Since 1979, the OTRF has successfully supported relevant research projects across the country including both Canadian and US proposals.  By becoming a Canada wide foundation, the NTRF will now have the reach and resources to fund even more innovative and Canadian relevant research to benefit the entire turf industry.”

So where does this leave the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation, a federally registered charity incorporated in December of 1976 that has funded hundreds of turf research projects over the past 50 years and includes member organizations across Canada including the WCTA?  

That remains to be seen but I expect to hear something soon and will let you know.