Quarterly PTRC Update: April-June 2026

As we begin 2026, we’re happy to first announce our 2026/2027 Board of Directors:

LINK to full article

● President: Travis Matijevich, Canal at Delacour, Golf Sector
● Past President: Travis Unger, Brett Young, Corporate
● Treasurer: Ben Tymchyshyn, Stantec, Landscape Architects
● Director: Jordan Joye, Oak Island GC, Manitoba Representative
● Director: David Misfeldt, City Planning & Landscape
● Director: Peter Boss, Boss Sod
● Director: Kyle Redfern, Eagle Lake Landscape
● Director: Matt Choquette, Legends Golf Club, Warman Saskatchewan, Saskturf Representative
● Director: Leanne Nadwidny, City of Edmonton, Municipal Parks

The ATRF would like to first thank retiring directors; Treasurer John Faber, and Saskatchewan representative Lance Wakefield who both joined the board for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. Having brought their knowledge and experience to the boardroom, the foundation is well positioned for the future. Our sincere thanks to John and Lance for their service.

Alberta club memberships grew by nearly 23% over the last year, resulting in 40 club members, 8 corporate members, and 5 association memberships. Foundation income is highly diversified, with 30% from memberships, 52% from service contracts, and 18% from fi eld days, diagnostics, and rental contracts.

Our previous quarterly report to the National Turf Research Foundation, included a video update on the tarping project which began in September 2025, which has garnered much attention. The project assesses the results of forced hardening, leveraging previous work by founder of the ATRF and PTRC, Jim Ross. The tarps removed were after 190 days after the last fungicide application. Funding was renewed from the Olds College faculty research fund and the National Turf Grass Research Foundation which will continue this project indefi nitely.

● Overview of Project & Sponsor acknowledgements: Video
● Summary of Variation: 100days under tarps: LINK

Fig 1. The “big reveal” illustrated the dramatic difference in permeability over impermeable tarps. Those with passive diffusion showing signifi cant spring green-up after 190 days. These images were taken April 20, 2026

Fig 2. The first of eight treatments, the closest image was an impermeable tarp, installed when ambient temperatures were -5’C. Immediately above, the permeable tarp installed at the same temp regime. As you progress to top of the photo, each treatment set was installed in 5’C increments up to 10’C ambient temperatures.

Fig 3. The students in the Olds College diploma and degree program enjoying a little field work as we removed the tarps in 45km/hr winds!

Fig 4. Below: Undeniable evidence, permeable tarping systems (left side of image) when compared to simple snow fencing (right side of image) produced dramatically better results.

Acknowledging our provincial golf superintendents associations who belong to the ATRF membership: Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association, Saskatchewan Turf Association, Alberta Golf Superintendents Association, and British Columbia Golf Superintendents Association, Western Canada Turfgrass Association whose membership dollars were leveraged to perform this research. We also thank the direct sponsorship of Brett Young, Greenjacket, Irrit Canada, the National Turfgrass Research Foundation and Olds College. Thank you for your ongoing support.

This summer on the plots: City of Calgary, Sod Growers Commodity Group, A-List
In 2026 we will continue in the fi nal year of testing the City of Calgary's "Yard Smart" perennials and 8 sod varieties from Alberta Sod Growers. Some big takeaways, data has illustrated on AB clay loam soils (300mm depth), 34.2L/m² of water is needed in the fi rst 10 days for establishment, and acceptable turf quality requires between 12-16L/m²/week (or 1/2”/week) with a dormancy threshold of 25 days. To reverse dormancy, interestingly required 34L/m², to recover. Subsequently, if we are to embrace the benefi ts of turf, applying a minimum of 12L/m²/week (40% ET replacement) will ensure carbon capture and avoid full dormancy - essentially it requires 4x as much water to recover from dormancy than maintaining healthy turf. The perennial trial continues with more complexity, however the 40-60% ET rate was proven to be most appropriate. Although the YardSmart list of perennials is still under review, the research is helping product a go-to list of most resilient plants for water conservation in our AB climate.

The many variables in a study such as this have produced its share of challenges. We look forward to sharing the analysis in 2026.

Robotic mowers at PTRC:
Introduced in 2025, our robot mower has found its place on the turf plots. We are seeing the 3yr ROI on this unit, creating more time for new research and facility improvements, mowing variable heights for different playing surfaces w/ smartphone control.

Drone Imaging:
With help from our drone and mapping specialist and turf instructor Bob Hoffos, data collection at PTRC is taking a leap into the future. Improving the ability to collect NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) from box light cameras to high-definition drone imaging, we can significantly reduce any rating subjectivity and/or operator inconsistencies.

Diseases & Diagnostics:
The diagnostics lab at the PTRC is going strong. Just a few early-season diseases have been diagnosed, This was a better year for our poa, including the trial plots at PTRC. . The typical spring poa “shock” is behind us, and clippings are coming back to seasonal norms. With mid May temperatures back to mid-20s, we may be seeing increasing pressure of the patch diseases, another reminder our climate is warming. Keep a watchful eye for Rhizoctonia and Anthracnose in the months ahead.

Eagle Lake Turf Farm to Host 2026 Alberta Turf Management Field Day

The Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) and the Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA) are pleased to announce that the 2026 Alberta Turf Management Field Day will be hosted by Eric Heuver and Kyle Redfern at Eagle Lake Turf Farm in Strathmore, Alberta on Thursday, September 17th, 2026.

WCTA President Nathan Wade agreed, stating, “Make sure you join us for the 2026 Alberta Turf Management Field Day where you will experience hands-on demonstrations, cutting-edge turf innovations, and valuable networking with industry experts—all on one of Alberta's premier 1,400-acre turf production sites. Don't miss this essential event for turf professionals.” Go ahead and mark the date in your calendar for September 17th at Eagle Lake Turf Farms. Plans so far include a morning education program, lunch, outdoor trade show with 25+ product and service suppliers expected along with inter-active supplier demonstration and fun activity stations. More information will be released in the coming weeks along with a detailed event outline and education program.

See you soon,
Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation