2017 Turfgrass Research Contributors

The turgrass research funding year begins with our annual conference and trade show.  At that time, about a third of our annual average is rasied through the Silent Auction, 50/50 draw and by the efforts of the Kwantlen Turf Club.  Also, any contributions from allied organizations are typically presented at the show.

Every WCTA member contributes too!  Unique to our association, 10% of member dues and 30% of any annual net revenue is directed toward turf research project funding.

Money raised this year will be directed toward turf research projects next year.  Where dollars go is decided by the research committee based on a carefully developed list of turf management industry priorities (see below) and $4000 is earmarked annually for collaborative funding with the Canadian Turf Research Foundation.

Sincere thanks must go to the organizations, companies and individuals who have made generous contributions to turf research through both donations and supporting events and functions. 

2017 Silent Auction - $4,451
Kwantlen University Turfclub raffle proceeds - $4,160
Kwantlen University - $150
Olds College - $150
Jeff Hoyem - $100
Kelly Jacobsen - $100
Sabrina Bladon - $100

In total, $23,418 was raised in 2017, nearly the same as last year but not quite our goal of $25,000.  Remember to support the turf research that supports your career! 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who serve tirelessly on our Research Committee:  

Peter Sorokovsky - City of Burnaby (Chair)
David Davidson - Kwantlen Polytechnic University
David Duncan - THP Co. (WCTA Past President)
David Woodske - BC Ministry of Agriculture
Dr. Brian Holl - Lamorna Enterprises
Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative) 
Jim Ross - Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre (retired) 
Dave Kennedy - Vancouver Golf Club (Northwest Turfgrass Association Representative)

Current Turfgrass Research Priorities:

• Nutrient and fertility management, best management practices
• Soil and root-zone management, best management practices
• Evaluation of alternatives to pesticides
• Irrigation and water use issues (water quality and reducing water usage)
• Investigations into the biology, ecology and management of current and emerging pests
• Alternative cultivar and species for new turf construction, integration and conversion into existing turf areas
• Species/cultivar evaluation and improved management practices for areas of heavy traffic and wear tolerance