2018 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 raised 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. 

2018 Silent Auction - $6,418
Kwantlen University Turfclub raffle proceeds - $3,045
Give Me 5 Bucks - $365
Kwantlen University - $250
Olds College - $250
Sports Turf Canada - $250
Taylor's Turf - $250
Jeff Hoyem - $100

In total, $29,384 was raised in 2018, a signficant improvement over last year's total of $23,418 and well past our $25,000 goal!  There's more work to be done so please 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 - retired (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