2020 Turfgrass Research Contributors

The turgrass research funding year begins with our annual conference and trade show.  During those three days, 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.  In the past, any contributions from allied organizations were 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. 

2020 Silent Auction - $6,127
KPU Turf Club contest proceeds - $3,500
Member donations - $335
Kwantlen Polytechnic University - $250
Sports Turf Canada - $270

We're happy to announce that $26,062 was raised in 2020, surpassing our $25k annual goal!  Help us help turf research if you can!

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

Peter Sorokovsky - City of Burnaby (Chair)
David Duncan - THP Co. (WCTA Past President)
Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative) 
Jim Ross - Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre (retired) 

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