2021 Turfgrass Research Contributors

The turgrass research funding year begins with our annual conference and trade show.  Typically, 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 presented at the show.

Obviously, things have been very different since the 2020 conference and we had to make some changes, for example, our famous Silent Auction moved online and raised $5,387 ($6127 in 2020).  Meanwhile, the Kwantlen Turf Club fundraising efforts were delayed with the Pat Dooley Memorial Golf Tournament rescheduled to October 8th at Mayfair Lakes in Richmond, but we can now report a $5000 contribution from the tournament proceeds! (these funds will go into next fiscal year)

Despite the delays, pivots and challenges, we continue fundraising efforts starting with every WCTA member.  Perhaps you didn't know but unique to our association, 10% of member dues and 30% of any annual net revenue is directed toward turf research projects.  It's a policy that ensures there will always be funding even if the association were to have a bad year financially; we've always felt funding research is just that important to turf managers. 

So when the 2021 fiscal dust settled, contribution from dues is $12,923, last year's net surplus worked out to $3,289 and our online auction raised $5,387 bringing the 2020/2021 total to $21,599!  That's less than $30,217 the year prior but an amazing accomplishment nonetheless!

All 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.  We look forward to further fundraising initiatives as things get back to normal and as always, whenever you can, help us help turf research!

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