2014 Turfgrass Research Contributors
The turgrass research funding year begins with our annual conference and trade show. At that time, we typically see an influx of dollars through contributions from allied organizations like the BC Golf Superintendents Association and Kwantlen University Turf Club along with revenues generated from our Silent Auction and other fundraisers.
The good news is the WCTA Research fund receieved $1250 from the BCGSA this year and a record-setting, $5000 from the KPU Turf Club!
Another $1080 was generated through Peter Sorokovsky's 'Give Me 5 Bucks' campaign, $400 has been received through direct member donations and $800 was raised by the Vancouver Island Parks and Grounds Supervisors for a YTD total of $8,128. The bad news is our annual Silent Auction was cancelled as we just didn't get enough donations to the cause this year.
That said, 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 over the years. The Silent Auction was a big part of our fundraising efforts for over 15 years and we are now looking at new ways to garner funds to support the research that supports the turf management industry.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who serve 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
Keith Lyall - Sun Peaks Resort (WCTA Past President)
Stephen Kerbrat - Smithers Golf Club (BCGSA Representative)
Mike Turner - The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club (NTA Representative)
Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative)
Elizabeth Hudgins - (Special Consultant)
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
Our goal this year is to raise $20,000! Here are the 2014 turf research contributors so far:
Platinum ($2000 Or More)
Kwantlen University Turf Club
Gold ($500-$1999)
BC Golf Superintendents Association
Peter Sorokovksy's 'Give Me 5 Bucks' campaign
Vancouver Island Parks and Grounds Supervisor's Association
Silver ($1 - $500)
Jeff Hoyem
Eric Heuver - Eagle Lake Turf Farm
Jim Boeckman - Dawson Creek G&CC