MTGF Supports University Turfgrass Research

 

June 1, 2009

Contact: Kathryn Aro, Executive Director Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) T 612.625.9234, karo@mtgf.org, www.mtgf.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation Announces Financial Support of the University of Minnesota Turf Science Program Endowment

St. Paul, Minnesota – June 1, 2009 - The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) announced today that the University of Minnesota Turf Research Program will benefit from an endowment funded by the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) and several of its member organizations including the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association (MGCSA), Minnesota Sports Turf Managers Association (MSTMA), Minnesota Park Supervisors Association (MPSA), and the Minnesota Turf Association (MTA).

The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization formed in 1993. It is comprised of research organizations and trade associations whose members support or manage landscaped green areas. Its mission is to promote the green industries in Minnesota through support of research, education and outreach at the University of Minnesota and elsewhere.

Turfgrass accounts for the most significant ground cover in landscaped areas, and it serves several purposes. It provides aesthetic appeal to homes, parks, corporate campuses, and more. It provides a safe surface for both school playgrounds and athletic fields. Turfgrass also plays an important role in minimizing pollution. As Eric Watkins, Assistant Professor with the University’s Department of Horticultural Science, explains “Grass absorbs water, which helps reduce storm runoff and improve water quality. Lawns cool the air, provide oxygen, trap dust and dirt, promote healthful micro-organisms, prevent erosion, and filter rainwater contaminants.”

Researchers at the University’s Turfgrass Research, Outreach and Education (TROE) Center are experimenting with native grasses, developing programs to reduce or eliminate off-target movement of pesticides and fertilizers and evaluating new technologies to conserve water. The long term goal is to develop environmentally responsible turfgrass cultural systems.

Funds provided by the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation and its member organizations, which are in excess of $240,000, will bring new opportunities to this critical program, including supporting expanded research and financial support of graduate students.

MTGF has been making financial contributions to the University annually since 1995. However, according to Kathryn Aro, MTGF Executive Director, supporting the endowment is the most significant contribution it can make to help the University achieve its goal of developing a world-class turf research program. "The endowment will provide a long-term and steady income for the Turfgrass Science Program and TROE Center. Supporting the endowment gives the University more flexibility and lead-time to respond to public need and consumer demand for turf research.”

"The University’s Turf Program is extremely grateful for this gift because it demonstrates long-term commitment to the program.” said Brian P. Horgan, Associate Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist in the University’s Department of Horticultural Science. "Turfgrass is important to our society, and with increasing concern over issues such as water runoff and pesticide usage, the funds could not have come at a better time.”

Research at the University’s TROE Center is showcased annually at an event known as Field Day. This event, coordinated by the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation, provides landscape managers the opportunity to learn about the valuable uses of turfgrass and how to manage it in an environmentally sound way. The 2009 Field Day takes place on Thursday, September 10, 2009. For information about Field Day, please visit www.mtgf.org.

To learn more about the University’s Turfgrass Science Program, visit www.turf.umn.edu

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