September in the Mid-Atlantic region ushers in an array of events, including annual meetings for chapters, educational expos, networking events, and the start of local conferences. This is just the beginning of an always busy season, and not to be forgotten, the growing season is ending on a fiery note. Most courses in the region haven't seen a drop of rain for the last two weeks, as daytime temperatures are consistently in the 80s. But we aren't far off from our first hard frost, which will surely slow down the mower fleet. Here is a brief recap of what's been going on around the region:
On September 21 and 22, turfgrass stakeholders from around the country gathered at our U.S. National Arboretum for the National Turfgrass Stakeholder Workshop, which sought to identify turfgrass research needs. There were participants from various sectors of the industry, including superintendents, professors, industry Ph.D.s, USGA agronomists, etc. Attendees heard presentations about current and innovative research initiatives. Likewise, participants worked in groups to identify areas of need with turfgrass research and rank those needs based on priority. To name a couple, water use and reduction, and home-owner education were mentioned as areas of improvement.
On Thursday, September 21, folks from around the turf industry gathered at "Valentine East" for the inaugural Turfgrass Innovation and Discovery Expo. Throughout the day, attendees heard talks about various technologies currently available and forthcoming including GPS sprayers, soil sensor technology, fertilizer technology, solar pond aeration, mower technology, and more. Time was also provided for participants to talk with vendors and discover some of the projects undertaken at Valentine East. Dr. Fidanza said he hopes to grow the event in the coming years, and that it will be hosted every-other year, offsetting the every-other-year schedule for Field Days at Penn State University Park.
On Monday, September 25, members and guests of the Mountain & Valley GCSA gathered for the scholarship fundraiser at Scotch Valley CC. We had a good turnout, with about 15 teams on hand for the day's event. The day was hot, but the course was in awesome condition and the event turned out great.
On September 28, I will head to the
Equipment Managers meeting at Congressional CC, and network with new and future members of GCSAA's
Equipment Manager membership. Next week, I will be hosting a special visitor in the region, Kevin Sunderman, GCSAA director and director of grounds at Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club. Over the course of next week, we will visit some members, gather with a couple turf clubs in the region, and attend events in Central Pennsylvania and Charleston, West Virginia. We hope to see you out and about!
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| L-R: Matt Bohinc, Carl Michael, & Kim Pagett prepare for the MVGCSA Scholarship Fundraiser at Scotch Valley CC. |
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| Matt Shaffer addresses the audience at the "Valentine East" Turfgrass Innovation & Discovery Expo. |
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| Attendees listen at the Turfgrass Innovation & Discovery Expo. |
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| Dr. Fidanza speaks at the Turfgrass Innovation & Discovery Expo. |
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| Participants discuss research needs at the National Turfgrass Stakeholder Workshop. |
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| A small group identifies research priorities at the National Turfgrass Stakeholder Workshop. |
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| Participants enjoy dinner at the Stakeholder Workshop. |
