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  • 21 Aug 2024 9:20 AM | MTF (Administrator)


    At this year’s MSU/MTF Field Day (August 14, 2024) MSU Interim Chairperson of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Department, Dr. Wei Zhang, was pleased to inform attendees that the Joe Vargas Professorship in Turfgrass Pathology has been approved by MSU and the search for a candidate would commence. 

    Dr. Zhang thanked the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation for their leadership gift of $1 million that provided the impetus for this position and the foresight the Foundation had in making the decision to continue its support of the MSU Turf Program. In his remarks Zhang notified those in attendance that current MSU Turf Team professor, Dr. Kevin Frank will be the chairperson of the search committee. Other members of the committee include Dr. Emily Merewitz-Holm, Dr. Jan Byrne, Dr. Tim Miles, and Dr. George Sundin. MSU officially approved the candidate search on August 5th, 2024. The review and selection process will take several months with an anticipated start date by the fall of 2025.

    Previous PSM Chairperson, Dr. Brian Horgan, was actively involved and committed to having this position for the MSU Turf Program. He expressed that the Turf Industry and the MTF will be able to provide input and have an active role during the search process.

    The MTF is pleased to have been in the position to promote this important partnership with MSU. The MTF’s support of the MSU Turf Program at MSU is part of its mission statement. It is because of the support of its members, The Founders Society, the LaFontaine Endowment - and those who have participated in so many of our activities that we have been able to make the $1 million gift to the Vargas Professorship. The Foundation thanks all those who have been supportive of our efforts to ensure this important position is filled.


  • 06 Mar 2024 2:00 PM | MTF (Administrator)

    To our MTF partners, Dr. Nikolai offers an update on his research regarding Poa seedhead suppression. "In collaboration with Dr Adam Van Dyke in Utah and the input and support of industry representatives Nikolai PhD and his awesome technician Eric Galbraith are researching possible methods to decrease Poa seedheads on golf courses in Michigan and beyond each spring. The image is of pesticide, PGR, and fertilizer combo treatments. The image displays one of three Poa Seedhead suppression studies performed by Dr. Nikola and funded by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. Certainly there are visual differences among treatments, but all that will matter is will any of these treatments decrease seedheads and if not, will it lead to combinations that may eventually lead to suppression? Thank you MTF for your support of MSU Turfgrass Research."

    Clubs donating to the the MTF TT4Turf online auction play a part of this and other research being conducted at MSU by the Turf Team. Please consider participating in the 2024 Auction. https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSezpB9RViXLEM.../viewform


  • 12 Jan 2024 2:33 PM | MTF (Administrator)

    Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Awards 

    Norman W. Kramer Outstanding Student Award - Zac Kelly
    (L to R Zac Kelly, Carey Mitchelson)

    Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award - Zachary Olowniuk
    (L to R Zachary Olowniuk, Carey Mitchelson)

    Robert Hancock Award - Anthony Williams
    (L to R Anthony Williams, Carey Mitchelson)

    Sports and Commercial Turf Award - Tristin Ziola
    (L to R Tristin Ziola, Carey Mitchelson)

    Shanty Creek Resort - Superintendent as Executive Award - Alan Clark
    (L to R Alan Clark, Alex Piotrowski (Shanty Creek Resort) 


    MTF Merit Scholar Award - Michael Doyle
    (L to R Michael Doyle, Carey Mitchelson)

    Michigan State University Awards

    Hal and Mark Vogler Scholarship - Cooper David, Eli Hilliard
    (L to R Dr. Rogers,  Eli Hilliard,  Cooper David)

    Tuck and Becky Tate Scholarship - Alan Clark, Andrew Dorland, Glenn Schweihofer
    (L to R Dr. Rogers , Glenn Schweihofer, Alan Clark - not pictured Andrew Dorland)

    Charles and Frances Osterman Scholarship - Cole Luck, Alec Richardson, Joe Wilczynski, Anthony Williams, Tristin Ziola
    (L to R Dr. Rogers, Tristin Ziola, Joe Wilczynski, Cole Luck, Alec Richardson, Anthony Williams)

    Billy Olsen Family Scholarship - Garrett Menko, Brandon Nelson
    (L to R Dr. Rogers, Brandon Nelson, Garrett Menko)

    James & Harriett Beard Outstanding Turfgrass Graduate Student - Jackie Guevara, Payton Perkinson
    (L to R Jackie Guevara, Dr, Rogers - Not Pictured Payton Perkinson)

    State Association Awards

    Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association

    Turfgrass Scholarship - Isobelle Brasher, Trenton Bortnichak, Frank Figurski, Zachary Olowniuk, Glenn Schweihofer
    (L to R Gene Davis, Glenn Schweihofer, Bella Brasher, Trent Bortnichak, Frank Figurski, Zackary Olowniuk)

    Michigan Sports Field Managers Association

    Tristin Ziola, Zac Kelly
    (L to R Zac Kelly, MSFMA Chair Mitch Hooten, Tristin Ziola)

    National Awards

    Golf Course Superintendents Association of America - Andrew Dorland, Michael Doyle, Zac Kelly, Zach Olowniuk
    (L to R Michael Doyle, Zac Kelly, Zach Olowniuk, GCSAA Steve Hammond - not pictured - Andrew Dorland)

    Samuel I. Russell Foundation Awards - Sean Bradley, Steven Kavka
    (L to R Steve Kavka, Dr. Rogers, Not pictured: Sean Bradley)

    Trans-Miss Golf Association Turfgrass Scholarships - Michael Doyle, Zach Olowniuk, Noah Wiles
    (L to R Dr. Rogers, Zach Olowniuk, Michael Doyle, Noah Wiles)

    Ray W Bausick Green Industry Memorial Scholarship - Michael Doyle
    (L to R Michael Doyle, Dr. Rogers) 

    Group Photos


  • 26 Dec 2023 11:30 AM | MTF (Administrator)

    Congratulations to the student award winners for this year! Awards will be presented at the 94th Michigan Turfgrass Conference being held January 9-11 2023 at the Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Award winners will be notified of exact date of presentation.

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    Sports and Commercial Turf Award - Tristin Ziola, Elsie, MI

    In 1987, MSU and the MTF recognized the importance of the lawn care industry in Michigan and the benefits of increasing its number of well-educated turf managers. To this end, Mr. Walter Wilkie, owner of the Toro Distributor in Pontiac and the Bare Foot Lawn franchises in Michigan, funded the startup of the Lawn Care Management Program in MSU's Institute of Agricultural Technology. A similar need by the sports turf industry was recognized in 1992 when its name was changed to the Lawn Care/Athletic Turf Program and then again in 1997 when it became the Sports and Commercial Turf Management Program. Recognized nationally as the only one of its kind, the program continues to graduate outstanding students, many of whom have gone on to become well known and successful leaders in their respective industries.

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    The Norman W. Kramer Scholar Award - Zac Kelly, Holt, MI

    Norman Kramer was the Golf Course Superintendent of Point O' Woods Country Club in Benton Harbor , Michigan from 1959 to 1971. Prior to this he was Vice President of the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents. In Michigan he served as Director, Vice President and President of the Western Michigan GCSA and Michigan GCSA. He was also a Past President of the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation at Purdue University . At the time of his death, he was serving as a Director of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. Mr. Kramer was active in promoting the scholarship programs at Michigan State University and believed strongly in the youth of America . This award is dedicated to the memory of Norm Kramer.

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    Superintendent As Executives (SAE) Scholarship Award - Alan Clark, Grand Ledge, MI

    Shanty Creek Resort is a four seasons resort in Bellaire Michigan. SCR recognizes the variety of skills that turf management graduates possess- agronomy, human resources, equipment operation and maintenance, financial analysis and budgeting, irrigation, construction, etc. We are looking to the future of not only the resort industry but more specific the development in the education of young turf management students. We believe that the skill set that most turf graduates possess lend to a greater potential in the abilities to adapt, problem solve and persevere in an array of situations.

    The Superintendents As Executives (SAE) scholarship will be awarded to a student that not only excels in the turf management program but also show an interest in a secondary concentration in business or a related field. The goal of this scholarship is to reward-students who show the aptitude and ambition to grow in our industry in leadership positions beyond turf management. SCR wants to inspire future turf graduates to progress into positions as Directors of Agronomy, General Managers and Executives.

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    Robert Hancock Award - Anthony Williams, Holt, MI

    Robert Hancock, from Jackson , Michigan , was owner and President of Hancock Industries. He was an avid golfer and served on the Greens Committee at Jackson Country Club. In the late 60's, he became involved in golf turf programs and realized the need for research money in this field. At his death in the late 70's, a portion of his estate was reserved for the financing of the proposed turfgrass Research Center at MSU. In 1979 the construction began and in 1981 the Robert Hancock Turfgrass Research Center was opened. The HTRC is a first class research and education facility used not only by students and faculty but by the industry as well.

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    Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award - Zachary Olowniuk, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

    Kenyon T. Payne was Chairperson of the Department of Crop Science until 1969 when he took over the Two Year Ag. Tech Program for Golf Turfgrass Management. While there he worked with Professor Beard to get the program on solid ground. Approximately 800 students have graduated under Dr. Payne's leadership. He was an avid supporter of excellent golf turf and did work on breeding Red Fescue resistance to Leaf Spot disease. Dr. Payne also served as treasurer of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation for a number of years and was very well known in the University and in the industry nationwide. In his honor, what was the Outstanding Student Award, was renamed the Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award.

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    Merit Scholarship - Michael Doyle, Birmingham, MI

    The MTF has long supported the scholarship programs that are a part of its commitment to the MSU Turf Program. Not every student who interviews will be awarded a scholarship, however, many times candidates fulfill the requirements and prove exceptional in the interview process. For those candidates the MTF provides for Merit Scholarships.


  • 25 Nov 2023 1:09 PM | MTF (Administrator)

    May 2023 - "Growing cool-season sod on plastic in Mexico City!"


    May 2023 - Our new 7,500 ft2 site for sod on plastic production. Laser graded by Homefield field construction, topped with duraedge"

    May 2023 - "The Spartans visit the famed, Estadio Azteca on their way to establish sod on plastic--Mexico City"

    June 2023 - "Ryan Bearss PhD project comparing the rooting capabilities and strength of four sod production systems. Conventionally grown sod, sod on plastic, conventionally grown sod left on plastic (1-month), sod on plastic rooted for 1-month, root-sheared and transplanted"

    June 2023 - "Dr. Trey Rogers and Graduate students Jake Kilby and Jackie Guevara in attendance and Dr. Rogers talks with Michigan Bentgrass sod farmer Kent Falgner"

    June 2023 - "New sod on plastic production site topdressed and ready to go... Jackie Guevaras PhD project evaluating various prg:kbg seeding ratios and seeding rates"

    June 2023 - "Perennial ryegrass sod? This sod was grown over plastic and at time of image, is 6-months old"

    June 2023 - "Sod on plastic grown on an asphalt surface can be difficult to harvest. Here, I am using a CONCRETE SAW to separate and harvest treatments"

    June 2023 - "Jackie Guevara and honorary lab member, Lane Suplito (my fiancee) pull a germination blanket over Jackies phd work."

    July 2023 - "All the way from Rotterdam, the SiSgrass 'Revolution' stitching machine arrives at MSU. Would ultimately stitch 2,000 ft for research and evaluation"

    July 2023 - "Sisgrass stitched grass"

    July 2023 - "Another angle of stitched grass from the side. This picture is interesting because it is one of the first times the sis stictch machine stitched 50-60 mm (typically 15-20 cm)"

    July 2023 - "Jake Kilby and Jackie Guevara use sod rakes to cut and move Jake's sod for his graduate research experiment"

  • 17 Feb 2023 11:27 AM | MTF (Administrator)


    1.Eric Galbraith, research technician for Dr. Nikolai and Dr. Frank, applies Poa annua seed head control treatments on Poa annua/creeping bentgrass research greens at the HTRC on February 12, 2023.  The study is funded by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and results will be posted in the spring. Initial seed head control treatments were applied November 28, 2021.


    2.. Leaf-mulching studies at MSU changed the way the United States of America disposes of leaf-litter each fall.  In the fall of 2022 two new MTF Funded Leaf-mulching studies were initiated and a 3rd leaf mulching study entered year two.  In the image above:   20 pounds of leaf-litter were mulched into plots that covered 35 square feet.  Area to the left of the marking is the control plot.  On the right is the mulched area of the plot.


    MTF Research Summary

    Thomas A Nikolai PhD, Eric J. Galbraith, Mike Rabe

    Michigan State University

    February 2023

    For a review of additional research by Dr. Nikolai click link:


    Link to MTF Research Summary: https://michiganturfgrassfoundation.wildapricot.org/resources/Turf%20Updates/2023%20MTF%20Research%20Summary%20-%20Nikolai%20(002).pdf



  • 03 Nov 2022 1:42 PM | MTF (Administrator)

    The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Student scholarships will be bestowed to students enrolled in the 2- or 4-year Turfgrass Programs. 5 Scholarships are available to students who are registered as student members of the MTF and with qualifying requirements as stated for each individual award:

    The Norman W. Kramer Scholar Award

    The Robert Hancock Memorial Scholarship Award

    The Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award

    The Sports & Commercial Turf Award

    The Shanty Creek Resort SAS Scholarship Award

    Click on any of the links above to learn more about the scholarship and qualifying requirements.

    • Deadline for Submission: Monday, December 5th , 2022
    • Interviews for awards: Wednesday, December 14th, 2022
    • Awards Presented: Michigan Turfgrass Conference – January 10th -12th 2023

    Any questions regarding the application may be directed to:

    miturfgrass@gmail.com or 517-392-5003

    Apply for student scholarships here


  • 21 Sep 2022 11:36 AM | MTF (Administrator)


    Alex Piotrowski of Shanty Creek Resort (right) presented a scholarship check to Michigan Turfgrass Foundation President, Curt Boak at Thursday's MSU Turf Student Icebreaker Day.  The new scholarship will be added to the current opportunities offered by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation including the Norman W. Kramer, Robert Hancock, Kenyon Payne and Sports and Commercial Turf scholarships.

    Shanty Creek Resort is a four seasons resort in Bellaire Michigan. SCR recognizes the variety of skills that turf management graduates possess- agronomy, human resources, equipment operation and maintenance, financial analysis and budgeting, irrigation, construction, etc. We are looking to the future of not only the resort industry but more specific the development in the education of young turf management students. We believe that the skill set that most turf graduates possess lend to a greater potential in the abilities to adapt, problem solve and persevere in an array of situations.

    The Superintendents As Executives (SAE) scholarship will be awarded to a student that not only excels in the turf management program but also show an interest in a secondary concentration in business or a related field. The goal of this scholarship is to reward-students who show the aptitude and ambition to grow in our industry in leadership positions beyond turf management. SCR wants to inspire future turf graduates to progress into positions as Directors of Agronomy, General Managers and Executives.

    SAE Scholarship Award

    1. Number of awards annually: One

    2. Amount of award: $2,500.00

    3. Basis for award: Grade point average of 3.0 or above

    4. Program Eligibility: All Programs

    5. Applicant is requested to be a student member of the MTF

    6. Student possesses the traits listed in the award description

    7. When awarded: At annual awards ceremony

    MTF Scholarships and Awards Information


  • 15 Jul 2022 8:51 AM | MTF (Administrator)

    May be an image of 7 people, people standing and indoor

    Joe Vargas nailing “Johnny be good” at the Axelborg Hall in Copenhagen Denmark at the ITRC2022 closing dinner.

    The 14th International Research Conference happens every 4 years. The International Turfgrass Research Society was started by Dr. James Beard. It’s a 5 day conference and Dr Beard was recognized and Joe Vargas was among those who said words of tribute and even shed some tears. Its the top world wide conference for Turfgrass scientists. MSU and the MTF were represented by Joe (Dr. Vargas), Dr. Nikolai, who gave two presentations and Nancy Dykema.

    Photos by Thomas Nikolai, Ph.D.

    May be an image of 4 people, people standing and indoor

    May be an image of 4 people, people standing and indoor

  • 06 Jul 2022 10:22 AM | MTF (Administrator)

    Recently, Michigan State University hosted the Dean Shippey Diamond Classic at McLane Stadium.  It gave us a chance to check in with Andy Flynn, Athletics Turf Manager for MSU and get an inside look at their operations. 

      Flynn and his team were preparing for upcoming MHSAA Girls State Soccer Finals as well as Baseball Semis and State Finals for all four divisions. It’s a lot of work that includes management of the entire facility during the events. In addition to the field maintenance, his crew takes care of all landscaping and the field equipment including the goals, nets, tarps, paint and clay work for each game.

    “The guys that I work with, they’re the ones that make it all happen. I’m super fortunate to have a great group of guys working here. Four have turfgrass degrees, (2) four year degrees, (2) two year degrees. All MSU grads. 4 full time guys, 2 turfgrass students and a couple part time employees.”

    Flynn took over as the Athletics Turf Manager two and a half years ago. After completing his Commercial Turf Degree in 2001 and Crop and Soil Science Degree in 2003, Flynn stayed at MSU, going to work at Forest Akers Golf Course.

    Two years later he transferred to the athletic fields and is now in charge of all the maintenance and upkeep of the MSU Varsity Athletic Fields. It includes (2) soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, the practice football complex and Spartan Stadium (15 acres of high maintenance/ high value turf) and the general grounds (rough), Landscaping and other common areas.

    The crew, at this point in the season, is a staff of 9 full and part time people. “Most of the turf students do internships somewhere in the summertime, we’re lucky enough to have some stick around. Spring and Fall we have more part time help because it's busier, and of course we have the turf students. We get them part time to help out with stuff. We are fortunate to have a turf program, just on the other side of campus.”

    When asked about some of the differences between golf turf maintenance vs athletic fields, Flynn noted that golf courses are more turf intensive. “Athletic field cutting is at higher heights. We have other variables to deal with like 350 pound guys tearing up the field. We spend a lot of time regenerating plants and pushing recovery.”

    “We love taking care of the fields, there's a lot that goes into it, and a lot of pride that comes out of it.”




    The team was able to open up the inside facility for batting practice during a heavy rain delay during the Diamond Classic.



    Flynn started his education at Central Michigan University. A book called “Careers in Sports” helped him discover the turf program at MSU.



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Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. P.O. Box 27156, Lansing, MI 48909

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation exists to promote safe, healthy turf surfaces for all Michigan residents.

Call or E mail Us

Office: +1 517 392 5003

E Mail miturfgrass@gmail.com


Address:

PO BOX 27156

LANSING, MI 48909

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