Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/319149
44 WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 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 As stated, total funds raised so far in 2014 currently sit at $7,300. Our goal is to raise $20,000! Here are the 2014 turf research contributors: PLATINUM ($2000 OR MORE) Kwantlen University Turf Club GOLD ($500-$1999) BC Golf Superintendents Association Peter Sorokovksy's 'Give Me 5 Bucks' campaign SILVER ($1 - $500) Jeff Hoyem Eric Heuver - Eagle Lake Turf Farm Jim Boeckman - Dawson Creek G&CC TURFGRASS RESEARCH CONTRIBUTORS 2014 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 and $400 has been received through direct member donations for a YTD total of $7,730. 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) Jason Habeck - Lewiston Golf & Country Club (NTA Representative) Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative) Elizabeth Hudgins - (Special Consultant) $20,000 15,000 10,000 7,300 2014 GOAL TO DATE