we begin a new year, I’m honored to introduce myself as the President of the Maryland Turfgrass Council. My journey in turfgrass began over 25 years ago with a summer job at a golf course in Boise, Idaho—a job that sparked a lifelong passion for all things turf. For the past 15 years, I’ve served as Superintendent at Mountain Branch Golf Club in Joppa, Maryland, and also operate a consulting business specializing in equine sports turf for horse racing tracks in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Beyond daily operations, I’m committed to advocacy. I serve on the Maryland Pesticide Advisory Committee and work closely with the Maryland Department of Agriculture to ensure our industry has a voice. This year, legislative efforts will be front and center. The 2026 session is underway, and we’re already tracking bills that could significantly impact turfgrass management—including proposals on neonicotinoid restrictions and gas-powered blower bans.
I encourage every member to engage with local and state representatives. Share your expertise, educate decision-makers, and help strengthen our collective voice. Together, we can protect and advance the turfgrass industry in Maryland.
Please feel free to reach out to me or Ben Ellis, our new Executive Director, with questions or ideas. I look forward to working with all of you to unite the diverse turfgrass community and champion our shared goals.
Logan Freeman President Maryland Turfgrass Council
Please attach a listing of additional members with addresses, e-mail, and phone
2026 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS & BENEFITS
ADVOCATE SPONSOR – $2,500
Premier recognition and maximum exposure
• Recognition on all sponsor signage at MTC events throughout the year
• Opportunity to display at all MTC functions, including:
• Re-certification classes
• Joint MTC / University of Maryland events
• Field Days
• Company name and sponsorship featured on all MTC letterhead (print and email)
• Homepage listing with live website link on the MTC website
• Company name and website linked in all MTC E-Blasts
• Quarterly advertising opportunities distributed to all MTC contacts
• One complimentary booth at the 2026 Maryland Turfgrass Conference
BENEFACTOR SPONSOR – $1,000
High visibility with strong promotional value
• Recognition on all sponsor signage at MTC events
• Opportunity to display at all MTC functions, including re-certification classes and joint MTC / UMD events
• Company name and sponsorship on all MTC letterhead (print and email)
• Homepage listing with live website link on the MTC website
• Company name and website linked in all MTC E-Blasts
• One annual advertisement distributed to all MTC contacts
SUPPORTER SPONSOR – $500
Consistent recognition across MTC programs
• Recognition on all sponsor signage at MTC events
• Opportunity to display at all MTC functions, including re-certification classes and joint MTC / UMD events
• Company name and sponsorship listed on MTC letterhead and E-Blasts
BACKER SPONSOR – $250
A simple way to show your support
• Recognition on all sponsor signage at MTC events
• Opportunity to display at all MTC functions, including re-certification classes and joint MTC / UMD events
PATRON SPONSOR –CONTRIBUTION OF ANY AMOUNT Every level of support makes an impact
• Recognition on all sponsor signage at MTC events
Support Turfgrass Education in 2026
Your sponsorship plays a vital role in supporting education, research, and professional development through the University of Maryland Turfgrass Program and Maryland Turfgrass Council initiatives.
Please consider becoming a 2026 Turfgrass Education Sponsor and investing in the future of our industry.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please Contact our Executive Ben Ellis for more information Email: admin@mdturfcouncil.org • Phone: (571) 340-0122
Please be generous and be a “2026 Turfgrass Education Sponsor” and help us continue supporting the University of Maryland Turfgrass Program for 2026.
MTC Turf News allows you to narrow the focus and get your message directly in the hands of your customers across the state of Maryland . The magazine is a key benefit of membership – providing valuable research, education, and industry information to each member. Readers can also access the Digital Edition through The Turf Zone website. Archived issues will ensure that your advertising will continue to be seen indefinitely, for long-ranging impact. MTC Members Include:
Golf Course Superintendents
Lawn Care Operators
Parks & Recreation Supervisors Landscape Contractors
Contact us today to learn about effective and unique advertising strategies that target turf industry professionals.
sales@leadingedgecommunications.com
CONNECTING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS MANAGING ANNAPOLIS
( SESSION 2026 )
STEP 1
Visit the Maryland General Assembly’s Website at: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/ mgawebsite
STEP 2
Using your mouse, click on “Members” located in the maroon menu bar, then click “Find My Representative”
Legislative Session began on Wednesday, January 14th in Annapolis. With the new changes in the House of Delegates and the challenges facing the State this coming year, advocates and advocacy will be at an all-time high. However, navigating the halls of the General Assembly and meeting with the right legislator(s) can be an unruly and intimidating challenge.
This article has been prepared to give you and your organization a step-by-step guide on how to find and contact your state representative(s) using the Maryland General Assembly’s official website.
STEP 3
Fill in your address and zip, then click the “Find” button
STEP 4
After entering your address / zip code, a new page will appear listing out your Federal and State Representatives in Maryland. The names are hyperlinked and will open a page with their full contact information.
STEP 5
After clicking the link to chosen official, a new webpage will appear with their contact information, committee assignment, background and sponsored legislation.
A Golden Milestone, The 50th Annual MTC Conference at Turf Valley Resort
After five decades of advancing the turfgrass profession in Maryland, the 50th Annual Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC) Conference convened on December 16, 2025, at the scenic Turf Valley Resort. The event marked a major milestone for our Council in celebrating half a century of education, innovation, and collaboration across all sectors of the turf industry.
A Full Day of Learning and Networking
Attendees were welcomed with a breakfast beside the Trade Show, where sponsors showcased the latest tools, products, and services serving the turfgrass community. After a warm welcome and the annual meeting, the program shifted into a series of breakout education sessions tailored to lawn and landscape, sports turf, and golf course professionals. Members, industry professionals, sponsors, and exhibitors gathered to share insights, tackle challenges, and explore emerging technologies shaping turf management today.
A special thanks to the conference sponsors; Harrells, Corteva, Landscape Supply, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Quantico Creek Sod Farms, Pocono Turf, SiteOne, and Green Industries.
Specializing in Bentgrass Sod for Greens, Tees & Fairways.
Education Opportunities
The 2025 conference featured a dynamic lineup of speakers and panel discussions addressing cutting-edge topics:
• A technology panel sparking conversation on how robotics and AI are impacting turfgrass operations, reflecting innovations rapidly entering the industry.
• Sessions exploring new and persistent turf diseases, advancements in application technologies, and precision turfgrass management.
• Expert insights on managing pest pressures, optimizing root zone environments, and improving efficiency in integrated pest management approaches.
Each session delivered practical takeaways and research-based strategies that turf managers can apply through the coming season.
The Turfgrass Community
Central to the MTC mission is strengthening connections across our profession, and this year was no exception. Whether catching up with colleagues between sessions, discussing solutions with exhibitors on the Trade Show floor, or sharing a meal during a lively lunch break, the conference fostered engagement at every turn.
Looking Ahead
This 50th Conference celebration was a testament to the enduring spirit of Maryland’s turfgrass professionals whose work shapes landscapes, recreational spaces, and playing fields across the state. As we reflect on this milestone year, we also look forward to building on this legacy at future gatherings and continuing to raise the standard of excellence in our industry.
Please mark your calendars for the 2026 Maryland Turfgrass Conference on December 15th, 2026. We look forward to seeing everyone there for the 51st year. •
For use on: Trees, landscape plants, golf course tees, greens, fairways, and sports turf.
