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MTGF Clippings OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA TURF AND GROUNDS FOUNDATION VOL. 33, NO. 2 FALL | WINTER 2025

Plaisted Companies Out Rolls Team MPSFMA; Wins Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser

NORTHERN GREEN SET JANUARY 20-22, 2026 AT RIVERCENTRE IN SAINT PAUL

The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation promotes the Green Industry in Minnesota through support of research, education & outreach at the University of Minnesota and elsewhere

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Business of the MinnesotaTurf and Grounds Foundation

Make Plans to Attend the 2026 Northern Green! By DOMINIC PIERRE President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers President Dominic Pierre MAC Union Cemetery Vice President Mark Kruse, CSFM MPSFMA City of Lakeville Secretary/Treasurer Tom Redmann MASMS Consultant

As we head into winter, I want to take a moment to look ahead — and also to reflect on the important work each of you does every single day. One event I especially want to highlight is Northern Green, taking place January 20–26. Northern Green is one of the best opportunities all year to connect with others in the turf and grounds industry. It’s a place to learn about relevant, timely topics, share experiences with peers who truly understand the challenges of our work, and see a wide range of vendors all in one place. Whether you attend for education, networking, or simply to recharge your professional batteries, it is a great event and one I strongly encourage you to be part of.

Treasurer Steve Balfany MTA Balfany Farms Ex-Officio Sam Bauer MPSFMA Ramy Turf Directors

MASMS

Tracy Closson Northfield Schools

MGCSA

Chris Aumock MGCSA

MGCSA

Jason Scharfencamp MGCSA

MPSFMA

Ben Boeding, CSFM Reinders, Inc.

MSA

Hannibal Hayes Davey Research Group

* * * * Just as important, this season is a good reminder of why our work matters. In a time when it feels easier than ever to turn off the news because of the negativity, our industry is doing the opposite — we are making our communities brighter. We beautify neighborhoods and public spaces. We bring order, safety, and care to the places where people live, work, and gather. From Christmas lights that lift spirits, to well-pruned trees, to sidewalks and parking lots that are shoveled and plowed so people can move safely — our work is visible, meaningful, and deeply appreciated, even when it goes unspoken. What you do matters. You help create communities that feel welcoming, cared for, and alive — even in the coldest months of the year. * * * *

MSA

Graham Wessberg City of St. Louis Park

MTA

Bryan Lawrence Rocket Turf & Nursery

MTSC

Brent Benike Northern Excellence Seed Vendor Representative Jim O’Neill Eco Works Supply Vendor Representative James Wolfin Twin City Seed Company University of Minnesota Turfgrass Extension Dr. Eric Watkins University of Minnesota University of Minnesota Turfgrass Extension Jon Trappe Ph.D. University of Minneso

On behalf of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation, thank you for the pride you take in your work and the positive impact you make every day. I look forward to seeing many of you at Northern Green this January, and I am grateful to be part of an industry that truly makes a difference. I hope everyone is having a great Holiday season! Warm regards,

Dominic Pierre

Dominic Pierre President Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation

University of Minnesota Dept. of Forest Resources Ryan Murphy University of Minnesota Executive Director Jeff Turtinen 763-703-4983 turtinen@mtgf.org P. O. Box 617 Wayzata, MN 55391

www.mtgf.org 2 MTGF CLIPPINGS - FALL | WINTER 2025

www.MTGF.org

Inside this Issue of MTGF Clippings: 2 5 7 10 13 14 16 17 17 19 20 21

President’s Message: Make Plans to Attend the 2026 Northern Green! By Dominic Pierre Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser Recap - Paulette Sorenson, MNLA Northern Green Keynote Speakers Northern Green Registration Options Northern Green “Know Before You Go” Information Bluegrasses are Still King - Joe Churchill, Reinders, Inc. Northern Green Turf and Grounds Track Northern Green Golf Track MGCSA 2026 Event Schedule MPSFMA Community Service Project MTGF Mission Support our Mission and Donate to the MTGF

ADVERTISING COMPANIES SUPPORTING THE MTGF MISSION

3 4 6 9 11 12 15 18

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www.MTGF.org

FALL | WINTER 2025 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 3

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FUNDRAISER RAISED ENOUGH FUNDS TO FUND A $2,000 TURF SCHOLARSHIP IN 2026

MNLA Wins Grand Championship at Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser The Plaisted Companies team representing MNLA won the Grand Championship at the 4th Annual Green Industry Bowling Tournament on December 4th at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl in Arden Hills. More than 50 members of MTGF, MNLA and MPSFMA attended the fundraiser which ended with a Bakers Round showdown between industries for the championship. It was another successful holiday event filled with cheer, good food, and a friendly competition. Participants played two games using 5-person teams. First Place Team honors went to Plaisted Companies with a score of 916. Second place honors went to MPSFMA, with a score of 835. The two advancing first round winners of the final four teams, then in the Championship game in favor of MNLA vs. MTGF. Again, Plaisted Companies team won the Grand Championship. The collaborated Scholarship fundraiser was a great success! With the help of many sponsors, and generosity of participants, the Green Industry Bowling Tournament is once again able to award two co-sponsored scholarships to promising students. Special thanks to the following sponsors: Bryan Rock Products, Frost Inc., Magic Turf, Minnesota Sodding Company, MPSFMA, Pioneer Athletics, Plaisted Companies, Reinders Inc., Rock Hard Landscape Supply, and The Tessman Company.

Joe Heilberger, Field Outdoor Spaces, pictured above, rolled a 216 and a 269 to capture individual honors for high score at the 2025 Green Industry Fundraiser.

RESULTS Highest Score: Joe Heilberger (269) Baker Round Green Industry Masters Cup First Place: John Foss, Will Foss, Sue Craig, Jenny Schwab, Troy Schwab, Plaisted Companies (235). Baker Round Green Industry Masters Cup Second Place: Roger Weinbrenner, Joe Heilberger, Marshall Syvertsent, MullenBach, Tom O’Hearn (197). First Place Team: John Foss, Will Foss, Sue Craig, Jenny Schwab, Troy Schwab, Plaisted Companies (916). Second Place: Team Mike Zwisler, Roger Weinbrenner, Nate Williamson, Marshall Mullenbach, Joe Heiberger, and Tom O’Hearn, (835). Super Ticket Cash Winner: Elizabeth Wynne, Lowest Score: Ryan Barthel, Rock Hard Landscape Supply (67). Special thanks to the following sponsors: Bryan Rock Products, Frost Inc., Magic Turf. Minnesota Sodding Company, MPSFMA, Pioneer Athletics, Plaisted Companies, Reinders Inc., Rock Hard Landscape Supply, and The Tessman Company. www.MTGF.org

FALL | WINTER 2025 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 5

LEADING AMINO ACID FERTILIZER IN TURF Tested up to 34% better among all organics at ISU*

9-3-7

Organic Fertilizer No manures, made to FDA feed grade standards

• Continuous feeding for 115-150 days • Uniform color across the turf • 27 amino acids safe for wildlife • 7 organic nitrogen, 7 phosphorus, and 7 potassium sources • Calcium, magnesium, sulfur, carbon, and all essential micronutrients • Proprietary formulation keeps nutrients available longer in root zone • Organic nutrients control leaching even in extreme weather • FDA feed ingredients ensure safety in application and play

www.aminorganix.com SATISFACTION GUARANTEED AminOrganix® Inc.

Distributors of AminOrganix products for Turf and Ornamentals 863-825-4494

3800 American Blvd W Ste 1500 Bloomington, MN 55431 www.aminorganix.com *Up to 34% growth per unit N than all organics tested at Iowa State University

www.NorthernGreen.org www.NorthernGreen.org

www.MTGF.org

NG26-Program-Rev3.indd 13

FALL | WINTER 2025 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 11/9/2025 7:02:337PM

8 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL | WINTER 2025

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www.MTGF.org 11/9/2025 7:07:00 PM

Hands-on Pruning Seminar at Brackett’s Crossing CC

Chad Giblin and Rachel Giblin,Trees and Me, gave a hands-on Pruning demonstration at the MPSFMA Fall Workshop at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville on November 19th.

21!)(#$1%2'5,33+55555555-*440. 40 //4&4" 4

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<JJK1?5CK@JJEK9H.DBIJKKKK @FEK/B?AHD3K 3JAAF5KD?=!K'JCDB;$3K<ABJ=I?GGK<AJCE )?DH"JK%I?GGK K&HAE8AF5JIK@JJEKKKK 7IFGHFCK>FCDIFAK0IFEB;DGKKK :JIDHAH JI >IJJ6HC=K<JCD=I?GGK@JJEKKKK :HCJK:JG;BJK@JJEKKKK >BGDF#K@JJEK9H.HC= 823=1.7'=29

%%%"5%41045+/22-"0')

>C;D>AAD?<@C.6.B@@DCACDBB?: www.MTGF.org

Paul Kubista: pkubista@twincityseed.com 3,!.$,&4/53 1-+.$23541( Andy Keating: akeating@twincityseed.com *,&4/53#5%41045+/22-"0') 3*23541(#5%41045+/22-"0') James Wolfin: jwolfin@twincityseed.com FALL | WINTER 2025 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 9

SCHEDULE MONDAY Pre-Conference Sessions: PLT Relicensure and Pesticide Recerti昀cation will be available on Monday, Jan. 19 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

TUESDAY

Landscape/ Hardscape Contractor

JAN. 20

Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education. From trends to business strategies, 昀nd everything you need to thrive!

WEDNESDAY JAN. 21

Landscape Design/Landscape Architecture

Water/ Irrigation

Golf

Management Path

Dedicated trade show day!

TRADE SHOW 9:00am-3:30pm

THURSDAY JAN. 22

Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education, a new Spanish Track, plus the trade show will be open in the morning!

BLOCK PARTY 3:30pm-5:30pm

Turf, Grounds, & Snow Management

Garden Center/ Grower

Professional Gardening Services

Tree Care/ Arborist

Management Path

Programa en Español Spanish Track

TRADE SHOW 9:00am-12:00pm NORTHERN GREEN PR E S E N T E D BY:

10 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL | WINTER 2025

NORTHERN GREEN G E N E R O U S LY S U P P O R T E D B Y:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

www.MTGF.org

THE TESSMAN COMPANY The Tessman Company is a trusted wholesale distributor providing a comprehensive selec琀on of fer琀lizers, chemicals, grass seed, golf course supplies, greenhouse soils and plas琀cs, landscape materials, pest control products, and ice melters.

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE • Lawn Care Professionals • Snow Removal Professionals • Landscapers • Golf Courses

• Athle琀c Field Managers • Greenhouses • Nurseries • Pest Control

For all your outdoor maintenance, landscaping, and hor琀culture needs, visit TessmanSeed.com Fargo, ND

St. Paul

Tea, SD

4280 24th Ave. N Fargo, ND 58102 (701) 232-7238

1299 Abell Street St Paul, MN 55117 (651) 487-3850

1510 Mindy Street Tea, SD 57064 (605) 368-2586

| Veseris.com

CQDEM

NORTHERN GREEN 2026

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 1

Our venue is the Saint Paul RiverCentre and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium & Exhibit Hall (175 West Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102). There are many options for parking and dining nearby. The most convenient parking (if you meet vehicle height restrictions) is in the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on 150 West Kellogg Blvd. This ramp is located directly across the street from Saint Paul RiverCentre and is connected via skyway. There are many other parking options as well, indicated on the map below with a blue box:

= Skyway = Tunnel

Access into the RiverCentre is:

A From the Parking Ramp Skyway B Along the street level of Kellogg Ave.

C From the Rice Park entrance

(between the Ordway and Herbie’s on the Park)

Signs will point you to

REGISTRATION to pick up your badge and begin your day!

REGISTRATION

A B

Kellogg Boulevard

The Saint Paul RiverCentre is a cashless venue. Please plan accordingly if you need to purchase food or beverage.

www.NorthernGreen.org

NG26-Program-Rev3.indd 9

www.MTGF.org

11/9/2025 6:59:15 PM

FALL | WINTER 2025 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 13

Bluegrass is Still King But You Can’t Treat Them All Equally By JOE CHURCHILL Reinders, Inc.

Have you looked at a Kentucky bluegrass NTEP trial lately? I’m guessing not—and I might worry about you if you had. Some of you may even be asking, “What’s an NTEP?” The USDA’s National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) evaluates new and existing turfgrass varieties for overall turf quality and performance. There are NTEP trials for every major turf species, including Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, tall fescues, ryegrasses, and bentgrasses. You can explore them all at www.ntep.org. If you’d like help navigating the reports or interpreting the data, talk with your favorite seed supplier. In the meantime, take my word for it: Kentucky bluegrass varieties are as diverse as fish in the sea. Some are short; others are tall. Some are light green; others dark. Some grow upright, while others hug the ground. A few tolerate light shade, though most prefer full sun. Because of this broad genetic diversity, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of individual varieties is essential when selecting a bluegrass-based seed mixture. This becomes especially critical when seeding or sodding new athletic fields—or overseeding existing ones. So how do you know which bluegrass varieties to use? Exhibit A: The Bluegrass Classification Chart Space doesn’t allow reproduction of the chart in this issue of MTGF Clippings, but with a little effort you can print your own copy here: https://us.dlf.com/Files/Files/DLF_Pic kseed_USA/Brochures_Etc/Kentucky_Blu egrass_Classification_DLFPickseed.pdf The Bluegrass Classification System, developed by Rutgers University, helps tell the story. This version—adapted by DLF USA Seed Company and refined by Dr. 14 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL | WINTER 2025

Another Useful Tool: The A-LIST You can also choose from a list of high-performing bluegrasses and ryegrasses appearing on the ALIST: https://a-listturf.org/

Leah Brilman, Director of Turf Research & Technical Services—groups most commercially available Kentucky bluegrass varieties into 10 distinct classes based on shared growth characteristics and performance traits. Ten classes. All with genetically different growth characteristics. Let that sink in. Bluegrass Classes for High-Traffic Turf Seven of these classes are specifically suited for high-traffic turf such as heavily used athletic fields, courtyards, and playgrounds: 1. Aggressive 2. Compact America 3. Compact Midnight 4. Compact 5. Compact Mid-Atlantic 6. Shamrock 7. Julia The remaining three classes have value in other applications, but they are not designed for intense traffic. Will your ballfields spontaneously combust if you use them? Of course not. But expecting elite performance under heavy use may be wishful thinking.

A-LIST stands for The Alliance of Low Input Sustainable Turf. Like NTEP, it is a nonprofit organization that helps professionals select the best turf varieties for specific uses. Members include five national seed companies with active turf research and breeding programs, along with 13 reputable universities that also conduct turf research. Approved varieties are selected based on their ability to meet defined criteria focused on lowinput performance. Performance Comes at a Price Not surprisingly, varieties across these 10 classes differ significantly in performance, appearance, durability—and cost. You wouldn’t expect a Mercedes SUV to cost and perform the same as the old family wagon. Likewise, a top-tier athletic bluegrass shouldn’t be priced like a BVMG or Eurasian-Midwest type. That’s why price quotes for a less-than “50/50 bluegrass/ryegrass mix” can be as low as $1.75 to $2.50 per pound. Any of those mixes may work fine for a neighborhood park or backyard lawn. But when a field hosts 150–200 games per season, you’d better stick with the Mercedes. The Bottom Line Consult your seed supplier and specifically request a high-quality, high-performingbluegrass/ryegrass mixture containing two or more varieties from the seven athletic-turf bluegrass classes. If you don’t, you may find yourself stuck behind the wheel of that family wagon— wondering why you can’t get your ballfields up to speed. www.MTGF.org

MANAGED TURF SOLUTIONS

ramyturf.com • 800-658-RAMY

It starts with the seed!

Since 1932, the Ramy family has provided the upper Midwest with some of the highest quality seed materials available anywhere and we always will. We are here as a partner, not just a supplier, because we know it’s your success that will allow our success.

Seed – Fertility – Chemistry – Erosion

16 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL | WINTER 2025

www.MTGF.org

MGCSA 2026 EVENT SCHEDULE W/SW Winter Outreach - Benson Jan. 7 — 8:00 AM Benson Golf Club

Border Battle May 11 — La Crosse Country Club

Shop Tours Jan. 14 — 8:00 AM Indian Hills, Manitou Ridge, North Oaks

NW Exposure Golf June 15— 10:00 AM Alexandria Golf Club

Northern Green Golf Social Jan. 20 — Patrick McGoverns SE Winter Outreach - Rochester Jan. 27 — 8:00 AM Willow Creek Golf Course National Hospitality Night Feb. 4 — 6:00 PM Rosen Plaza Hotel Pool Deck Brainerd Winter Outreach Feb. 12 — 8:00 AM Cragun's Legacy Courses NE Winter Outreach - Duluth Feb. 17 — 8:00 AM Enger Park Golf Course Assistants Pro Forum Feb. 26 — 8:00 AM X-Golf Eden Prairie

SW Exposure Golf June 25— 10:00 AM North Links Golf Course NE Exposure Golf July 20— 10:00 AM Silver Bay Golf Course SE Exposure Golf July 29— 10:00 AM The Jewel Golf Club MGCSA Championship Sept. 8— 9:30 AM Victory Links Golf Course The Scramble Sept. 21 — Bearpath Golf & CC Wee One Oct. 5 —Medina Golf & Country Club

Minnesota Golf Day on the Hill March 12 www.MTGF.org

FALL | WINTER 2025 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 17

CUSTOM BLENDED MIXES

GOLF

SPORTS TURF

CONSISTENT QUALITY

We custom blend mixes using a computerized Accublender™, controlling quality & consistency.

HORTICULTURE

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS • Braemar Golf Course • Olympic Hills Golf Club

RESPONSIVE DELIVERY

Experienced drivers operate a fleet of more than 45 trucks. Our GPS locator helps us set the standard for the most responsive delivery in the 5-state area.

• Hazeltine National Golf Club • Allianz Field • MN Vikings

MINNESOTA FAMILY BUSINESS

• Downtown East Park

Our mining reserve supplies the finest quality products in the region including: golf, athletic soils, top dressing, engineered soils, MNDOT & MPCA mixes, iron aggregate mixes, rain garden and rooftop garden mixes. We precisely engineer soils using our computerized Accublender™ to provide you with consistent quality everytime.

• Bachman’s

763.441.1100 • plaistedcompanies.com info@plaistedcompanies.com

• Bailey’s

WE ARE SOIL EXPERTS

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY ATTENDING THE NORTHERN GREEN JANUARY 20-22 IN SAINT PAUL

Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation Has Donated $2,019,791 For Green Industry Research Since 2003 MINNESOTA TURF & GROUNDS FOUNDATION FUNDING 2025 2024 2023 2022 2020 RESEARCH DOLLARS FROM 2001-2002 TURFGRASS SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT 45,000 45,000 35,000 45,000 50,000 TROE CENTER OPERATIONS TROE CENTER BUILDING PRE-DESIGN DR. ERIC WATKINS RESEARCH BRAD PEDERSEN LANDSCAPE PROGRAM UM FOREST RESOURCES AND PLANT PATHOLOGY PROGRAMS 50,000 DR. GILlMAN TREE RESEARCH / DUTCH ELM DISEASE DUTCH ELM DISEASE / ELM RESISTANCE MECHANISMS DR. ROBERT BLANCHETTE DED / MSA SUPPORT 15,000 9,500 7,500 5,700 UM YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN ARBORICULTURE 12,500 9,500 7,500 9,300 UM CONSERVATION UM ELM SELECTION UM PRUNING UM ESP RESEARCH BOB MUGAAS / UMORE PARK TECHNICIAN ARBORETUM TURF & GROUNDS RESEARCH UM HELP LINE ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY NATIONAL TURF RESEARCH INSTITUTE GRABOWSKI / MALVICK WHITE MOLD RESEARCH DR. JUZWICK OAK WILT STUDY DR. WALKER MINERALIZABLE NITROGEN STUDY DR. KRISTINA WALKER | UMN CROOKSTON 10,000 6,000 5,000 SAM BAUER CONVERSION TO LOW-INPUT TURFGRASS BAUER & ORSHINSKY PLANT DEFENSE MARY MEYER 10 PLANTS THAT CHANGED MINNESOTA UM FELLOWSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND ORSHINSKY PATHOLOGIST POSITION TREE TRUST - GRAVEL BEDS TREE TRUST - GREEN TEENS OTHER

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

65,000

60,000

70,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 47,000 37,114 60,500

49,715

60,000

30,000

2,750 4,077 13,000 10,000 20,000 20,000 15,000 15,000 12,000 15,000 10,000 26,000 10,415 7,400 10,000 10,000

20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 9,625 10,000 10,000 10,000 25,000 21,056 20,000 20,000 20,000 15,000 11,000 17,000 5,000

7,250 9,975 6,250 5,500 5,500 3,500 900

3,500

2,000

3,000 15,733 10,518 500 10,000 10,000 5,000

10,000

5,000

3,540 3,250 5,000

2,000

500

3,000

5,000 4,000 4,000 5,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 65,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 1,198

TOTALS 82,500 70,000 50,000 65,000 100,000 106,250 134,715 120,000 120,000 110,000 89,000 110,790 85,000 76,000 71,014 138,000 38,113 75,508 89,095 118,500 81,056

TOTAL DOLLARS SINCE 2001 = $2,019,791

MPSFMA Renovates a Couple of Andover H.S. Baseball Fields The 2025 MPSFMA hands-on Community Service Project to place on two fields at Andover High School on October 5 where mound work, edging and aeration took place. Joey Fitzgerald, CSFM, Bryan Rock Products, pictured on the right, along with Luke Wittrock, University of Minnesota, below, showed the 25 other volunteers what it takes to rebuild a mound. Sizeable groups from the City of Owatonna and the City of Edina were greatly appreciated along with all of the volunteers that day.

Joey Fitzgerald, Bryan Rock Products

Luke Wittrock, University of Minnesota www.MTGF.org

Each year, the MPSFMA chooses a field from those who apply to have a field renovated. This is a hands-on event where those new to the industry can learn quite a bit from the best sports field managers in Minnesota. To apply, go to www.mpsfma.org. FALL | WINTER 2025 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 19

Support the MTGF in Its Mission to Help Fund Green Industry Research and Youth Engagement! Turf and grounds professionals in Minnesota and beyond have benefited greatly from innovative research funded by the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation. Since 2001, we have donated over $1.75 million to the University of Minnesota (this is over $88,000 per year!); this funding has helped build strong applied research programs focused on turf and landscape management. The ongoing support from the MTGF has given these research programs a foundation from which to seek larger grants that generate new approaches to landscape management that help sustain our industry. Unfortunately, this past year has created a challenge for the MTGF as our primary revenue sources, Northern Green, which is a joint effort between MTGF and the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, was not held in person and therefore did not generate sufficient income from which to make our annual donations for research. Make a Point of Attending the Northern Green in St. Paul January 22-24, 2025 To continue our important role in support of turf and grounds research, we are asking for donations from individual MTGF members. In a normal year, you would’ve contributed to our efforts by attending the Northern Green, where you would have learned from leading horticultural educators, visited with vendors on the impressive trade show floor, and networked with your fellow green industry professionals. This year, you can have a positive impact by making a donation to help the MTGF continue our mission of funding research, outreach, and education for the turf and grounds professionals. We hope you see this as an investment, one that will bring great returns in the form of new knowledge, more sustainable practices, and forward-looking approaches to maintain green spaces. If you received this issue of MTGF Clippings in the mail, you are a member of one of seven allied associations, which makes you a member of the MTGF. MTGF has no membership fees associated with being a member or vendor member. However, you have received the full benefits through the mission of the MTGF. The MTGF Board is made up of two individuals from each of the seven allied associations plus two vendor members. The seven MTGF allied associations are: + Minnesota Association of Cemeteries + Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals + Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents' Association + Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association + Minnesota Society of Arboriculture + Minnesota Sod Producers + Minnesota Turf Seed Council Funding provided by the MTGF through your participation has been able to leverage millions of more dollars for turf and grounds research. The ramification was felt when the MTGF had to decide to put a hold on research grant funding for 2021 in hopes that we can return to normal in time for the 2022 funding season. Your attendance at the 2024 Northern Green helps is key. The Green Industry as a whole has been rewarded year after year through the research dollars granted by the MTGF and we are now asking for extra help to be able to continue this same success. Please visit the MTGF website (www.mtgf.org/donations) where you can find additional information on how you can donate to additional turf and grounds research. Thank you for your consideration.

To donate: www.mtgf.org/donations If you are a member of one of these Associations then you are a MTGF member!

20 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL | WINTER 2025

www.MTGF.org

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF MTGF’S MISSION TO FUND TURF & GROUNDS RESEARCH AND CONTINUED OPERATIONS AT TROE CENTER BY DONATING TO THE MINNESOTA TURF AND GROUNDS FOUNDATION! MTGF DONATION Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Company: _____________________________________________________________________ Donating in the name of: _________________________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________________________________ __ $25 __ $50 __ $100 __ $200 __ $500 __$1,000 __ $2,500 __ $5,000 __ Other

Donation amount: $ _________________ The mission of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation is to promote the green industry in Minnesota through support of research, education and outreach at the University of Minnesota and elsewhere. The MTGF pursues its mission in various ways. One of these is an annual "Call For Proposals," titled the "MTGF Research Gift Program," whereby researchers, instructors and outreach faculty and staff involved in turf and grounds work may submit requests for unrestricted gifts to support their activities. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, funding approved by the MTGF will not be subjected to overhead or other indirect charges or costs. The dates for submission, review and approval may change on an annual basis as well as the protocol stipulated for the submission of gift requests.

SUPPORT RESEARCH, DONATE & SEND CHECK TO: Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation, P. O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391 or donate online at www.mtgf.org/donations www.MTGF.org

FALL | WINTER 2025 ~ MTGF CLIPPINGS 21

PRE-REGISTER TODAY AND $AVE! Register on or before January 13 to receive your best price for all Northern Green 2026 tickets. Go to www.NorthernGreen.org and click on REGISTER NOW today!

1 2

Members of the following associations receive a $20 discount: MNLA, MGCSA, MPSFMA, MAC, MASMS, MSA, MTA, and MTSC.

Save 10% more when registering 10 or more people for a 1-Day educational pass or greater! Not valid for Student or Trade Show Only passes. Valid only for

2026 Northern Green registration badges generously supported by:

pre-registration completed online with all registrants entered in one registration.

NORTHERN GREEN

Worried about a snow event on a show date? We’ve got you covered with our “Snow Insurance” Rate Lock! Pay $30 now and lock in the pre-registration rate for your onsite registration! Offer only available for Northern Green on Tuesday & Thursday,

must be purchased during pre-registration dates. Choice of registration must still be RATE LOCK and selected. If ticket holder cannot attend show, the $30 payment is non-refundable. Missed the deadline? If you miss the Jan. 13 pre-reg. deadline, you must register onsite Jan. 20-22, and pay the onsite rates. Pre-conference? To attend Monday’s pre-conference sessions (PLT or Pest. Recert.) you MUST pre-register before Jan. 13. Where do I pick up my badge? When you register by January 2, your badge will be mailed to you in advance. If you register between January 3-13, you must print a badge at the Self-Check-In kiosk onsite. Other questions?

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Hotels for Northern Green

Book Now!

A limited number of discounted room rates have been secured for Northern Green 2026 at the hotels below. We encourage you to book your rooms early to ensure you get the ideal room and rate for your circumstances. Space and discounted rates are limited at each hotel, so book early to get your 昀rst choice. Note: Prices at most hotels will go up after December 19, 2025. Book early for the best rates. HAMPTON INN & SUITES 200 7th Street W, St. Paul, MN 55102 Rate: $119 (single/double rate) Reservation Line: 651-224-7400 Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: $25. THE SAINT PAUL HOTEL 350 N Market Street, St. Paul, MN 55102 Rate: $169 (standard room) Reservation Line: 651-292-9292 or 800-292-9292 (Ask for the 2026 Northern Green rate) Online Reservation Link under “code type” choose “group/block” and enter 3154776. Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: Rates vary (call for information). 22 MTGF CLIPPINGS ~ FALL | WINTER 2025 NG26 Hotels half page.indd 1

HOLIDAY INN ST. PAUL DOWNTOWN 175 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102 Rate: $129 (single/double rate) Reservation Line: 651-225-1515 (ask for the Northern Green group rate) Parking: Onsite parking in connected ramp ($21+tax per day). Offsite parking directly across the street (prices vary). COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT 150 Smith Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55102 Rate: $129 (single rate) Reservation Line: 651-204-4050 (identify yourself as a Northern Green participant) Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: $35.

www.MTGF.org

Association Spotlight: MINNESOTA SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) is made up of seven affiliated groups that deal with the maintenance and planning of grounds and turf. The Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSA) is the organization that represents the Tree Care professionals within the MTGF. Arboriculture is the management of trees and other woody plants. The MSA is an organization that promotes the planting and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. The Minnesota Society of Arboriculture will supply the professional, lay person or student with current information on events and happenings in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry. Staying up to date in the newest technologies, research and skills is important in any industry. The MSA helps keep the arborist community up to date through its events and publications. The Minnesota Tree Care Conference is a MSA event that is held every fall, bringing in world class speakers and researchers to share new information. The MSA also sponsors the Day of Service, held every Veterans Day at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, and the always popular Tree Climbing Championships, which crowns (men's and women's) Minnesota champions who then represent Minnesota at the International Tree Climbing Championships. During the summer there is the Summer

Climbing Workshop that focuses on technical information for tree climbers. Members can participate in all the events mentioned and receive some additional benefits. Members receive discounted registration for certain events as well as the MSA publications. The Arborescence is quarterly newsletter that contains articles and keeps members informed about upcoming events and announcements. Members also receive a membership directory. The MSA is not only a source for education and outreach in Minnesota, it also serves as a chapter to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), promoting and managing the ISA Certified Arborist program in addition to extending the arms of ISA and proper tree care. (Editor’s Note: Go to www.msa-live.org for more information about the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture.)

TROE Center features an automated rain shelter that slides back and forth to easily control sunlight and rain. This shelter has been great for drought tolerant cool-season turfgrass screening research. The MTGF annually helps fund operations at TROE Center.

P. O. Box 617 Wayzata, MN 55391