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Turf Field Day 2004
The University of Massachusetts Turfgrass Management Program hosted its annual Field Day on Wednesday, June 23rd at the Turf Research Center in South Deerfield. The event helped green industry professionals learn about the latest results in turf research and included a ceremony dedicating the research center to Joseph Troll. Troll, a retired UMass faculty member, is widely credited with expanding the UMass Turf Program and having a major impact on the students he taught.
"He has been committed to excellence in every aspect, in teaching, research, and in guiding his students," said Dave Sylvester, a sales rep from Bayer Environmental Science and a class of ‘75 graduate of the Turf Program. "If it weren't for Dr. Troll, I wouldn't have enjoyed the career that I have."
"We need quality research, and to get quality research, we need a quality program. That's why we work with the UMass Turf program."
In honor of their mentor, UMass alums have rallied together with industry leaders to raise funds for a new building at the center. TurfLinks, who recently announced a donation to the facility, followed through with their commitment by presenting a $100,000 check at the event. "We want the turfgrass research program at UMass to remain viable, grow, and in turn support the educational requirements of its students and industry professionals within the region," said Scott Mackintosh of TurfLinks. "Although information from other research institutions has value, a local facility, easily accessible to the New England market, is worthy of our investment."
The new facility will advance an already thriving and well-respected turf program. "We need quality research, and to get quality research, we need a quality program," said Larry Norton of Bayer Environmental Science. "That's why we work with the UMass Turf program." The program's newest research was put on display for this year's Field Day participants. The event hosted over 250 people who came to learn about the research results and how they can apply it to their businesses. Craig Sullivan of Westlawn Cemetery in Littleton, Massachusetts attributed his success in grass-growing to what he had learned from Field Day over the years. "Attending Field Day has taught me a lot about growing," said Sullivan. "I started out learning the basics and now I have excellent grass!"
"We want the turfgrass research program at UMass to remain viable, grow, and in turn support the educational requirements of its students and industry professionals within the region."
Scott Senecal, of Seedway Inc. in Manchester County, Vermont, came to the event to brush up on his knowledge of turfgrass. "It's an educational refresher," said Senecal, who has attended Field Day for six years and is a graduate of the UMass Green School. "What I learn here helps me steer customers in the right direction."
Kyle Miller of BASF also uses the information he learns from the event to help him in his business. "This event happens at a good time for us to see what the plots look like and what issues are coming up," he said. "It's also a good opportunity for our sales reps to talk with customers, get feedback, and answer any questions."
Other participants came to the Field Day to catch up with colleagues and fellow graduates. "I enjoy seeing other Stockbridge alums," said James Mulcahy, a 1960 graduate of the Stockbridge arboriculture program.
Andrea Szylvian of the Environmental Protection Agency in New England came to the event to mingle among members of the industry and to learn from the new turf information. "I came to see the grass varieties and the new research," she said. "It's a great learning opportunity."
"He has been committed to excellence in every aspect, in teaching, research, and in guiding his students. If it weren't for Dr. Troll, I wouldn't have enjoyed the career that I have."
Though participants enjoyed the event for many reasons, there was a shared sense of appreciation and admiration for the UMass Turf Program and Dr. Troll. "I am so proud of the history of the turf program, what it has done and the trajectory that it is on," said Cleve Willis, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and the Environment. "In addition to being valued by the University, events like today's make it clear that the UMass Turf Program has also made its mark with the turf industry." |
