Virginia Turfgrass Foundation

Virginia Turfgrass FoundationSupporting the Turfgrass Industry[Introduce yourself and your connection/role with VTF. Thank the organization for their time. Explain this will be a brief introduction on what VTF is and how it is making a difference in the turfgrass industry.]

Please only highlight the research project(s) that will pertain to your audience.

VirginiaTurfgrassFoundationNonprofit entityBuilding an EndowmentTurfgrass ResearchField DaysThe Virginia Turfgrass Foundation, a non-profit entity, was started in 1988 to build an endowment to support turfgrass research in Virginia. Currently, the endowment holds over $380,000. However, more is needed to continue to provide for turfgrass research. For 25 years, VTF has assisted in various turfgrass research projects and provided Field Days and other educational outreach to support industry professionals.

VTF Support Success2012 - $72,000 given to support researchEducation provided to professionalsAddressing issues facing the industryIn 2011, VTF provided approximately $75,000 for research and education. These funds have led to advancements and discoveries in the industry that have produced disease and insect resistant turfgrasses and additional management practices. Each year, VTF receives requests for funding various turfgrass research projects. The VTF Board evaluates the proposals and prioritizes them for funding. Projects that receive funding address the concerns that are experienced in Virginia and that have the greatest affect on VA turf professionals. Additionally, VTF provides extension programs to demonstrate new management techniques. These sessions are popular with turfgrass professionals. This is just a broad overview of what VTF accomplishes each year. I will now briefly highlight a few of the projects that VTF has supported. [Select 1 or 2 projects]

Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension CenterExceptional StaffWarm-season turfgrass researchOutreach with professionals and the community at largeVTF provides support to the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center. HRAREC is able to compliment work of the VA Tech Turfgrass Center by providing over 70 acres of land to conduct warm-season turfgrass research. The research staff at HRAREC have contributed greatly to the industry. Dr. Jeff Derr and David McCall have used VTF funding to evaluate combinations of tall fescue with hybrid bluegrass for reduced disease severity and weed infections. HRAREC also hosts various field days and other educational sessions to help industry professionals stay current on the latest information.

The Wish ListHRAR&EC0.5 Acre Block irrigated, lysimeter ready, bentgrass putting green built to USGA specifications 0.5 Acre Block irrigated, lysimeter ready, bermudagrass putting green built to USGA specificationsSix Acres in-ground irrigation with computer/handheld controlsReestablishing a turfgrass pathologist professorship 250-300 seat auditorium to be used for educational outreachAs mentioned before HRAREC, is a great resource to the tufgrass industry. Not only in terms of the research that is conducted, but also for the education and outreach it provides. Here are a few of the wish list items that are needed to continue HRARECs important work. [Read bullets.] Imagine the what discoveries can be made if this list is fully funded. Think of the outreach and education that could be shared the auditorium. All of this will only be possible by increasing support to VTF.

Turfgrass ResearchBiostimulant ResearchBlacksburg Kentucky BluegrassControl of Grasses in Grasses Through the work of Dr. Richard Schmidt and the continued work of Dr. Erik Ervin, biostimulant research has improved the immune system (antioxidant) responses of cool-season turfgrass to better tolerate environmental stresses. VTF provided financial resources to make this break-through. Additional work has led to the development of Blacksburg Kentucky bluegrass. (NEED MORE BACKGROUND HERE)Another important research project VTF has assisted is the work of Dr. Shawn Askew in his work with control of grasses and grasses. Dr. Askews testing and recent registration of Tenacity for selective control of nimblewill and bentgrass has developed a comprehensive herbicidal approach to bermudagrass control. VTF is proud to be part of these successful research endeavors.

Golf Course ManagementManagement Practices Dollar Spot Disease researchDr. Erik Ervin has developed a book entitled Environmental Best Management Practices for VA Golf Courses. With VTF funding, Dr. Erivn was able to monitor water quality in streams on VA golf courses to protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Dr. Couchs VTF funded research, focused on synergistic combinations of fungicides for control of dollar spot disease on putting greens. This research led to a 30-50% reduction in fungicide use for control of the disease. The research from these projects are applied daily in golf course management practices across the state.

Sports Field ManagementText book Sports Turf Management in the Transition ZoneField Management CareVTF has supported the work of Dr. Mike Goatley, who is known for his expertise in sports turf management. Dr. Goatley has authored and coauthored several books, including VT Turf Teams Sports Turf Management in the Transition Zone. Dr. Goatleys other co-authored textbook Sports Fields is in its second edition. This work trains the next generation of turfgrass professionals. This is vital work to continue the integrity and knowledge of the industry. Dr. Goatley also assists the VTF Board on short courses, field days and the VTF annual conference. These activities share the research projects and shows how the research and advances can be used in practice by turfgrass professionals.

The FutureDue to the contributions of donors, all of this research was possible. As we look forward, there is more research and outreach to be done. VTF cannot do this alone and we need your support.

VTF SupportVA Seed Law TaxGenerous ContributionsRoyalties from Mohawk seed developed at VA TechBob Ruff Jr Memorial Research Golf Tournament

VTF receives financial contributions from two main sources. First, VTF is supported by the VA seed tax. 50% of the seed tax revenue goes directly to VTF for research projects. This represents $XXXX in revenue annually. Additional support comes from companies and individuals to help grow the endowment and finance various projects and outreach. Without this financial support, VTF would not exist, nor would projects highlighted earlier be able to be conducted. You can help. There are various ways in which you can help VTF succeed in growing the endowment and fulfilling the Wish List.

How you can helpAll donations are tax exemptCash/Corporate MatchingMemorial giftsAnnuitiesBequests

VTF is a 501(c) 3 organization. This means, all donations are tax exempt. There are several ways to donate. First, is cash. We accept checks and credit cards. See our online donation option at our website for more information. Your corporation may have a matching funds program, check to see if your company has such a program. Many times your gift can be doubled. Second, memorial gifts can be made to honor someones memory. We also accept annuities, real and personal property, gifts in trust and bequests. There are many options available to make giving easy and enjoyable. Please see me after the presentation or our website for more information on how to give to VTF.

Donor RecognitionTurf Club LevelsVirginia Turfgrass JournalPerpetual Donor PlaqueAll donors receive recognition for their gift (if they wish). There are various giving levels with in the Turf Club. Names of donors of gifts over $5,000 will have their names placed on a perpetual plaque that is taken to various events across the state. Donors are also recognized in the Virginia Turfgrass Journal. We are very grateful to our donors and the contributions they make.

Thank YouThank you for allowing me to speak today about VTF and the work we are doing.Please feel free to contact us and Make a donation today

VIRGINIA TURFGRASS FOUNDATION

1625 Princess Anne RoadVirginia Beach, VA 23456757 574 9061You may contact Betty Parker, manager of the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation at the above address or phone number. All gifts are tax deductible and very much appreciated. Thank you for your time and interest in the future of Virginias turfgrass industry.