Pennsylvania Turfgrass Research Inc., the fund-raising arm of the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council, has donated $300,000 to Penn State University's College of Agricultural Sciences to establish an endowment, the Pennsylvania Turf Research Innovation Fund. The fund will provide finanacial support for studies that address important issues facing the turf industry and it will create research opportunities for students.
Peter Landschoot, professor of turfgrass science and director of the Center for Turfgrass Science (http://cropsoil.psu.edu/turf) says that "The Pennsylvania Turf Research Innovation Fund will be used to provide annual grants in support of experiential learning opportunities for Penn State graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory and field turfgrass research."
According to Landschoot, the fund will enhance the efforts of the turfgrass program in:
- developing and evaluating practices, products and turf varieties to better resist weeds, diseases and stresses
- developing more sustainable methods of maintaining turfgrass
- ensuring the highest-quality, safest turfgrass for the enjoyment of golfers and athletic-field users
- conducting research to evaluate and create new and safer products
- controlling turfgrass maintenance costs through new research and outreach services
- attracting and training young people as a resource for Pennsylvania golf clubs, athletic fields, landscape companies and suppliers
Future fundraising efforts, including golf-tournament events, will continue to grow the endowment. Those interested in contributing can e-mail Jerred Golden, chair of the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Research Inc. trustees, at wchmgl@aol.com.
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