Green Municipalities Field Day
Growing Sustainable Communities
PLEASE NOTE: All pricing is in USD! Because our transaction processor cannot process in CAD we've established Canadian and International categories for registration and sponsorship. The Canadian pricing is discounted 25% to offset the hidden "Canadian tax" this causes. We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, please accept our apologies.
Managing community greenspaces has never been more challenging than it is now. New technologies, techniques, and even plants can provide an edge in preparing your community for the effects of climate change. Green Municipalities Field Day showcases the latest developments in management, technology, and cultivars to help turf managers and communities anticipate and adapt to a changing world.
Featuring a hybrid format, this event is accessible even if you can't make the trip, with downloadable pdf content, a virtual roundtable, and supporting video content. Hybrid attendees can participate in the onsite poker run, enjoy a BBQ lunch, and relax with refreshing beverages at the TWCA Social following the virtual round table!
Register today because in person space is limited.
Updates
Managing Change
Guelph, ON—14-Jul-22— Turfgrass Water
Conservation Alliance (TWCA) Is pleased to announce the in-person sessions at
Green Municipalities 2022. Beginning 10 am August 12th the five
sessions highlight new cultivars, technologies and management practices helping
municipalities and turf managers adapt to the realities of climate change.
TWCA Tall Fescue Drought Evaluation:
- This singles species trial includes 3 replications of 44
entries and 6 standards - Each trial is named for the year in which it is established
although data collection WILL NOT begin until the following year - Data collection runs for three years so a trial established
in 2020 will collect data in 2021, 2022, and 2023 - Data is collected using Digital Image Analysis (DIA)
technology developed and refined by Dr D Karcher (U of AR) and K Hignight
(NexGen) - TWCA conducts trials in Rainout Shelters (ROSs) and in field
conditions: - In areas with a reasonable expectation of little to no
rainfall during the summer months TWCA uses field trials - In areas where there is a moderate to high likelihood of
rainfall during the summer TWCA uses ROS (Rainout Shelters) to control environmental factors more tightly - When using ROSs for trialing TWCA cooperators change the
plastic covering on the shelter every year to ensure high light penetration
into the trial - This 3-year trial is replicated in 10 locations
TWCA Kentucky Bluegrass Drought Evaluation (concluded):
- This singles species trial includes 3 replications of 24
entries and 6 standards - Each trial is named for the year in which it is established
although data collection WILL NOT begin until the following year - Data collection runs for three years so a trial established
in 2020 will collect data in 2021, 2022, and 2023 - Data is collected using Digital Image Analysis (DIA)
technology developed and refined by Dr D Karcher (U of AR) and K Hignight
(NexGen) - TWCA conducts trials in Rainout Shelters (ROSs) and in field
conditions: - In areas with a reasonable expectation of little to no
rainfall during the summer months TWCA uses field trials - In areas where there is a moderate to high likelihood of
rainfall during the summer TWCA uses ROS (Rainout Shelters) to control ?
environmental factors more tightly - When using ROSs for trialing TWCA cooperators change the
plastic covering on the shelter every year to ensure high light penetration
into the trial - This 2-year trial is replicated 10 times in 9 locations
Fiesta
trial:
This trial compares
two formulations of a low-risk herbicide, Fiesta, for
controlling broadleaf weed populations on lawn-height turfgrass. Specifically,
this trial will seed dandelions into the established turf stand to evaluate
early-emergent suppression of this pesky weed.
Turf
Canopy Scanner:
Light detection and ranging (LiDAR), also known as
"3D laser scanning", is a new technology that uses laser beams to
create a 3-dimensional topographical map of a surface. The Turf Canopy Scanner
is a device developed at the University of Guelph that uses LiDAR sensors
mounted onto a rover to scan the turf as it drives. Engineering graduate
student Arthur Rosenfield will
be using machine learning to create predictions for the rate of growth,
fill-in, and harvestability of sod.
Beneficial Bacteria:
Beneficial bacteria which were isolated in the lab will be applied in the field to a creeping bentgrass fairway. Endophytic (endo=inside, phyte=plant) bacteria can be found in nearly every plant on this planet, where they colonize the internal tissues of their host plant and form a beneficial relationship with their host. Previous research on corn and wheat have demonstrated increased yield and improved disease resistance. Now, this project is applying the same principals to turfgrass. Graduate student Ben McFayden is working with Dr. Manish Raizada on a project sponsored by the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation (OTRF) to boot nitrogen use efficiency and stimulate root growth for better water uptake.
Photo Gallery
