during the National Golf Day/ National Turfgrass Federation Day on the Hill. Our focus is discussing turfgrass benefits with Congress and the Administration, as well as discussing strategies to increase funding for turfgrass research within the federal government.”

A big highlight for Rinehart was the turnout for a pre-arranged tour of the ‘Grass Roots’ exhibit. He says, “Despite rain and 57 degree temperatures, 18 of the 22 who had signed up attended, and two more showed up for an even 20. Te interaction was excellent. And several of those who were not able to take part expressed their regrets and commented that they’d heard the tour was great. I was really encouraged by the positive feedback.”

And More Outreach Te major projects and events already noted are making a strong impact in multiple areas—and there are multiple other outreach activities underway. Rinehart conducts Homeowner Workshops on three weekends in the spring and two in the fall. Tey cover topics such as correct species for the site, seed or sod selection, water saving strategies, mowing heights, fertilization and spreader calibration, and basic turfgrass

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cultural practices, including aeration and dethatching. “Attendance ranges from 10 to 25,” he says. “Te goal is 30 to 40 for each workshop.”

He also provided turfgrass training for Master Gardener programs in Fairfax and Montgomery Counties. “Classroom sessions are scheduled for the winter months, with follow-up training at the ‘Grass Roots’ exhibit in the spring,” he says.

Rinehart is cultivating relationships with governmental agencies, too. He has given tours and interacted

with personnel from the EPA Water Sense program. He’s offered tours and technical support with turfgrass- related programs to other agencies and departments.

All this, and the ongoing

maintenance of the exhibit area, management of the website and social media, and all those other things on the “To-Do” list require time, effort—and funding. Support in any and all of these big threehre would be much appreciated.

Suz Trusty is co-editor of Turf News.

“Petal” to the Parks riders gather to enjoy the ‘Grass Roots’ exhibit. Photo by Geoffrey Rinehart, ‘Grass Roots’

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Te ‘Grass Roots’ exhibit entices visitor to learn as they explore and enjoy the green oasis of turf. Photo by Geoffrey Rinehart, ‘Grass Roots’

TPI Turf News July/August 2016