EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S TURF TLI Research and the Natural Turfgrass Industry
Casey Reynolds, PhD
Te Turf News September/October issue traditionally highlights TLI research, and while this year is no different, it is a little more special. TPI member support has resulted in an almost ten-fold increase in TLI research dollars from as recently as 2012, when it has grown from $5,500 to $50,000! Tese dollars are currently funding eight research projects at highly respected, globally-recognized, turfgrass universities, and we are excited to share updates on their progress. Te details of these projects can be found beginning on page 12 of this issue and will provide an overview of methods, results, and impacts on TPI members and the natural turfgrass industry.
One of the often-unseen aspects of turfgrass research is the value and impact it has when I and other turfgrass industry representatives state our case to policymakers, urban planners, regulatory agencies, and others. As we sit in meetings where decisions are being made on the selection, planting, and use of different plant materials, we can share data that highlight the importance of keeping natural turfgrass an integral part of urban and suburban communities. We can point out its positive benefits on runoff reduction, temperature modification, topsoil remediation, athlete safety, and more. Having recent, relevant research data is vital to discussions among not only policymakers, but also the public in general.
Te value of research funded by TLI and other agencies also is important as we seek collaboration and support from federal and state granting agencies. Not only are the data gathered in these projects helpful, but so too is the ability to show these agencies that we as an industry place value on our product and are willing to support it through investing our own research dollars. In this way, TPI can continue to build upon its reputation as a leader in natural turfgrass as we collaborate with our partners in groups such as the National Turfgrass Federation, the National Turfgrass Research Initiative, and others.
Lastly, the TPI Board of Trustees and staff are excited to have recently announced that the long-standing tradition of TPI member support of agronomic research has in 2018 been expanded to now include market, consumer, and public relations research as well. While these efforts will not be highlighted in this issue, TPI staff are working diligently behind the scenes with FleishmanHillard to investigate the factors that influence public perception of natural turfgrass and how we can create TPI Member- Only resources to benefit our members and the natural turfgrass industry. So, we hope you enjoy this issue and thanks as always for your support!
Cheers,
$50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0
TPI Member Support of TLI Research 2011-2018
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2016-17 2017-18
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TPI Turf News September/October 2018
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