In 1996, the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation was formed through the cooperation of the seven Golf Course Superintendent Associations within the New England Region, along with the New England Sports Turf Managers Association, and the Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals. By Combining their efforts, and interest in the Science of Turfgrass Management, the Foundation’s goal is to service all of the Turfgrass industry within the New England Region. Golf Course Superintendents, Lawncare Professionals, Sport Turf Managers, as well as Cemetery Grounds Managers, Park and Recreation Personnel and Landscapers all can benefit.
In just three years, The New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show grew to be the second largest regional turfgrass conference and trade show in the country. In 2000, the conference attracted more than 2300 attendees. As the foundation approaches its 20th annual conference to be held in March 2017, turfgrass industry professionals continue to come to Providence. The New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show remains as one of the largest turfgrass shows produced each year in the country.
In 2017, the foundation revealed a new logo the included 6 shades of green representing turfgrass in all New England, and all types of turfgrass Management. Our plan is to continue to support all turfgrass managers and research that could benefit the entire turfgrass industry.
The New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation organized the “New England Regional Turfgrass Research Trust” for the purpose of collecting and disbursing donations and contributions made to be applied toward Turfgrass Research being done within the New England Region at state institutions. The NERTRT is an IRS 501 (c)(3) entity. This will allow for federal tax deductions to those who wish to contribute monetarily to the foundation.
NERTRT
The New England Regional Turfgrass Research Trust (NERTRT) is a 501(c)(3) organization that was created to fund turfgrass research through fund raising activities or voluntary contributions. Individuals who wish to contribute to the NERTRT are allowed to deduct either all or a portion of the amount that is contributed to the trust.
Other fundraising activities by the NERTF such as the Live Auction, the Silent Auction and Tee-Up New England contribute to the NERTRT research fund. All types of turf management research project funding will then be done by the trust to area turfgrass research facilities in New England. Each year the NERTRT produces and distributes a research newsletter to share current information on turfgrass research that is being done within the New England Region.
The NERTRT is another tool to help support the Turfgrass Industry in the New England Region by supporting their turfgrass institutions efforts in research, education and extension. The Trust’s objective is to work hand and hand with universities and industry members by sharing research information through NE Turf News newsletter. All other actions taken by the NERTRT are done in the hope of strengthening the Turfgrass Industry in and throughout the New England and surrounding region.
Board of Directors
President
Ben J. Polimer
Town of Weston/ NESFMA
Immediate-Past President
Mark B. Mansur
Chippanee Country Club/CAGCS
Executive Director
Gary J. Sykes
NERTF
Vice President/ Treasurer
Ryan J. Walsh
Woods Hole Golf Club/ GCSACC
Secretary
Alden Maddocks
Taconic Golf Club/ VtGCSA
Advisory Members
Jason D. Lanier
University of Massachusetts
Dr. John Inguagiato
University of Connecticut
Show Director
David D. Rosenberg
Marketing & Events, Inc.
Directors
Michael A. Buras, CSFM
Boston Lawn & Tennis/ NESFMA
John R. Clark
Rochester Country Club/ NHGCSA
Christopher Cowan
Atlantic Golf & Turf/ VtGCSA
Robert J. Dembek
Lexington Country Club/ GCSANE
Clifford J. Drezek
Arbor Turf Services, Inc./ MALCP
Ryan D. Emerich
Cape Arundel Golf Club/ GCSANE
John LeClair, CGCS
Cranston Country Club/ GCMACC
Rick Lewis
Willowdale Golf Club/ MGCSA
Philip E. Neaton
CAGCS
Mark A. Richard, CGCS
Retired RIGCSA
Robert B. Searle
Abenakee Club/ MGCSA
Randy S. Weeks
Laconia Country Club/ NHGCSA
Michael J. Whitehead, CGCS
Pawtucket Country Club/ RIGCSA
Dr. Joseph Troll, 1920-2015
Joe Troll came to the University of Massachusetts in 1957 and was made a professor in 1959. Dr. Troll taught Turf Management courses to undergraduates, graduate students, winter school and the two year program at UMass. He practiced an open door policy for his students who received no-nonsense guidance, counseling and tid-bits of knowledge. He dedicated 35 years to expanding the UMass learning experience with the UMass Turfgrass Conference. He renewed and held his relationships with his students and colleagues throughout his life. He valued friendships, associations, his country and most of all, his family. Married once, devoted forever to Lonnie. He set standards, taught awareness and promoted exploring opportunities. One student described his office as: "the doorway to our future." Retirement never meant disconnecting and allowed for more flexibility. Conversations always included encouragement and a good story. He never asked for anything in return though countless have voiced their appreciation in word and in action. His goal was to prepare his students and his success will be measured in generations even those yet to come...
New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation
New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation: Operating via revenue from the conference and show, the foundation works with researchers at universities to deliver key research and findings to benefit the entire turfgrass industry.
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