I would like to first thank everyone that was involved in the New Beginnins work day last month.  We were able to layout the field, install the bases and configure the irrigation system during this work day.  Several others have volunteered to come back and sprig the field.  Once the field is planted, we will continue to monitor it's grow-in.  The teens at Gulf Coast Youth-Reach will enjoy this field for year's to come and have taken on the responsibility of maintaning the field.  This was a great service project for ATA and I appreciate everyone who gave of their time and resources to make it happen!

 

I would also like to ask each member of ATA to complete the membership surveys:  Turf Manager Survey or Supplier/Vendor Survey.  This is a tool that the ATA Board will review and use at our Strategic Planning Retreat later this fall.  We need your input to better serve you - it will only take a few minutes!  Thanks to everyone who has already completed the survey - you will see some changed at the ATA Conference & Tradeshow in October that was made because of our members' input and ideas!

 

Remember, it is the time to apply for the ATA President's Award of Excellence.  There are four categories for this award:  Sports Complex, Golf Course, Landscape and Sod Farm.  Each winner will be awarded a plaque at the Annual Conference, receive free registration to the Conference and be featured in an issue of our magazine, Turf Times.  The application can be found on our website, www.alaturfgrass.org and also the summer edition of Turf Times magazine.  Just remember, we need 10 digital photos of your entry - so get busy taking pictures of your facility!

 

Finally, Auburn University is hosting a Turfgrass Field Day on July 23rd.  I encourage you to come out and see the research that the turf team is conducting at Auburn.  Details and registration information is listed below.  Hope to see you at the Field Day!