The Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) and Project EverGreen named Dave Shetlar, Ph.D., the recipient of the 2016 TOCA Environmental Communicator of the Year Award. The award recognizes individuals in the green industry for outstanding communications efforts regarding environmental issues.

“Dr. Shetlar exemplifies the type of communicator needed in the green industry today to guide consumers through the myriad of sometimes mixed messages about the importance of green spaces,” said Den Gardner, TOCA executive director. “His communications style is one that easily translates the positive benefits of turf and ornamentals to consumers as well as to business audiences. We are proud to recognize him for this award.”

Shetlar, also known as “the Bug Doc,” is a professor of urban landscape entomology and researcher at The Ohio State University and a recognized author and speaker. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate in entomology from Penn State University. His areas of insect expertise include nurseries, urban landscapes, turfgrass and Christmas trees, and he frequently speaks on the value of well-managed green spaces and biodiversity in urban habitats.

Urban biodiversity is real and resilient,” said the Bug Doc, as he accepted the 18th annual award this month at the TOCA conference in Omaha, Neb. “There’s more biodiversity going on in turf than most people give it credit for. Select the right plants first in any landscape setting, and they’ll be more resistant to pest infestations and last longer.”