Construction on the U.S. National Arboretum’s Grass Roots exhibit is underway. Since the groundbreaking ceremony last fall, the Irrigation Association (IA) and several members have donated expertise and equipment to the initiative.
The 1.3-acre exhibit is the centerpiece of the larger Grass Roots Initiative, a four-year program that examines the environmental, economic, aesthetic and recreational benefits of turfgrass in landscapes, golf courses and athletic fields.
Brian Vinchesi, president of Irrigation Consulting, designed the project’s irrigation system—the project includes a number of display areas with varying water requirements.
Several IA-member manufacturers and distributors donated products to the project, too, including:
- Baseline Irrigation Solutions, Boise, Idaho;
- Hunter Industries, San Marcos, Calif.;
- Paige Wiring, Fresno, Calif.;
- Rain Bird Corp., Tucson, Ariz.;
- The Toro Co., Riverside, Calif.;
- Turf Equipment and Supply Co., Jessup, Md.; and
- V.I.T. Products, Escondido, Calif.
Atlantic Irrigation, White Plains, N.Y.; and John Deere Landscapes, Alpharetta, Ga., supplied piping, fittings, valve boxes and other components needed to complete the system.
“Getting involved in this initiative is a great opportunity to showcase the expertise and innovative products that IA’s members offer,” said Brent Mecham, IA industry development director. “We’ve been able to work closely with the Grass Roots team to demonstrate how new technologies can improve irrigation efficiency.”
The IA is a gold sponsor of the initiative and has been involved in the development of the exhibit since its early planning phases. The exhibit focuses on the science of turfgrass and highlights the importance of mowing, fertilization and efficient irrigation to establish and maintain turfgrass.
It includes a variety of ornamental and agronomic grasses; a golf green, tees and fairway; a sports field showcasing natural turfgrass and artificial surfaces; and demonstration areas to show warm- and cool-season grasses in landscape settings.
The completed exhibit will be located in a prominent space near the arboretum’s headquarters, is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.
