Turfgrass professionals have an outlet this winter to learn science-based principles to manage turf for recreation, sport, aesthetics and environmental protection—the 2015 Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science Online is slated for Jan. 7-March 25.
The 12-week, certificate-based program will have training sessions accessible live online on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (CST), providing 24 hours of training on turfgrass science and management. There’s also the option to view the recorded sessions, as students will have access to the course and materials at their convenience during the full 12 weeks via moodle class management system.
Session topics are scheduled as followed:
- Jan. 7—Turfgrass identification, physiology and growth;
- Jan 14—Soil science and management;
- Jan. 21—Selection and establishment;
- Jan. 28—Nutrition and fertility programming;
- Feb. 4—Mowing and additional cultural practices;
- Feb. 11—Abiotic stresses;
- Feb. 18—Irrigation;
- Feb. 25—Insect biology, identification and management;
- March 4—Disease biology, identification and management;
- March 11—Weed biology, identification and management;
- March 18—Specialty product usage; and
- March 25—Mathematics and calibration.
Instructors include:
- Sam Bauer, assistant extension professor in the CFANS extension at University of Minnesota—Twin Cities;
- Dave Chalmers, Ph.D., extension specialist emeritus in the department of soil and crop science at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension;
- Kevin Frank, Ph.D., extension turfgrass specialist in the department of crop and soil sciences at Michigan State University;
- David Gardner, Ph.D, in the department of horticulture and crop science at The Ohio State University;
- Brian Horgan, Ph.D., extension turfgrass specialist in the department of horticulture science at University of Minnesota—Twin Cities;
- Ed Nangle, Ph.D., director of turfgrass programs at Chicago District Golf Association;
- Paul Koch, Ph.D., in the department of plant pathology at University of Wisconsin—Madison;
- Aaron Patton, Ph.D., extension turfgrass specialist in the department of agronomy at Purdue University;
- Frank Rossi, Ph.D., extension turfgrass specialist in the department of horticulture at Cornell University;
- Doug Soldat, Ph.D., extension turfgrass specialist in the department of soil science at University of Wisconsin—Madison;
- Chris Williamson, Ph.D., extension specialist in the department of entomology at University of Wisconsin—Madison; and
- Zac Reicher, Ph.D., in the department of agronomy and horticulture at University of Nebraska—Lincoln.
The fee for the course is $495, which includes supplemental materials and a certificate after successful completion of the program. Registration closes Dec. 31.
