By Sharon Omahen
University of Georgia
Golf course managers want their turfgrass postcard perfect. So do many homeowners. The University of Georgia Turfgrass Field Day will have much to offer both, and anyone else interested in healthy turf, Aug. 15 in Griffin, Ga.
The field day is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the UGA Griffin campus. Registration will start at 8 a.m. It will be outdoors, rain or shine, so dress appropriately (bring sunscreen and a cap).
UGA researchers and extension specialists will give the latest on how to care for your lawn or golf course. You'll learn the latest research on disease, insect and weed control in Georgia turf grasses.
The field day will include updates on newly released UGA turf grasses like seashore paspalum, a grass popular along the coast that can be irrigated with salt water.
Displays and demonstrations of the latest turfgrass industry equipment will be on hand, too. And for the growing number of Hispanic turfgrass workers, the morning session, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., will be offered in Spanish.
For people needing pesticide recertification, the field day has been certified for Georgia Pesticide License Credit hours. Six hours of credit will be given in categories 24 (ornamentals and turf) and 21 (plant agriculture). Certified Crop Advisor credit will also be available, too, with credit in pesticide management and crop production.
The $40 registration fee ($55 after July 28) covers the day's presentations, a detailed program booklet and a barbecue lunch. Four or more people registering as a group qualify for a 10-percent discount.
Register by credit card by calling the UGA Griffin Campus Continuing Education Office at (770) 229-3477 or faxing your registration and credit card payment to (770) 233-6180. Or mail your fee to the Office of Continuing Education, University of Georgia Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223. For the first time, participants can register through the field day's Web site at www.georgiaturf.com.
Or just pay the extra $15 and sign up at the field day Aug. 15 from 8 to 9 a.m. For a complete schedule, see the Web site.