Maryland Turfgrass Council - History & Activities

Overview
The Maryland Turfgrass Council was organized in 1972 as a way for people who worked in different segments of the turfgrass industry to pool their talents and improve turfgrass research and education in Maryland. It was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1977, and is governed by a Constitution and By-laws through its Officers and Board of Directors.

Goals
MTC strives to promote and unite the interests of individuals, private industry, organizations, and public and private institutions. The aim of MTC is to promote the science, technology, professional practice and improvement of turfgrass production, management, research, and education in the State of Maryland.

Financial Support
Over the years, MTC has provided thousands of dollars of scholarship money, as well as support for vital turfgrass research programs at the University of Maryland.

In 1980, MTC encouraged the State to establish it's first sole-purpose turf research facility. The U.M. Paint Branch Turf Research Facility now comprises a $1.5M complex, and is both a leader in turfgrass research and ranked among the most modern in the nation.
In 1988, MTC inaugurated it's 1st Annual Golf Tournament to raise money for turfgrass research at the University of Maryland. The 13th Annual Tournament netted over $7,000 for turfgrass research.
In 1998, MTC donated $100,000 to the University of Maryland Foundation to establish an endowment fund to support turfgrass research. The Maryland Turfgrass Fund has now grown to over $205,000, and continues to gain support through donations. The fund is currently able to accept direct gifts as well as donations through the new Commemorative Brick Program.

Professional Development
The Council has also dedicated itself to improving informal education in our industry, most notably by promoting an annual educational conference, trade shows of turfgrass equipment and products, and other events.

The 2002 Conference and Trade Show at the Baltimore Convention Center celebrated as its theme '25 Years Together,' and used the device of an umbrella to graphically illustrate its role among the many important facets of the industry. Over 2,300 professional turfgrass managers attended Turfgrass 2002—a new record!
The Council plays a lead role in facilitating turfgrass research tours at the U.M. Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility, which had a very successful and well-attended Field Day on July 24, 2002. The next Field Day and Open House at Paint Branch Facility will be in July 2004.

Newsletter
In order to keep MTC members informed of its activities as well as new developments in turfgrass science and management, the Council began the publication of a quarterly newsletter in 1981. In the course of its 21 year history, MTC News has provided valuable tips, legislative and technical updates, and helped MTC unite our industry.

MTC News expanded to a 12-page format in the year 2002, and reached a record circulation of over 1,500 members in 2002. Because the website had taken over many of its functions by Fall of 2002, MTC News was subsequently changed to a full-color format and reduced to 2-pages. Currently, MTC News is designed for easy reading, with brief overviews of news, articles and updates that are included in greater detail on the website.

Website
In early 2002, MTC launched a new website to further promote its goals, expand its ability to keep in touch with members, and to provide outreach to the general public. Because the new website is rapidly becoming a key feature of MTC, it's role and format is being continually enhanced with new developments and features. Currently, MTC News is available on the website, along with many other features of interest to turfgrass professionals.

Objectives
These are some of the objectives and principles of MTC that guide its operation:

To promote the improvement of turfgrass culture, production, research and education in the State of Maryland.
To recommend and uphold a high standard of professional practice and environmental stewardship by those engaged in the field of turfgrass management.
To sponsor conferences, trade shows, workshops, and other educationally-oriented events devoted to the presentation and exchange of information of interest and value to the turfgrass industry.
To initiate and support the scientific investigation of problems associated with turfgrass cultivation and to promote the dissemination of such research.
To support the turfgrass research and education programs of the University of Maryland through direct financial assistance to the University of Maryland Foundation, scholarship programs, and other appropriate means.
To sponsor and promote events and activities to develop financial support for turfgrass research and education consistent with the objectives of MTC.
To publish a newsletter and website to promote information exchange among its members, and to offset the costs of such publications though dues and direct financial assistance.
To stimulate public education and interest in turfgrass management and sound cultural practices.
To cooperate with organizations and associations who share the goals of MTC, and provide support and assistance to encourage their success.
To represent the judgment of MTC in matters of policy that are deemed to affect the production, construction, maintenance, and management of turfgrass areas.