New York State Turfgrass Association

As stated in a previous post, I will be interning in New York this summer, where the local turf association is the New York State Turfgrass Association. As outlined on their website:

"The mission of the New York State Turfgrass Association is to unify, lead and promote professionalism among people interested in the turfgrass and grounds industry. We will accomplish this through education and research, while advocating environmentally-responsible management".

The New York State Turfgrass Association, or NYSTA, operates out of Latham, NY, approximately 10 miles north of Albany, NY. The NYSTA board of directors consists of a president, vice president, a secretary/treasurer, and a past president. NYSTA is further supported by nine directors who work throughout the state, as well as an executive director, and three liasons who work with The State University of New York and Cornell University.

NYSTA is a turfgrass organization that is open to all branches of turfgrass in the green industry. Membership categories include, but are not limited to: grounds maintenance, equipment managers, sod farms, cemetaries, golf courses, and sports turf. By being a member of NYSTA, you gain access to a large network of turfgrass managers, students, and professors, thereby opening yourself up to the newest information in the industry. Having a large network of professionals is an excellent way to keep up to date with technology, the latest research, and new regulations relevant to the area.

Also promoted on the association's website is a list of upcoming events in the turfgrass industry. These events include conferences that are particular to certain regions of the state, as well as large scale annual conferences. A highlighted upcoming event worth noting is the 70th Annual Conference & Business Expo, which is held by the New York State Recreation & Parks Society. Additionally, not only are upcoming events promoted, but institutions offering turfgrass education are also listed on the NYSTA page. The institutions mentioned are from all over North America, including: SUNY Delhi, The Pennsylvania State University, University of California, and the Guelph Turfgrass Institute in Ontario, Canada.

The NYSTA page also contains numerous links that may prove to be helpful to professional turf managers and homeowners alike. Resources are provided for those who are interested in cultivation practices, diseases, insects, mowing, and irrigation, to name a few. The links lead to a wealth of turfgrass related information that encourage education and environmentally conscious approaches to turf management.

With my upcoming internship at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY, I may receive some exposure to the association. I look forward to the opportunity to work in a state with so much talent.

(image obtained from nysta.org)