2026 Turfgrass Research Contributions

The turgrass research funding year begins with our annual conference and trade show through fundraising efforts made possible by donations to our Silent Auction and of course the lucky bid winners who purchase these goods and services!  

With $30,485 worth of items up for grabs, generously provided by turf management industry suppliers and service providers, our 25th Annual Silent Auction held during the 62nd Annual WCTA Conference and Trade Show this past February 10-12, 2026, raised a record setting $14,529 for turf research!

We need to recognize our new Silent Auction boss, Tab Buckner of the Township of Langley, for wrangling a massive amount of contributions to this year's auction and thank all those who contributed and the lucky bid winners.

Year-end financials are not yet finalized but after adding in 10% of member dues from 2026, 30% of net revenue from last year and subtracting expenses, a grand total of $13,723 is expected to be available for turf research project funding in 2027!

Where these dollars go is decided by the Research Committee based on a carefully developed list of turf management industry priorities (see below).  On the subject, we would like to take this opportunity to thank those who serve tirelessly on our Research Committee:  

Peter Sorokovsky - City of Burnaby (Chair)
David Duncan - THP Co. (WCTA Past President)
Ladd Legeyt - Agrium Advanced Technologies (Industry Representative) 
Jim Ross - Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre (retired)
Curtis Zanussi - City of Castlegar
Arran Marlow - Blue Ocean Golf Club
Josh Carlsen - Township of Langley 

Current Turfgrass Research Priorities:
- Nutrient and fertility management, best management practices
- Soil and root-zone management, best management practices
- Evaluation of alternatives to pesticides
- Irrigation and water use issues (water quality and reducing water usage)
- Investigations into the biology, ecology and management of current and emerging pests
- Alternative cultivar and species for new turf construction, integration and conversion into existing turf areas
- Species/cultivar evaluation and improved management practices for areas of heavy traffic and wear tolerance