Golf BMP Update Safety in Dealing with Nature 2020 FTGA Membership UF Wildflower Study - Florida Turfgrass Association
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VOL. 38 / NO. 1 Winter 2020
Golf BMP Update
Safety in Dealing with Nature
2020 FTGA Membership
UF Wildflower Study
Also in this issue:
Bees on the Golf Course
Florida Gateway College Update
EREF Winter Update
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Official Journal of the Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation Inc.
Winter 2020
CONTENTS VOL. 38 / NO. 1
JOIN
Photo credit: UF/IFAS
Cover Story Golf Course Safety FTGA Membership Drive
Florida Leads the Way on Golf Safety in Dealing with Nature 2020 FTGA Membership
Course Best Management Practices Campaign Underway
8 18 29
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Florida Gateway College: Your “Hole in One” Resolution...............................13
UF Study: Wildflowers on Golf Courses Help Pollinators, Save Resources..... 16
www.ftga.org
The Nectar of the Gods Meets the Golf Course.................................................22
EREF Winter Update 2019–2020..........................................................................27 Publisher
Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation
DEPARTMENTS Editor-in-Chief
MJ Plaster
President’s Message..................................................................................................... 4 Guest Editor
From the Executive Director..................................................................................... 6 Darren J. Davis, CGCS
Lobbying Update........................................................................................................25 Wildlife Editor
Craig Weyandt
Marketplace................................................................................................................. 32 Advisor
Index of Advertisers..................................................................................................34 Executive Director Heather Russo
https://www.facebook.com/FloridaTGA/
Cover photo: Interlachen Country Club, home of the Stuart Leventhal, CGCS, Turfgrass Research Golf
Tournament. Photo credit: John Unrue. https://twitter.com/FloridaTGA
The Florida Turf Digest is a publication of the Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation, which provides scholarships to students in turfgrass and related studies in addition to funding
turfgrass research and education for the Florida Turfgrass Association (FTGA). The FTGA serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The
statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, Florida Turf
Digest or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or FTGA members does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent
issues of this publication.
n Copyright: ©2020 by the Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation. Subscriptions are complimentary to FTGA members.
n Postmaster: Send change of address notification to Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation, 4462 Florida National Drive, Suite 1, Lakeland, FL 33813. Postage guaranteed.
Postage is paid at Orlando, FL and Lakeland, FL. Printed in the U.S.A.
n Reprints and Submissions: Florida Turf Digest allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to the FTGA. Florida Turf Digest is not
responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the editor at editor@ftga.org for contribution information.
n Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Heather Russo, Executive Director, at 863-688-9413 or Heather@FTGA.org.
n Address Changes: Please contact Heather Russo, Executive Director, at 863-688-9413 or Heather@FTGA.org.
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 3
Florida Turf Digest is the President’s Message
official publication of
the Florida Turfgrass By Dr. Ian Rodriguez, FTGA President
Research Foundation Inc.
4462 Florida National Drive, Suite 1
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 688-9413
Fax: (863) 688-9610
Ringing in the New Year with
info@ftga.org
www.ftga.org
PUBLISHED BY
Florida Turfgrass Research
Education and Advocacy
Foundation Inc.
E
ven though our turfgrass is either dormant or has at least slowed
FTGA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
down, this time of year remains busy for many of us. Whether
Ian Rodriguez, Ph.D. planning that preemergent application, dealing with large patch or
Control Solutions Inc. handling increased rounds, events, etc., as “the season” nears its peak,
(281) 923-0492
the holidays are already far in the rearview for most. The FTGA is off to a
ian.rodriguez@controlsolutionsinc.com
running start with a number of 2020 events in the rearview already.
Vice President Our Regional Turf Seminars have been underway and will wrap up in
Eric A. Brown, Ph.D. Jacksonville on February 27. Thanks to all who have attended, sponsored or
Massey Services
(352) 514-9233 otherwise supported these events, which are always one of our best outward-
ebrown@masseyservices.com facing endeavors. The 32nd Annual Stuart Leventhal, CGCS, Turfgrass
Research Golf Tournament was once again a success by all accounts,
Secretary/Treasurer
with great attendance and top-notch conditions at Interlachen Country
Lance Tibbetts
ABM Club. Almost $6,000 was raised to support the Florida Turfgrass Research
(786) 518-0332 Foundation this year.
lance.tibbetts@abm.com
As noted last time, a strong contingent of FTGA and Florida GCSA
Immediate Past President representatives will be in Tallahassee for the Florida Turfgrass Day on the
Andy Jorgensen Hill in mid-February to advocate on behalf of the industry. Be sure to check
On Top of the World this issue’s legislative update from The Southern Group to stay informed of
(352) 237-9564
andy_jorgensen@otowfl.com
what we might expect in the opening stages of this legislative session.
Our membership drive continues, so don’t forget your renewal, and let’s
FTGA DIRECTORS all do our part to sustain and grow the association by spreading the word.
Barry Balavender
In addition to the membership benefits we’ve long enjoyed such as Florida
John’s Island Club
(772) 231-7653 Turf Digest, the FTGA Membership Directory & Industry Guide, Florida Turf
bbalavender@johnsislandclub.org Digest E-News alerts, Turf Seminars and the Annual Conference & Show,
help spread the word about the more recently added benefits of industry
Paul Bispham Jr.
Bayside Sod advocacy via our lobbying efforts with The Southern Group and family
(561) 568-6424 member eligibility for the FTGA Legacy Scholarship. A handy, printable,
pjbaysidesod@gmail.com trifold brochure summarizing all these benefits can be found on the
Christopher Brown
Membership page at FTGA.org (www.ftga.org) or on page 29.
Nufarm One last note: If this issue seems a little different, that’s because it is. This
(630) 601-8069 first issue of 2020 also marks the first of what will now be a quarterly format.
chris.brown@nufarm.com
That said, you should find that the quality and volume of content will not
Eric Dixon suffer as each issue will be expanded to 36 pages moving forward.
Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation I hope you all had a great start to your New Year also and that it
(727) 723-0516 continues into the coming spring. ❂
eric@chichi.org
(Continued on page 6)
4 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020
(Continued from page 4) From the Executive Director
Dave Dymond
H & H Sod
By Heather Russo, Executive Director
(407) 892-2024
dave@hhsod.com
Jason Frank
Harrell’s LLC
(386) 804-6768 The Role of Mentors
A
jfrank@harrells.com
s I attended the Women’s Forum during the Sports Turf Managers
Chris Hoder Association National Annual Conference, their theme was mentorship. What
Southern Soils is the role of a mentor? During the forum, I learned, “Mentors may share with
(863) 528-1216 mentees information about their own career path, as well as provide guidance,
choder@southernsoils.com motivation, emotional support and role modeling. They may help with exploring
careers, setting goals, developing contacts and identifying resources.”
Jason Horn Anthony Tjan, CEO of Boston venture capital firm Cue Ball Group, says, “The best
City of Weston mentors can help us define and express our inner calling. But rarely can one person
(786) 314-6659 give you everything you need to grow.” He also states that mentorship is a two-way
jhorn2034@yahoo.com street, a relationship between humans and not a transaction.
Tjan says that everyone can use five mentors:
Addison King
• Mentor #1: The master of craft
Sod Solutions
• Mentor #2: The champion of your case
(843) 597-9166
• Mentor #3: The copilot
aking@sodsolutions.com
• Mentor #4: The anchor
William H. Kistler
• Mentor #5: The reverse master
Down To Earth Incorporated
To learn more about each type of mentor, visit https://bit.ly/31tk4QO.
(727) 687-5762 Tjan summarizes the role of a mentor as taking a long-range view of your growth
bkistler52@gmail.com and development—helps you see the destination but does not give you a detailed map to
get there. Then, a mentor offers encouragement and cheerleading, but not step-by-step
Cal Leggett instructions. Understanding the role of the mentor makes a critical starting point for
BrightView Landscape Maintenance success in this relationship. Additional eight ideas from Tjan to help you succeed with a
(407) 427-4498 mentor include:
cal.leggett@brightview.com • Investing your time in seeking a mentor with whom you feel a natural fit.
• Sharing your goals and fears openly.
Pat Marsh • Not expecting the mentor to solve your short-term problems or do the work
SiteOne Landscape Supply LLC for you.
(727) 243-3717 • Not expecting specific advice.
pmarsh@siteone.com • Sharing where you are struggling or failing.
• Listening carefully and then researching and applying the mentor’s guidance.
Andy Neiswender • Showing that you value the mentor’s support.
Belleair Country Club • Not abusing the relationship by expecting political support in the organization.
(727) 443-2127 During the STMA Annual Conference, I was amazed at how many students were
andyn@belleaircc.com attending and involved. The students were being mentored by their professors and
were being cultivated for their professional careers.
Travis Teuton, Ph.D.
People may think being a mentor applies only in their professional lives. However,
Sand Meadows Research
being a mentor rolls into our personal lives. Every single person is a mentor in some
(352) 817-1912
fashion. You can be a mentor at church, to your neighbors, children, family members,
tteuton@sandmeadows.com
spouse, etc. Remember that you are always being watched, and people are looking up
Kevin Wasilewski
to you. Help guide them into being a better person as you are shaping their lives. You
Syngenta Professional Products will always remember the person(s) who helped you along your journey in life, so it is
(863) 860-4293 right to give back and pay it forward.❂
kevin.wasilewski@syngenta.com
Welcome New Members!
Douglas Ash Robert Mainguy
We extend a hearty welcome to our Somers Services Inc. Mainguy Landscape Services
new members, and we look forward
to seeing you at one the FTGA events. Jim Carey Casey Smith
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy City of Newberry
the Florida Turf Digest and other Jonathon Huber
T & S Growth Solutions Nate Watkin
6 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020 member benefits.
The Seagate Country Club
Cover Story
Florida Leads the
Way on Golf Course
Best Management Practices
Gainesville, Florida: University of Florida: Mark Bostic Golf Course
By J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D.; Professor and Associate Center Director;
University of Florida IFAS; West Florida Research and Education Center
I
t was an ordinary day in 2003 when Dr. Mike Thomas,
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (retired)
and I started a conversation with the Florida Golf Course
Superintendents Association (GCSA) and the United States
Golf Association (USGA) agronomists in the clubhouse at Grand
Cypress Golf Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The conversation
centered around developing a comprehensive manual detailing the
best management practices (BMPs) that should be implemented
on Florida’s massive number of golf courses. Four years later in
2007, much effort culminated in the first print edition of the Best
Management Practices for the Enhancement of Environmental
Quality on Florida Golf Courses—clearly the most comprehensive
set of golf course BMP guidelines in the United States at that time.
Subsequent improvements were made in 2009 and 2012, and a
much-anticipated, major revision is set to be released in early 2020.
8 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020
Florida Leads the Way on Golf Course Best Management Practices
Figure 01. UF Faculty at the GCSAA Headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas. (L to R) Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, Dr. Jason Kruse, Dr. Travis Shaddox and
Mr. Don Rainey.
Just a few years after the release of the inaugural BMP of the general public holds misperceptions about what
manual, Florida GCSA once again set a high mark in it takes to manage a golf course. These concerns often
2012 by implementing the first, and presently the only, manifest themselves in environmental policy and action.
Golf Course BMP Certification Program in the country. These concerns led the GCSAA to embrace one of its
The program consists of several components designed most comprehensive initiatives ever—developing a tool
to educate golf course superintendents on the BMPs and resources to aid state GCSA chapters to develop and
and provide them with the necessary knowledge, skills implement BMPs in all 50 states.
and tools to implement and maintain their facilities In 2015, the GCSAA and the Environmental Institute
with reduced impact on the environment. As with the for Golf, in partnership with the USGA, issued a call for
impending BMP manual revision, major changes in the proposals to university scientists and private sector groups
certification program are forthcoming. These changes are to develop and provide a national/master BMP program
a result of Mark Kann’s, former Florida GCSA president planning guide to be used by state golf associations,
and now UF/IFAS Research Coordinator, master’s thesis universities or their representatives to develop state-level
research project that thoroughly identified barriers to the BMPs. The aim of the national BMP program planning
adoption of BMPs by the Florida golf course management guide is to provide the roadmap for success and to
industry. The changes to the program will greatly aid incorporate key information from how to get started
superintendents’ efforts to adopt BMPs at their facilities. to how to identify potential funding opportunities—on
Golf courses continue to face intense scrutiny for their through to implementation. A team from the University
perceived impact on the environment. Unfortunately, of Florida led by me, Dr. Jason Kruse, Dr. Travis Shaddox
golf courses are commonly seen as significant sources of (now with the University of Kentucky) and Mr. Don
pollution and bad for the environment. The reason for Rainey was awarded the contract by the GCSAA in late
heightened scrutiny of golf courses is mostly likely twofold: 2015 (Figure 01). The team spent most of 2016 developing
They are in urban and ecologically sensitive environments and reviewing the content that resides in a web portal
under the watchful eye of concerned citizens, and much (Figure 02). The web portal is a comprehensive online tool
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 9
Cover Story Figure 02. GCSAA Best Management Practices web portal showing the major categories of BMPs in their progress status. Figure 03. GCSAA Best Management Practices web portal showing the subcategories and the editing tool. 10 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020
Florida Leads the Way on Golf Course Best Management Practices
Golf Course BMPs
Figure 04. Progress map showing the status of the “50 by 2020” goal.
that allows each state’s BMP team to fully edit the content Government Relations Committee and I were able to
developed by the UF team, making it relevant to each discuss the GCSAA BMP Initiative with Andrew Wheeler,
state (Figure 03). administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection
The BMP initiative was publicly launched at the 2017 Agency, who is responsible for enforcing the nation’s
Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Florida, and has been Clean Air and Clean Water Acts as well as numerous
fully embraced by the U.S. golf course industry. As of other environmental statutes (Figure 05). He and his staff
this writing, 32 states now have BMPs in place, with the commended the golf industry’s proactive effort.
final 18 slated to cross over the finish line in 2020—thus With the impending BMP manual revision and
meeting the original goal of “50 by 2020” (Figure 04). the certification program changes, Florida golf course
The second phase of the national BMP initiative is superintendents are poised to continue making positive
for every golf facility in the United States to develop a impacts on the profession and further demonstrating their
personalized facility BMP manual. Launched at the 2018 commitment to environmental stewardship. ❂
Golf Industry Show in San Diego, California, I introduced
superintendents to the web portal that allows them to log
in, “clone” their respective state manual
with three mouse clicks and personalize it
to fit their facility’s needs. Superintendents
across the country are expressing great
interest in this and are anxiously awaiting
the completion of their state’s manual.
The return on investment of this BMP
initiative is starting to pay dividends.
Superintendents across the country are
receiving high praise from their state’s
Department of Environmental Protection/
Quality on the proactive approach being
taken to protect the environment and
conserve natural resources. Similarly, Figure 05. GCSAA Senior Leadership and Government Relations Committee and Dr. J. Bryan Unruh with Andrew
Wheeler, the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (seated—4th from left).
GCSAA Senior Leadership and
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 11Florida Gateway College
Your “Hole In One”
RESOLUTION
By Joseph Petersen, Director of Agriculture and Environmental
Sciences, Florida Gateway College
I
would like to welcome you all to the new year—2020. To aid in this
New years come with new resolutions. Whether goal, we have
personal or corporate, these resolutions are to help us hired a brand-
improve—to better ourselves and our companies. One new turf faculty
of the best resolutions that can be made is to gain more member. Erik
knowledge. Knowledge can never be taken away from Smith, a previous
you. This is where we can help. golf course
Florida Gateway College (FGC; formally Lake superintendent
City Community College) has been in the business of from the TPC
providing critical industry-specific knowledge to its Prestancia course
students. This has not changed over the last 40 years, in Sarasota,
although the program title has. What was the old Golf and Florida, has joined
Landscape Operations Program is now the Agribusiness our team. He
Management Program with an emphasis in turfgrass holds a master’s
management: longer name, same quality program. There degree from Penn
is great excitement with this program now as well. State in turfgrass
Erik Smith and a photogenic buddy.
Did you know that three high schools in North Florida management.
are teaching the first Turf/Horticulture Certificate as Can you think of anything better—a past superintendent
part of their agriculture curriculum? We are working teaching future superintendents?
with more high schools to adopt this curriculum. One Your employees and future employees will gain
school in particular has over 100 students studying knowledge in integrated pest management, irrigation,
turfgrass. Within three years, we will have certified young landscape plant identification, soil science, turfgrass
professionals wanting to start their careers. Would you management and botany. They will also develop a
like them to work for you? foundational business knowledge in the fields of business
What about your own employees? I am sure that you law, management, computer applications and financial
have great people who could use the knowledge gained accounting. They will also complete the program while
through a college education. We want to teach them. We earning Florida’s green industry certification—the Florida
want them to be the best they can be, as I am sure you do. Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association Certified
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 13Your “Hole In One” Resolution
Horticulture Professional. View the
curriculum at https://bit.ly/2FHXkSR.
And to top it all off, FGC gives more
than $500,000 in scholarships each year
with more than $50,000 dedicated towards
this program alone. Now is the time to
reach out to us. Summer term is just
around the corner. ❂
You can reach
Joseph Petersen at
joseph.petersen@fgc.edu
or 386-754-4218.
Florida Gateway College students on assignment.
Turf Life.pdf 1 1/21/20 4:39 PM
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14 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020Wildflowers
ON GOLF COURSES
By Samantha G. Murray, Public Relations Specialist,
University of Florida
new study from the University of Florida
Institute of Food and Agricultural Studies
Help Pollinators,
(UF/IFAS) shows that planting wildflowers on
golf courses not only benefits pollinating insects
but also saves time and resources.
“Putting wildflowers on golf courses to help pollinators
Save Resources
isn’t a new idea. What is new is demonstrating the direct
benefits of flowering plants to golf course managers, in the
form of pest management,” said Dr. Adam Dale, assistant
professor of entomology and the study’s lead author.
“This is because wildflowers attract insects that attack
common golf course pests, plus wildflowers don’t need the
fertilizer, water and mowing that the rest of the course does,”
Dr. Dale said.
According to the study, urban green spaces, which
include city parks, golf courses and urban gardens, can play
an important role in conserving beneficial insects. In fact, a
recent study in Australia found that golf courses supported
more insect biodiversity than other types of urban green
space. Golf courses are among the largest and most common
type of urban green space. There are about 16,000 in the
United States, and more than 1,200 of those are in Florida.
Though they offer a lot of vegetated space, past studies
have shown that an estimated 40 to 70% of golf course acreage
isn’t used for daily play. Plus, these out-of-play areas are
often composed of only turfgrass, which is less attractive to
pollinators and other beneficial insects compared to flowering
plants. In addition, these turf areas have to be mowed, watered
and fertilized, which is a big time and monetary commitment.
“Fortunately, with some simple modification, golf
courses have great potential to support pollinators and other
beneficial insects,” Dr. Dale said. “If you remove some of the
out-of-play turf and replace it with native wildflowers, out-
of-play areas no longer require as much maintenance inputs,
and they now provide food and living space for a multitude
of beneficial insects.
“It’s a win-win for insects and golf course superintendents.
Many golfers see them as a plus, too,” Dr. Dale says.
In their experiment, Dr. Dale and his team established
wildflower plots on three golf courses in north central Florida.
They then compared the number and diversity of pollinators
and other flying beneficial insects in flowering plots with that
of control plots containing the course’s out-of-play turf. Each
plot was slightly bigger than a standard basketball court.
The researchers monitored beneficial insects in each plot
over a six-month period using various trapping methods.
One of these methods included nesting structures to
encourage pollinators and other beneficial insects to live and
reproduce in the area.
One of Dr. Adam Dale’s wildflower research plots. Photo credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS.
16 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020UF Study: Wildflowers on Golf Courses Help Pollinators, Save Resources
As they predicted, wildflower plots increased the number compared to those in our turf control areas. This shows that
of pollinators and beneficial insects compared with the turf wildflower habitat, by attracting natural enemies, can help
areas. Also, the number of wildflower species in a plot was control insect pests on golf courses,” Dr. Dale said.
important—the more the better for native bees and predatory “Golf course superintendents who participated in the
insects. The nesting structures also attracted many insects that experiment, as well as others around the state, are interested
prey on plant pests, suggesting that these structures alone have in creating these types of habitats to save resources and benefit
value on golf courses. the environment,” Dr. Dale said, adding that the experiment
These insect predators and parasites are called “natural would not have been possible without their support.
enemies” because they naturally attack and feed on other insects. “Wildflowers and other conservation areas on golf courses
“It was amazing to watch predatory wasps bringing fall also offer an opportunity to educate the public about the
armyworm larva back to the nesting area and stuffing them ecological value of golf courses as well as the importance of
into the nesting cavities. It’s a great example of what we call insect biodiversity, which recent research has shown to be
conservation biological control, which is attracting natural declining around the globe,” Dr. Dale said.
enemies to control pests,” Dr. Dale said. Fall armyworm is a One of Dr. Dale’s next projects is focusing on conserving
major caterpillar pest on golf courses. monarch butterflies on golf courses.
The researchers also wanted to see if using wildflowers The study appears in the journal Urban Ecosystems. ❂
to attract these natural enemies translated into increased
biological control on the golf course. To measure this, they Sam is a public relations
set out cups containing fall armyworms on the golf courses specialist at UF/IFAS
next to the wildflower and turf plots. These cups trapped Communications. She loves
the caterpillars but allowed flying insect natural enemies to animals, poetry and learning
about science. You can
access the caterpillars.
reach her at 352-294-3307 or
“On average, we found that fall armyworms adjacent to grenrosa@ufl.edu.
wildflower plots disappeared nearly 50% more frequently,
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 17Safety in Dealing
with Nature
By Susan Haddock, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
W
orking outdoors on golf courses and to the victim, who is generally within a foot or two of
performing landscaping maintenance can the object. The victim serves as a short circuit for energy
be strenuous, satisfying, stressful or pose discharge. A ground current strike causes the most deaths
various risks. Common risks associated and injuries. Lightning strikes a tree or object, and then
with nature include lightning, heat stress and equipment the current travels outward along the ground surface. The
operation in wet conditions and other unexpected events. lightning enters the body at the contact point closest to
the lightning strike and exits at the point farthest from
LIGHTNING STRIKE RISK the strike. The greater the distance between the entrance
A lightning strike or bolt is an electric discharge between and exit point, the greater the risk for death or injury.
the atmosphere and an object. Most lightning strikes With a conduction lightning strike, the current travels
originate in cumulonimbus clouds with about 25% of in wires or other metal surfaces providing a path for the
strikes being between the atmosphere and an earth- lightning. Anyone in contact with metal surfaces, wires,
bound object. The human strike death rate is between water faucets, showers, corded phones, windows and
10–30%. Up to 80% of human survivors sustain long- doors, or anything that plugs into an electrical outlet is
term injuries. at risk. Streamers develop as a downward moving leader
There are five types of lightning strikes that can affect approaches the ground. Injury or death can occur if a
you. A direct strike is not common but is the deadliest and person is part of the stream.
typically strikes victims in open areas. The current moves Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United
over and through the body. A side splash or flash strikes a States. Lightning kills more people in Florida than any
taller object first, and then a portion of the current jumps other weather event, with June, July and August being the
18 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020Photo credit: Bethany Laird via Unsplash.
most dangerous months. Ages 20 to 29 and 40 to 49 are keep away from windows and doors, metal objects,
more often victims. Eighty percent of victims are male, electronics and telephones with cords. An automobile
and 18% of lightning strikes are work related. with a hard top is the next safest shelter. Keep the
windows rolled up. Convertibles, motorcycles, golf carts,
Avoiding Being Struck by Lightning beach shacks, pavilions, carports and dugouts are not
Generally, lightning is attracted to the tallest object, so be considered safe shelter.
sure to have a lot of tall friends. Seriously, when lightning
is a threat, do not stand in open areas where you are the Emergency Care for
tallest object—and avoid water and trees. Remember, a a Lightning Strike
tree will not protect you but may serve as a conduit for the A lightning strike victim
current. Plan ahead by paying attention to weather reports is no longer electrified.
and have a NOAA weather radio to monitor the weather. Call 911 immediately
When there is a lightning warning, seek safe shelter. to get medical attention
Most victims are headed for safety or just steps away from and move the victim to
shelter at the time of injury. A good rule of thumb is the safety. If the victim is not
30–30 rule. If there is less than a 30-second delay from breathing, start mouth-
the time you see lightning until you hear thunder, you are to-mouth resuscitation. If
close enough to be hit by lightning. For every five seconds’ there is no pulse for 20–30
delay, lightning is one mile away. Risk remains up to 30 seconds, begin CPR.
minutes after no lightning or thunder, so wait 30 minutes Crew members should be
after hearing the last thunderclap to leave shelter. trained in CPR.
Permanent, enclosed buildings are the safest; however,
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 19Golf Course Safety
HEAT STRESS longer rest periods and watching new hire response
Heat stress can be a major concern for outdoor workers, for five to seven days.
especially during the summer months. Heat stress ■ Account for the conditions of work by checking
occurs from the buildup of heat generated by the weather conditions, how heavy the work is and if
muscles during work and from heat coming from the the worker has to wear additional protective wear
hot work environment. When the body is overheated, and equipment.
less blood flows to the brain, muscles and other organs. ■ Account for the conditions of the workers by
The mildest forms of heat stress are cramps and rashes. knowing if the worker has been sick, is rested,
Heat exhaustion occurs when workers are exposed to taking medications or has consumed alcohol.
high temperatures, especially when combined with high ■ Manage work activities by setting up work breaks,
humidity and strenuous activity. Heat exhaustion can lead rotating strenuous tasks, scheduling heavy work
to life-threatening heat stroke. Because there is no pain, for cooler hours or postponing nonessential tasks
workers may not realize when they become weak and during heat spells.
tired and that they are less alert and less able to use good ■ Establish a water-drinking program. Workers
judgment. An increase in body temperature of 2 degrees should drink at least 1 cup of water every 30
Fahrenheit can affect mental performance, and an increase minutes and more with extreme and strenuous
in 5 degrees can cause serious illness or death. workload—even if they are not thirsty. A good rule
Signs and symptoms of heat stress include cool, moist of thumb is to drink 2–3 cups of water before work
skin with goosebumps, sweating, headache, fatigue, and to continue drinking water into the evening
dry mouth and membranes, no tears or spit, muscle to replace all water lost through sweating. During
cramps, weak rapid pulse (slow if person has fainted), extreme heat or when wearing confining personal
nausea, dilated pupils, central nervous depression, loss of protective equipment (PPE), drink a pint or more
coordination and confusion. of water before beginning work.
■ Be aware of workers with fluid retention or other
Preventing Heat Stress medical problems that affect intake of fluids and
■ Assign a manager for heat stress concerns. of workers who, due to economic pressure or toilet
■ Train workers and supervisors in prevention, availability, may limit water they drink or breaks.
recognition and treatment of heat stress and ■ Provide special cooling and breathable clothing and
conduct safety meetings during heat spells. shade to include air-conditioned mobile equipment.
■ Acclimate workers when they begin to work under ■ Modify pesticide usage to reduce the need for PPE.
hot conditions by assigning lighter workdays, ■ Recognize that pesticide poisoning has similar,
but some different, signs and symptoms such as
moist membranes, salivation, tears, spit, slow pulse,
A Healthy Rule of Thumb: nausea and diarrhea, possible small pupils and
8 oz. of Water Every Hour coma. There can also be combined effects of heat
stress and pesticide poisoning.
■ Take action and provide first aid if workers show
signs and symptoms of heat stress.
When performing heavy work at 95 degrees F with
30% humidity, each hour of work should include a
15-minute break (45 minutes of work/15-minute break).
Break times need to increase, and work times need to
decrease significantly as temperatures and humidity
increase. When air temperatures reach 105 degrees,
each hour of work should include a 45-minute break
Photo credit: pxhere.com (15 minutes of work/45-minute break).
20 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020Safety in Dealing with Nature
Photo credit: Mason Jones on Unsplash
EQUIPMENT OPERATION IN WET CONDITIONS Iguanas are a cold-blooded, invasive species that goes into
Rain can cause golf course and landscape maintenance dormancy when the temperature drops below 45 degrees.
schedules to be delayed. Mowing wet grass creates The temperature when they go dormant depends on their
clumps that stick to machinery, creates an unsatisfactory size as larger iguanas can tolerate colder temperatures.
appearance, blocks sunlight, leaves grass below clumps They can reach up to 5 feet in length and weigh up to 20
yellowed and thin, and increases the potential for plant pounds. Iguanas often sleep in trees. When their bodies
disease. Wet grass has less traction than dry grass and may go dormant, they may fall, and this can be dangerous if
cause reduced ability to control equipment. Since loss of one falls on you. In most cases they are not dead; however,
control can cause injury, it’s best to delay mowing until if temperatures remain around 40 degrees for more than
grass is dry. eight hours, they may die.
Whether dealing with lightning, extreme temperatures
UNEXPECTED EVENTS or wet conditions, be prepared and be safe. ❂
Recently, Florida had the coldest temperatures of the
season—and with the chill—comes falling iguanas.
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 21The Nectar of the Gods
Meets the Golf Course
By MJ Plaster
A
lmost 2,400 years ago,
Aristotle called honey
the nectar of the gods.
In the latest twist, golf
courses have joined the hive-
to-table production line. In
the November/December 2019
issue of Florida Turf Digest, an
entry under “Sound Bytes” in
“Marketplace” included a tweet
from Darren J. Davis, CGCS’
Twitter feed about honey
bees hijacking his screech owl
nesting box. There was another
tweet in his timeline that
mentioned a Florida golf course
was raising bees and harvesting
honey for use at its facility, all of
which led to this article.
Beekeeper Paul Shannon.
22 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020The Nectar of the Gods Meets the Golf Course
This nascent trend extends in mixing beekeeping with golf
beyond Florida. In fact, golf as long as the bees are properly SPRING BEE COLLEGE
courses across North America, the positioned. Craig Weyandt, golf
Caribbean and Europe are engaged course superintendent at the The
in the practice. The United States Moorings at Hawks Nest, says, “Our
Golf Association calls bees and golf bees are located on 40 undeveloped
courses “a natural partnership.” acres, but golfers drive past the
Several member golf clubs have hives by 100 feet or so. The bees
installed apiaries—among them are not aggressive at all but will
Broken Sound in Boca Raton defend their hive. I go by the hives The University of Florida Institute
and The Moorings at Hawks once or twice a week to observe of Food and Agricultural Services
Nest in Vero Beach, with other them. I will either stand or park my (UF/IFAS) will host the 2020 Spring
golf courses throughout the state golf cart approximately 6 feet away Bee College Friday and Saturday,
involved in beekeeping. from the hives and have never been March 6 and 7, at the UF/IFAS
Honey Bee Lab in Gainesville.
Universities are working with stung this way. They are interested
Those considering beekeeping
beekeepers who install apiaries on in taking care of the queen and
on the golf course can follow
golf courses and harvest honey. feeding the hive—not in me.”
the beginner track. Those with
The University of Florida Institute
prior experience can participate
of Food and Agricultural Sciences PREPARING FOR APIARIES in hands-on training and other
has a Honey Bee Research and Dr. Adam Dale, assistant professor, intermediate and advanced topics.
Extension Lab that hosts workshops Entomology & Nematology
and the Bee College. (See sidebar.) Department, University of Florida, Bee College Location
The University of Minnesota’s has recently completed a study on UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab
Bee Squad has a “Hive to Bottle” using wildflowers on the golf course 1881 Natural Area Drive
program and works with golf to attract pollinators (see page 16). Gainesville, FL 32611
course superintendents to harvest He says, “Practicing [integrated
excess honey. In less temperate pest management] is critical for Fee runs from $30–150.
climates, such as Minnesota, superintendents who plan to install
While it’s not necessary to learn
beekeepers reserve some of the apiaries on their course. If creating
about beekeeping in depth to raise
honey produced to provide food for wildflower habitats on a golf course,
bees on the golf course, Dr. Ellis
the bees during the winter. then one should never treat the
says, “If the superintendents are
Installing apiaries on the golf habitats with any insecticides. There
interested in allowing hives to be
course has many benefits and is no need to, and it is against the
placed on or around the courses, it
helps to improve the environment. law and a pesticide label violation. would benefit the them to attend
Dr. Jamie Ellis, Gahan Endowed It creates risks of killing pollinators. the UF/IFAS Bee College to gain
Professor at the Honey Bee When maintaining turfgrass a better understanding of how
Research and Extension Laboratory, areas adjacent to wildflowers, it beekeeping works and what they
University of Florida, says, “Bees, is important to practice proper can expect while hosting colonies.”
and other pollinators will pollinate pesticide use such as not making
the flowering plants which, in turn, applications with wind speeds For more information, visit
produce berries, fruits, etc. These over 5 mph to avoid drift. You also https://bit.ly/39QhOqp.
are good sources of food for wildlife don’t want to make any systemic
Note: To view course schedule,
(birds, squirrels, etc.). Furthermore, insecticide applications around the right click on the course matrix
it ensures plant reproduction, thus base of wildflowers.” and select View Image or Open
providing a sustainable continuum Paul Shannon, beekeeper of 10 image in new tab (or similar,
of flowering plants. This keeps years in the Fort Myers area and depending on your browser).
the natural landscape healthy and owner of Strictly Beesness, says, “In
improves the golfer’s experience preparing to install bees, it’s most
while playing the course.” important to make sure you have the
There are few safety concerns footprint for raising honey bees. You
PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay.com
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 23must have an area out of the way from members’ play,
but close enough so everyone can enjoy the view and
watch them hard at work. Full sun is preferred. If the
course does not have this available, the bees will not
thrive. The key to success is to help the pollinators by
providing wildflower gardens for a nectar source and
keeping their best interests in mind.”
Wildflower Suggestions
“It is ideal to locate your beehives near existing
wildflower patches,” says Dr. Dale. However, if you’re
installing newly created wildflower habitats, he
recommends including native wildflowers and some
of the following selections:
• Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
• Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)
• Canada toadflax (Linaria canadensis) Roger Welker, Coastal Honey Bees, tending to hives at The Moorings at Hawk’s Nest.
• Spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) Photo credit: Craig Weyandt.
• Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)
Weyandt says, “The 40 acres of undeveloped area in
the center of the golf course is comprised of all native leave that up to an experienced professional. That said,
plants. When selecting plants for new areas or when I enjoy answering questions and sharing my knowledge
adding to areas of older plants, wildlife is always taken with anyone willing to listen and learn.”
into consideration.”
ADDING TO EXISTING HIVES
WORKING WITH A BEEKEEPER Once hives are established, they can be divided as
Once the requirements for a hospitable environment they grow. Weyandt says, “The Moorings at Hawks
are met, the beekeeper installs and maintains the hives. Nest just harvested 40 pounds of honey from the two
Shannon says, “Communication is key. Make sure the hives on the property. We now have approximately
beekeeper and a main contact have an open line of 30,000 to 40,000 bees per hive. This number will
communication. Beehives must occasionally be split increase as spring flowers start to arrive. We started
and moved at night or worked early in the morning, last year with two hives, and this year, the hives will
so having an open line of communication allows the be split into four hives.”
beekeeper to do the job correctly. There are years of Shannon says, “Keep in mind that every location is
knowledge in beekeeping to be acquired, and it is best to different. Honey is a commodity that is affected by
the weather. At the end of the day, it is still farming.
But it is safe to say that with 10 hives, the chef, pro
shop, members and every flower on the site will be
very happy.”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
• UF/IFAS Honey Bee Lab
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee
• American Beekeeping Federation
https://www.abfnet.org
• Florida State Beekeepers Network
https://www.flstatebeekeepers.com
• Paul Shannon, Beekeeper
Strictly Beesness
https://strictlybeesness.com
Wildflower patch. Photo credit: Tyler Jones, UF IFAS Communications.
239-340-6710
strictlybeesness@gmail.com
24 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020Lobbying Update
Capitol Hill
U P D AT E
By Seth McKeel & David Shepp, The Southern Group
T
he 2020 Florida legislative exceeding the governor’s request. This year’s Legislature
session began on Tuesday, is poised to once again meet or exceed the proposed $625
January 14, with the million in funding as they craft their more than $91 billion
House and Senate coming budget proposal.
to order and Governor Ron In addition to the governor’s address and the usual
DeSantis providing the State of pomp and circumstance, opening day also brings an
the State address. During his end to the bill filing process. At the noon deadline, a
annual address highlighting his total of 3,394 bills were introduced and are available for
legislative priorities, the governor consideration during the 60-day session. Half of the filed
clearly laid out his agenda when it bills are House appropriations bills (commonly referred
comes to environmental issues: to as ‘member projects’). That leaves approximately 1,630
individual pieces of legislation that address every issue
“When I took office, I issued a sweeping executive imaginable. That is the universe of bills that The Southern
order outlining a bold approach to protecting our Group will be closely monitoring to ensure the passage
natural resources, improving water quality and of policies that have the greatest positive impact on our
restoring the Everglades… industry and Florida’s environment.
We can keep it going by addressing three main areas: As we begin the 2020 session, we would like to call two
First, we should fund water resource projects at major proposals to your attention that we will be working
the $625 million level on a recurring basis for three on closely.
years. This will provide needed certainty for these key The first is the Governor’s proposal that he mentioned
initiatives and will help us leverage more federal support. in his address. SB 712 by Senator Debbie Mayfield
Second, the Legislature should pass the (R–Melbourne) and HB 1343 by Representative Bobby
comprehensive water quality legislation I Payne (R–Palatka) contain the recommendations of the
have proposed. The bill represents the initial Blue-Green Algae Task Force. Among other items, this
recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force comprehensive legislation addresses the following issues:
that I launched upon taking office. It is based on sound
science and provides a roadmap to reduce nutrients in
■ Transfers regulatory authority over septic systems
our water. from the Department of Health to the Department of
Third, those that spew untreated wastewater into Environmental Protection (DEP);
Florida’s waterbodies need to be deterred from doing so
■ Creates a Wastewater Grant Program, with a
by appropriate penalties.” 50% local match, to assist with septic system
upgrades, conversion from septic to sewer and
Governor Ron DeSantis, January 14, 2020
domestic wastewater facility upgrades to advanced
During last year’s session, the Legislature provided wastewater treatment;
$650 million to environmental and water quality issues, ■ Requires local governments to develop septic
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 25remediation plans within basin management loads. In addition, and of importance to the FTGA, the
action plans if septic contributes at least 20% of bills contain a provision that directs FDACS to work with
nutrient pollution; IFAS to “consider the adoption by rule of best management
■ Requires the Florida Department of Agriculture practices for nutrient impacts from golf courses.” Naturally,
and Consumer Services (FDACS) to perform onsite this provision is vital to our industry and one that we will
inspections of each agricultural producer that enrolls work hard to protect.
in a best management practice program every two The legislation, SB 1382 by Senator Ben Albritton
years and to collect and provide fertilization and (R–Wauchula) and HB 1363 by Representative Toby
nutrient records to DEP; Overdorf (R–Stuart), were both filed shortly before the
■ Authorizes FDACS, the University of Florida beginning of the session and have just received their
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and state committee references.
universities to develop research plans and budget In addition to the bills that we are currently working
requests to evaluate and improve agricultural BMPs on, the team at The Southern Group also monitors all
and nutrient reduction projects; and legislation that could become potential ‘vehicles’ for
■ Creates a real-time water-quality monitoring amendments that could have an impact on our industry,
program within DEP, subject to appropriation. both positive and negative. As issues appear, we will notify
SB 712 is currently working its way through the the leadership at FTGA in order to alert the membership for
committee process, while HB 1343 was introduced on the action, if necessary.
eve of the session and will begin moving shortly. Finally, the Florida Turfgrass Day on the Hill will be held
The other piece of legislation that we are focused on February 17–18. Details are still being finalized, but please
is the result of a working group of unified agricultural be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend. We look
interests that seeks to address water quality, BMPs forward to seeing you in Tallahassee. ❂
cooperative cost-share programs and total maximum daily
26 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020EREF News
Environmental Research &
Education Foundation
WINTER UPDATE 2019–2020
By Mac Carraway, Contract Executive Director, Environmental
Research & Education Foundation Inc.
T
he last few months have been eventful for toward environmental issues, the FTGA and the Florida
the Environmental Research & Education Turfgrass Research Foundation address broader issues
Foundation Inc. (EREF). For example, did you related to the long-term health and survivability of the
notice that our name now has “Inc.” after it? industry (e.g., turf research, economic impact, etc.). With
That is the result of the organization making the that said, the FTGA is still fully represented on the EREF
decision to formally spin off from the Florida Turfgrass Board of Directors, and it still serves as the fiscal agent for
Association for a variety of reasons—all good. And before the EREF as it always has.
jumping to any conclusions, this is an evolution that only As a stand-alone entity, the EREF’s first action was to file
reflects favorably on our history with the FTGA. a lawsuit against the City of Naples to challenge its fertilizer
The brief history is that the EREF was originally ordinance. That ordinance, such as many others in the
an idea within the FTGA, supported by our friends state, bans the use of nitrogen and phosphorus during the
throughout the green industry. As a matter of so-called rainy season of June through September. You are
convenience and practicality, the EREF operated as a certainly familiar, by now, with the science that shows that
restricted fund within the FTGA—separate bank account, to be a failed policy. It is a political reaction to an enormous
separate books, etc., but all under the nonprofit status of and complicated environmental issue, which the EREF
the FTGA. Spinning off has been considered many times has been campaigning against for more than ten years.
and assumed to happen sooner or later. It’s simply a What is different now is the level of noise associated with
matter of it being that the time has now come. nutrient concerns, and the potential for ever-more-extreme
What changes is that the EREF can be more aggressive legislative outcomes. The most obvious case in point is the
in its pursuit of good policy and regulatory outcomes on recent passage in Alachua County of an eight-month ban,
behalf of the green industry without having to worry about all after extensive testimony from industry and from the
creating unintended distractions to the important and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural
separate business of the FTGA. That business is, of course, Sciences. Suffice it to say that activists were running the staff
taking care of its members in the ways you are familiar effort in Alachua County and were facilitated by extreme
with—education, networking, research and advocacy. and hostile points of view on the County Commission.
While the EREF’s advocacy efforts are largely targeted Added to that, the City of Naples acted similarly hostile
FLORIDA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ftga.org 27Naples, Florida. Photo credit: Andrij Bulba under Creative Commons license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
during their hearing. The City Council, in a suspiciously Accordingly, the ordinance is, by definition, inconsistent
orchestrated manner, hastened to paint the evidence-based with Florida statute and its clear procedural and evidentiary
testimony of the EREF as the product of “special interests.” prerequisites to passing such an ordinance.
What I know for a certainty is that we were doing what we Finally, and most importantly, Florida statute expressly
always do—simply representing the hard-working people grants the exclusive authority over fertilizer formulation
of the green industry—who are part of the solution, not the to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
problem. Suffice it to say that their minds were made up— Services. By legislating content, the City of Naples (and
politically—before we walked into the room. And there’s more. all other local governments that have passed such local
Naples had originally passed a summertime blackout legislation) have violated that statutory preemption.
ordinance several years ago. In 2017, at the behest of their Over the years, we have acted on the basis that we
own staff, they repealed it, acknowledging the evidence that could take a professional and evidence-based message to
such blackouts were not supported by the evidence and local governments to address these ill-advised ordinances.
could instead promote harmful outcomes. Then came the During the last ten years, we have won some and lost some.
political firestorms associated with the 2018 algae and red tide We are certainly pleased that all ordinances to date have
outbreaks, leading the City Council to this vote to once again exempted farming and golf. Now, given the new sense of
restore the summer ban on nitrogen and phosphorus. During urgency, the prospective threat related to this matter and
the hearing, City staff commentary was mostly limited to its impact on our stakeholders, we have concluded that this
scripted support of the ordinance and not the evidence-based lawsuit is necessary. Importantly, this lawsuit offers the
testimony, which had led to their own 2017 repeal. first opportunity to establish the merits of our position on
Shortly after the City’s passage, Collier County, on preemption, and we like our chances very much.
the basis of substantially identical testimony, rejected It may be months before the case gets heard. In the
the summer ban in favor of the Florida Department of meantime, local governments like the City of Coral
Environmental Protection model ordinance. The key point Gables are now taking up similar ordinances which are
here is that this clearly establishes the matter as political, also getting our mutual attention. We encourage you to
not scientific. stay tuned for information as it becomes available through
Finally, at the time of the ordinance, Naples Bay was our website (www.ereflorida.com) and social media
not listed as impaired for nutrients. And while it has only outlets—Facebook (https://bit.ly/2TvnII2) and Twitter
recently been listed as such, there is no established total (https://twitter.com/EREFlorida). There is no rest for the weary.
maximum daily load or other evidence-based roadmap Thank you, as always, for your professionalism, your
for the origins of the impairment, much less guidance respect for Florida’s natural systems and for your support
on recovery (e.g., Basin Management Action Plan). of the EREF. ❂
28 FLORIDA TURF DIGEST Winter 2020You can also read
