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The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is a non-profit organization which arose from the need for better turfgrasses and better methods of turfgrass maintenance. Since its incorporation in 1957, the MTF has achieved success in fulfilling these needs through research and education. Located at the Robert W. Hancock Turfgrass Research Center on the Michigan State University campus, the MTF continues its success in these areas by working closely with the University.

MTF Supports:
  • Research
  • Education
  • Hancock Turfgrass Center
  • Professional Turf Managers
  • Cooperative Extension
  • Legislative Interaction
  • Turfgrass Conference
  • Turf Field Day
  • Environmental Education
MTF members are representative of homeowners, golf courses, seed, sod and stolon growers, municipalities, parks and recreational areas, school boards, landscape contractors, lawn maintenance contractors, custom lawn applicators, athletic associations, cemetery associations and other facets of the industry.

Administration and Business Affairs
The business affairs and the activities of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation are governed by a Board of Directors composed of twelve (12) members plus the Executive Director. The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from each of the following organizations or groups:
  • Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (4)
  • A Commercial Turfgrass Supplier's Representative
  • A Cemetery, Park, Sod or Sports Turf Representative
  • A Lawn Care Representative
  • A Lawn Maintenance Representative
  • A Lawn Applicator Representative
  • At Large Representatives (3)

Sharing Important Information
Since its inception, the MTF has contributed over $1 million to support turfgrass research in Crop and Soil Science, Botany and Plant Pathology, and Entomology. However, what is discovered in the laboratory does little good if it stays there. So, in the common interest of the industry and the public, the MTF has implemented and continues to support the following programs:

Extension: 
The MTF provides important monies for transportation and expenses which allow MSU personnel to go into the field to help individuals solve their turfgrass problems.
Turf Hotline: The MTF sponsors a hotline which provides up to the minute solutions to immediate problems facing the Michigan turfgrower.

Turfgrass Conference: 
The MTF sponsors the Michigan Turfgrass Conference held every January in Lansing, Michigan. The purpose of this conference is to present the latest findings in turfgrass management, fertility, soils, diseases, weeds, varieties, pesticides and other timely topics pertaining to the industry.

MSU Turfgrass Field Day: The MTF annually supports the MSU Turfgrass Field Day in East Lansing at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center.


Ask the MTF !!!
Sometimes you just want to know how, what or why the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is doing. The problem has usually been the immediate communication of the member's need at that particular time. The solution is now here. You have the ability to connect with any of your MTF Board members at your fingertips anytime by selecting the previous underlined blue link. This will insure the needs of our membership are being met in a prompt and professional manner.

MTF’s No. 1 job is to support turf research. We need your help to make sure we support the research projects that are needed the most. What turf problems do you need help solving? Where can MSU Turf Research benefit you? The MTF Research Committee needs your input! Click here to let us know the topics that you would like to see researched. The Foundation is measured by great ideas of the members within. 

Copyright 2012 Michigan Turfgrass Foundation