Announcing the Changing Climate, Changing Communities Panelists

​Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) is excited to announce the panelist for the Changing Climates, Changing Communities discussion at the Green Municipalities Field Day event. The roundtable takes place from 1pm-2pm Eastern and is the central component of the virtual event. Addressing the climate challenges facing communities and the green industry are representatives from government, industry and academia each presenting a unique approach and viewpoint.

Friday August 12th at Guelph Turfgrass Institute, the Green Municipalities Field Day is the first live event for TWCA since 2019 and is the first international field day event for TWCA. Originally scheduled for August 2020, this long anticipated event includes live and virtual components to facilitate easier access and greater inclusivity and accessibility. Hybrid attendees will also participate in field trial tours, enjoy lunch compliments of sponsor, TMI, and enjoy a refreshing beverage at the TWCA reception afterward.

Panelists:

John Cochran, owner of Turf Merchants International –
Developing, producing and marketing turf grass seeds for the United States, North America and more than 20 other countries around the world, our varieties have topped the National Trials many times, as we have focused on achieving superior performance in:

•         Wear Tolerance
•         Disease Tolerance
•         Drought Tolerance
•         Reduced Maintenance

 
TBA representative of Zander Sod-
Fred Zander started Zander Sod Co. Limited when sod was harvested, loaded, and unloaded by hand!
Nowadays, we have automated harvesters that cut, roll, and pile the sod directly onto skids. We have forklifts to load sod onto trucks, automatic tarping systems on our trailers, and truck-mounted forklifts to efficiently offload products at the homes and businesses of our customers. Times have certainly changed.
As much as technology has changed our business, three constants over the years have been our dedication to providing quality turf, exceptional customer service, and great value for our customers.
 
Stephanie Duer, Conservation Programs Manager at Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU)-
As climate change continues to impact the southwestern US, 72% of Utah is under extreme drought with the remainder of the state under severe drought conditions. And while there is always uncertainty in the climate outlook, the Utah Climate Center has stated that residents of the state must prepare for and adjust to an ongoing drying trend across the region.
SLCDPU has identified the need to reduce outdoor water use by 15 percent by 2030. Surveys have indicated that, while many households and commercials properties are open to modifications to their landscapes, there are still a significant percentage of property owners/managers that resist relinquishing the lawn. Though Utah is generally considered a desert climate, the higher elevation of the service area precludes a full desert plant palette while supporting turfgrass. The issue isn’t that lawns exist, rather the wrong lawns exist.
 
Kelly Kopp Professor and Extension Specialist in the Plants, Soils & Climate department at Utah State University-
Kelly Kopp is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Plants, Soils & Climate department at Utah State University, where her research efforts are focused on landscape water conservation and sustainable turfgrass management. She serves on the Board of Directors of USU's Center for Water Efficient Landscaping and is board member and past president of the Utah Water Conservation Forum. She works directly with many of the federal, state, and municipal agencies that are working toward achieving water use efficiency in the state of Utah, the Intermountain West, and beyond.
 
Jack Karlin, Program Administrator, Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA)-
​Jack is the Principal at Karlin Consulting llc, and Program Administrator of TWCA since 2014.  His primary interest is the role of regulation in enhancing the sustainability and livability of the managed environment. Jack received his B.S. in Environmental Science from Oregon State University where he specialized in Water Science and Policy.  He is a small grants reviewer for the Mid-Willamette Valley Watersheds group for the Oregon Watershed Enhancements Board. 

Virtual attendees will participate in the Round Table, access recorded content after the event, access downloadable copies of all Field Day packet materials and get that field day swag!
Field Day Sponsorships are available including 2 extra card draws for the poker run and more! All sponsorships include a 0.4x0.6m lawn sign. Sponsor tables come with a registration, 3m square canopy, 2m table and recognition in Field Day materials.
Sponsors and attendees can learn through the link: https://tgwca.info/greenmunis. Registration begins June 13th. Space is limited so attendees are encouraged to register early.

Special thanks to our vendors, sponsors, and partners!