40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association / Rutgers University Partnership

Bruce B. Clarke, Director
Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science

Forty years ago the New Jersey Turfgrass Association (NJTA) was formed with the goal of “promoting the Turfgrass Industry and enhancing the environment through education, professionalism, leadership and partnership with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.”  So as you can see, the unique partnership that exists between the NJTA and Rutgers University was forged from the very beginning of the Association.  Over the years, this partnership has grown and evolved into what is viewed by many as a model of how Industry and Academia can work together to solve major problems and address important issues affecting turf managers today.

The NJTA has always been a strong supporter of the turf research, teaching and outreach programs at Rutgers University.  Since 1969, they have provided over $3 million to fund turf research, new faculty and staff positions, student scholarships, educational programs, equipment, supplies and buildings at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS; formerly Cook College).  In 1984, the Association helped construct a new turfgrass science building at Hort Farm II.  This structure contained a wet laboratory, seed room, pesticide storage and a small conference room, and served as a focal point for turf activities and industry meetings in the State.  The NJTA was also instrumental in helping to conduct and publish the first Turfgrass Economic Survey in 1985, as well as the most recent Survey in 2001, which documented the tremendous economic importance ($3.2 Billion/yr) of the turfgrass industry in New Jersey.

When the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science was formed in 1991 and its programs expanded , the NJTA responded with funds to construct the C. Reed Funk Equipment Storage Building and, in the late 1990s, they collaborated with other turf organizations from throughout the tri-state area to build the Ralph Geiger Turfgrass Education Building – a $1 Million complex that houses the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, a classroom, computer lab, kitchen, library and larger conference room used by many turfgrass associations from throughout the State.  However, the NJTA’s assistance to the Rutgers Turf Program has always gone far beyond financial support.

The Association has provided countless hours of volunteer support at field days, educational conferences such as EXPO, workshops, seminars and short courses.  Its members have served on advisory boards, search committees at the College and task forces providing guidance and advice on issues of importance to the Green Industry and the University.  The NJTA was closely involved in the development of the first Turfgrass Strategic/Master Plan at the College in 1985, which set the stage for the tremendous growth of the Rutgers Turf Program in the 1990s. This resulted in the hiring of Drs. Jim Murphy, Jim White, Bill Meyer, Steve Hart, Albrecht Koppenhöfer, Bingru Huang, Stacy Bonos and most recently Dr. Ning Zhang. The tremendous growth of the Rutgers Turfgrass Program would not have been possible without the support of the NJTA and it’s members.  As we move forward in this new century, the input and assistance of the Association will help the Turfgrass Center and it’s faculty expand their efforts to help turf managers throughout the US and abroad.

The Turfgrass Center, the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences truly appreciate the unique partnership that they have with the NJTA and look forward to working with the Association in the future.  Congratulations to the NJTA on its 40th Anniversary and best wishes for continued success and prosperity.