The inaugural VT School of Turfgrass Ecology and Management will be taught virtually in a combined asynchronous and live format this winter. The training is intended to be a comprehensive introductory/refresher course in the principles of turfgrass management, taught from a transition zone perspective. A specific goal is to prepare students for the Va Tech Certified Turfgrass Professional Exam next March.
The Virginia Tech School of Turfgrass Ecology and Management provides comprehensive training in all aspects of warm and cool-season turfgrass selection, establishment, and maintenance. This school is designed to serve as a comprehensive introduction to turfgrass management for those without formal education in turfgrass science, or as a refresher course for those wishing to review their knowledge and learn of the latest tools, products, and strategies in managing a quality, environmentally responsible turfgrass system. As an introductory course, it is suitable for members of all segments of the turfgrass industry (golf, sports, lawn care, sod, or sales). Faculty and staff with advanced degrees in the sciences of Agronomy, Pathology, Weed Science, and Entomology lead all training; particular emphasis in the training is given to pest and nutrient management programs, and strategies to protect water quality. A comprehensive training manual is provided to all participants, and weekly quizzes will be administered to assess participant understanding of the material and questions to raise with the instructors. After successful completion of all quizzes, participants will have the opportunity to take the Virginia Cooperative Extension Certified Turfgrass Professional exams.
The training will be offered online via Canvas and Zoom.
Course Schedule:
December 6, 2020 – March 14, 2021
The recorded course material will go live on Canvas the week of Dec. 6th. The course will meet the week of Dec. 13, take the next two weeks off for the holidays, and resume the program from week of January 4 through March 14. VT Instructors for a particular week of instruction will meet with the registrants for Q/A from 7-9 pm on Wed of that particular week by Zoom, and the registrants will be asked to take a quiz on that week’s material through Canvas. Upon successful completion and passing of all the training quizzes, the participants will have an opportunity to sit for the Certified Turfgrass Professional exams towards achieving this certification.
Notes
Registration Deadline: December 18, 2020
Cost: $515*
Payment Methods: Credit Cards Only
Refund Policy: Refunds are not available for this program
*There is a $250 discount available for VCE Agents. Please contact Mike Goatley at goatley@vt.edu or 540-231-2951 to obtain the discount code needed during checkout.
What’s Next?
Virginia Cooperative Extension utilizes Canvas to offer this online program. After registering for this program, you will receive a registration confirmation email with detailed instructions for accessing the Canvas platform. If you don’t see a confirmation email, be sure to check your spam or junk folder. You can also access the Canvas instructions here (use the back button on your browser to return to this page).
For more information about this program, please contact Mike Goatley at goatley@vt.edu or 540-231-2951.