Ontario Turfgrass Symposium

Wednesday February 18, 2026

Dr. Lee Miller, Associate Professor at Purdue University

Diagnosing Turfgrass Problems Often Requires Some Digging

Image

Dr. John Dempsy, Independent Turfgrass Researcher

Enhancing Turfgrass Health with Nano Silica

Image

Panelists Scott Belair, Reporting Services North America, Adam Bienenstock, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds

Panel Discussion: Safety FIRST for Sports Fields and Play Spaces 

Image

Micah Gould, Turf Product Manager for Barenbrug

What's in the Bag?

Image

Jeff Mingay, Golf Course Architect

Lunch time discussion session: The Next Chapter in Turf Management at the GTI with Sean Jordan

Image

Dr. Lee Miller, Associate Professor at Purdue University

Smart Strategies for Dollar Spot Control: Integrating Prediction Models, Resistance Management, and Cultural Practices 

Image

Dr. Eric Lyons, Associate Professor at University of Guelph

Precision Turf Management

Dr. John Dempsey, Independent Turfgrass Researcher

From Grass Cutter to Agronomist, the Road to Turfgrass Professionalism

Image

Zach Nicoludis, USGA agronomist  

Strengthening Turf Health Through Cultural Practices and Light Management

Image

Ava Veith, Graduate Student at Virginia Tech

How Field Variability Impacts the Athlete

Image

Janean Sharkey, Graduate Student at University of Toronto

Supporting Native Pollinators in Managed Landscapes

Image

Thursday February 19, 2026

Dr. Ed Nangle, Associate Professor at Ohio State University

Winterkill – what have we learned as far as recovery and possible best practices 

Image

Dr. Tom Hsiang, Professor at University of Guelph

How do Plant Defense Activators Work against Turf Diseases?

Image

Ken Hoard, City of Belleville

Raising the Standard: How to Stand Out in Sports Field Management

Image

Stacey Baker, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Pest Management Under Ontario’s Cosmetic Pesticide Ban

Image

Alex Barrie, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

Compaction and Soil Structure in Sod Farming

Image

Dr. Kyle Wickings, Professor at Cornell University

Best Practices and New Approaches for Golf Turf Insect Management

Sarah Burke, Ontario One Call

Play It Safe: Click Before You Dig

Derek Robertson,
WeedMan

Investing in People: Training, Retention, and Workforce Development

Jeff McMann, Horticultural and Arboricultural Consultant/Trainer

Setting Sod Up for Success 

Image

Lunch time discussion session: 
Pest priorities and potential solutions with Dr. Sara Stricker

Image

Session in Room 101

Panelists Pete Sinuita, Copetown Woods Golf Course, Nolan Guertin, DTM Student 

Panel Discussion: Real-World Experiences with Alternative Control Methods on the Golf Course

Brent Baker, Simplistic Lines and Joe Breedon, City of Barrie

Effective Lines, Better Fields: Practical Solutions for Sports Field Line Painting

Image

Dr. Ed Nangle, Associate Professor at Ohio State University

SGN and its implications for product applications and a novel approach to fertility

Image

Dr. John Lauzon, Associate Professor at University of Guelph

Optimizing Crop Rotations for Nitrogen Cycling

Kieran Molony, Graduate Student at University of Guelph

Tracking Take-All Patch Across Canada

Image

Rob Heggie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership

Gearing Up For the FIFA World Cup: Putting The Finishing Touches on BMO Field

Jeff McMann, Horticultural and Arboricultural Consultant/Trainer

Balancing Turf and Trees

Image

Dr. Kyle Wickings, Professor at Cornell University

Insect pests of sod and how to manage them

Image

Mitra Kooche Moshki, Graduate Student at University of Guelph

How Member-Owned Golf Club Shapes Leadership and Sustainability Decisions

Image

Dr. Katerina Jordan is an experienced plant researcher in turfgrass science and the director of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI) at the University of Guelph. Katerina is an associate professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture, where she has been conducting turfgrass research since 2005. She has taught courses in turfgrass insects, biological control of plant diseases, research methods and statistics, plant disease epidemiology, and integrated pest management to certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and graduate students. Her primary service to the turfgrass industry is managing the GTI Diagnostic Clinic.

Image

Dr. Lee Miller is the associate professor and state extension specialist in turfgrass pathology at Purdue University. Subjects of past and current research include dollar spot fungicide resistance detection, fairy ring identification and prevention with spring fungicide applications, the effects of fertility and fungicide application methods on large patch and spring dead spot control, detection of Pythium spp. in golf course irrigation water, and characterization of nematode distribution in putting green soil profiles in the Midwest.

Image

Dr. John Dempsey is a turfgrass scientist specializing in plant pathology. His career began in the 1980s with greenkeeping, culminating in a tenure as Superintendent of The Royal Curragh, Ireland’s oldest golf course, from 1993 to 2019. He holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Turfgrass Science from Myerscough College and a PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of the West of England, Bristol, completed in 2016. For the past number of years, Dr. Dempsey has conducted independent research on turfgrass disease management, nutrition, and surfactants, publishing extensively on infection processes and turf health. He has delivered presentations on his research at a variety of international conferences and seminars, addressing topics such as disease control, stress relief, defence activation, surfactant research and the role of phosphite in turfgrass. 

Image

Jeff Mingay is a Canadian golf course architect known for his thoughtful, historically informed approach to design. With a portfolio that spans new builds, restorations, and renovations across North America, he blends classic architectural principles with modern environmental considerations. Jeff is widely recognized for his ability to enhance playability, character, and strategic interest while respecting each site’s natural features. His work often draws inspiration from golden-age architects, bringing timeless style to contemporary courses. His portfolio includes significant restoration and renovation work at properties such as Victoria Golf Club (British Columbia), Broadmoor Golf Club (Washington), Town & Country Club (Minnesota), and Cutten Fields (Ontario).

Image

Dr. Sara Stricker is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. She strives to make turfgrass research engaging and accessible to both the industry and the public. Sara earned her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from the University of Guelph, and a Bachelor of Education from Western University. In addition to her research and outreach work, Sara teaches in the Turf Managers Short Course and the Diploma in Turfgrass Management programs where she covers topics such as weeds, insects, environmental management, and plant biology.

Image

Zach Nicoludis is an agronomist with the USGA Green Section, where he provides science-based guidance to golf facilities across the Central Region. With expertise in turfgrass management, course conditioning, and sustainable maintenance practices, Zach works closely with superintendents to improve playability, strengthen environmental stewardship, and solve complex agronomic challenges. He contributes regularly to USGA educational resources, including articles, research summaries, and course consulting reports, and is known for translating technical information into practical, field-ready recommendations. Zach’s passion for advancing turfgrass science and supporting the golf industry makes him a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor to courses of all sizes.

Image

Scott Belair has 25+ years experience in the playground and play equipment field. Scott is a member of the Canadian Standards Association Z614 technical committee for play equipment and also a member of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) – committees on outdoor children’s playground equipment, sport/recreation/playground surfacing, outdoor adult fitness equipment, water play areas, fencing for recreational facilities and others. Scott is the principal instructor for the Canadian Playground Safety Institute and an instructor for the U.S. National Recreation and Parks Association. Scott is a certified playground safety inspector in both the U.S., Canada and Europe. Scott has published several articles, including some in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and has been a guest speaker nationally and internationally on topics of playground design and compliance with existing industry standards.

Image

Adam Bienenstock is an internationally recognized expert in nature-based design and the founder of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. Known for his passion for connecting people with the natural world, Adam has spent over 30 years creating immersive outdoor environments that support play, wellness, and ecological resilience. His work blends science, sustainability, and child development principles to design spaces that inspire curiosity and strengthen communities. A frequent speaker, consultant, and advocate, Adam works with municipalities, schools, parks, and global organizations to promote nature-rich experiences. His mission is to ensure that accessible, meaningful contact with nature becomes a cornerstone of healthy urban living.

Dr. Eric Lyons is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. Dr. Lyons specializes in nutrient management, stress physiology and plant competition in sports field, golf course and landscape turf.  In addition, Dr. Lyons oversees extensive testing of new emerging products for turfgrass managers and focusses on outreach and education to further the turfgrass industry. 

Image

Ava Veith is currently a graduate student working at Penn State. Her research is focused on studying athlete-surface interactions and how within-field variability impacts athlete safety and performance. She was a division one student-athlete on the Virginia Tech women's soccer team as an undergraduate, which ultimately inspired her to become involved in the sports turf industry. She began conducting undergraduate research her junior year at Virginia Tech, then officially began her master's under Dr. David McCall in May of 2024. She spent summer 2025 with the Kansas City Current (National Women's Soccer League team) grounds crew as their playing surface data technician intern, where she used various testing equipment and technology to collect data on their fields. In fall 2025, she began her doctorate with Dr. Chase Straw at Penn State, where she continues researching how field variability impacts athletes and aims to translate those findings into actionable, data-driven guidance for sports field managers.

Image

Micah Gould joined Barenbrug in 2018 after an early career focus in the golf course maintenance industry. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Oregon State University where he conducted trials on low maintenance grasses, groundcovers, and other golf specific projects. As product manager at Barenbrug, Micah collaborates through many departments to create innovative turf products and solutions.

Image

Janean Sharkey is a PhD student in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto specializing in native bee ecology and pollinator conservation. She holds a BSc in Biology with an emphasis in Conservation Biology from Trent University and an MSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Guelph. Her research examines how land management practices, and plant and soil microbial communities may shape wild bee diversity and abundance, with a particular focus on tallgrass prairie and alvar ecosystems in Ontario. Before pursuing graduate studies Janean worked in environmental consulting for over a decade and is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia. 

Image

Dr. Ed Nangle holds a MS and PhD in Horticulture and Crop Science from The Ohio State University with interest in turfgrass physiology as well as a BS in Turfgrass Science and Management from the University of Lancashire. As an Associate Professor in Turfgrass Science and Physiology at The Ohio State University / ATI in Wooster OH he teaches introductory turfgrass management classes as well as introductory plant physiology classes, pesticide handling, turf and ornamental diseases and turfgrass cultural practices to students interested in golf course, sportsfield management and lawncare careers. He has a specific interest in light, plant health and agronomic practices and the impact they all have on turfgrasses in a range of situations. He supports the turfgrass industry in Ohio as the Director of Education Ohio Lawncare Association and consults with superintendents and lawncare operators on pest related issues as well as carrying out research trials evaluating a range of products. Dr. Nangle is also involved with the Irish Sportsturf Institute where he serves as director of research.

Image

Dr. Tom Hsiang is a Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph, specializing in fungal diseases of plants. Before arriving in Guelph, he worked on tree and landscape plant diseases in Washington State, where he obtained his Ph.D. (University of Washington) and conducted post-doctoral studies (Washington State University). He is from Vancouver, and obtained his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Forest Biology & Pathology at the University of British Columbia. His current teaching and research involve diseases of trees and turfgrasses, particularly biology of fungal pathogens as well as disease management. He has done extensive work with snow molds of grasses. 

Image

Dr. Kyle Wickings is a professor of soil biology and turfgrass entomology at Cornell University.  He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Buffalo and a PhD from the University of Georgia. Kyle maintains research and extension responsibilities at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. His lab is currently studying alternatives to neonicotinoid insecticides in preparation for the Birds & Bees Protection Act which will impact NY’s turfgrass industry later this year.  His program also studies the potential for turfgrasses to serve as hotspots for belowground biodiversity in parks and other greenspaces.

Image

Sean Jordan is the Manager of the Turfgrass Research Facility at the University of Guelph. He has spent the past nine years as a Research Technician at the University and has more than 20 years of experience across the turfgrass industry. In addition to managing research facility operations, he is an instructor in the Diploma in Turfgrass Management program and the Turf Managers’ Short Course, where he teaches turfgrass equipment management and turf math. A former Superintendent and Agronomist for Nutrite, he brings extensive expertise in research, greenkeeping, and equipment maintenance to support innovation and hands-on learning at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.

Pete Sinuita is the Golf Course Superintendent at Copetown Woods Golf Club, a position he has held since 2006. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Golf Course Management from Olds College and a Diploma in Horticulture from the University of Guelph. Pete is known for his commitment to building healthy, resilient turf systems. He has also been a strong advocate for education, regularly hosting tours for students in the Diploma in Turfgrass Management program to support hands-on learning and industry exposure. His dedication to continuous improvement shapes every aspect of Copetown Woods’ operations.

Image

Nolan Guertin is a turfgrass managers’ short course graduate and current DTM student at the University of Guelph, expecting to graduate in April 2026. He has nearly seven years of experience working on golf courses and sports fields, most recently completing internships at Burlington Golf & C.C. and the Vineyard Golf Club, the United States’ first and preeminent organic golf course. His interests focus on sustainable maintenance strategies and optimizing high-performance playing surfaces under challenging conditions. He aims to bridge real-world turf management practices with the latest turf research and technologies as part of his commitment to environmental stewardship.

Image

Kieran Molony is a Master of Science student at the University of Guelph, conducting research on take-all patch of creeping bentgrass under the supervision of Dr. Katerina Jordan. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Western University. Kieran has a strong passion for environmental management and the game of golf, which drives his interest in developing sustainable turfgrass management practices.

Image

Over the years, Mitra Kooche Moski has worked at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and innovation as a consultant, lecturer, and researcher, translating academic theory into practical organizational results. Currently, as a Ph.D. candidate in Management at the University of Guelph,  under the expert guidance of Professor Burga, she focuses on organizational ambidexterity: how organizations navigate competing priorities, manage complexity, and balance exploration with operational excellence. Her work spans academic research, teaching, and applied projects, developing frameworks that respond to real-world challenges while contributing to scholarly conversations. She has published papers in strategic management and innovation, led training initiatives, and collaborated on industry-based research aimed at embedding theory into practice. Mitra approaches research and practice with consistency, clarity, and a commitment to actionable knowledge, while also pursuing interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuing to build strong connections between academia and industry.

Image

Ken Hoard is the Parks Supervisor for the City of Belleville in Ontario, where he leads maintenance of sports fields, parks, green spaces and seasonal programs. He began his tenure in 2005 as a turf person and integrated pest-technician, and was promoted in 2020 (or around then) to his current role. In 2025 Ken was honoured as the “Sports Turf Manager of the Year” by the Canadian Sports Fields Association, reflecting his dedication to excellence in field operations and team leadership. Under his supervision the Parks team maintains 25 soccer fields, 10 baseball diamonds, more than 70 parks and green spaces, 22 playgrounds, outdoor rinks and seasonal lighting displays. Ken brings earlier experience from the golf-course and lawn-care industries to his municipal role, and he champions high-quality turf performance for community sports and recreation.

Image

Sarah Burke has a long history with damage prevention and Ontario One Call. Starting as a customer support specialist in the Guelph contact centre in 2017, Sarah eventually became one of the founding members of the Ontario One Call Compliance department. Sarah later moved to the Training & Education department, where she now coordinates stakeholder relations across Ontario.

Image

Brent Baker is the founder and president of Simplistic Lines Inc., a Stratford-based company that specializes in sports-field marking equipment and solutions. He began his career on his family’s farm and later earned a diploma at Fanshawe College in farm equipment technology. Recognizing a need for improved field-marking tools, Brent designed and developed a more efficient professional marking system, ultimately launching his company in 2003. Under his leadership, Simplistic Lines has grown into an established supplier for municipalities and sports organizations across Ontario.

Image

Joe Breedon is the Outdoor Recreation Facility Coordinator for the City of Barrie. Joe was named the Sports Turf Manager of the year in 2018 by Sports Turf Canada and was recognized in the Turf & Rec Top 10 under 40 in 2020. Furthermore, he has been awarded the "Field of Excellence" award by Pioneer Athletics for his work at the Barrie Community Sports Complex, and the Barrie Baycats named the grounds crew, which included Joe, as the "MVP" for the 2008 season. Joe is known for his professionalism and commitment to Ontario's municipal green infrastructure. Joe earned the designation of a “Certified Sports Field Manager” through the Sports Field Management Association based out of the USA for the last 7 years.

Image

Rob Heggie started his career in turf at the young age of sixteen. Before long, he realized he wanted to make a career out of it. After graduating the University of Guelph for both Horticulture in 2006 and Turfgrass Management in 2008, he found himself in Barbados building Apes Hill Club, one of the top golf courses in the Caribbean. Upon construction completion, he jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the BMO field conversion from artificial grass to natural grass. In the past 14 years with MLSE, he has built up the field from a modest pitch to one of the most technologically advanced pieces of sports turfgrass in the world. Hosting both soccer and football consecutively is no short order and in Toronto’s harsh climate it requires special tools. Robert was the first to bring many technologies to Canada including grow lighting, undersoil heating, hybrid grass, and more. His accomplishments include 2015 Sports Turf Canada Manager of the Year, 2020 Turf and Rec 10 under 40, 2015 PanAm games, 2016 and 2017 MLS Cup host, 2017 NHL Centennial Classic, 2016 Grey Cup, 2015 and 2017 Gold Cup 2023, and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Image

Stacey Baker is a pesticides specialist with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) where she provides scientific and legislative guidance to internal and external clients on the requirements of the Pesticides Act and Regulation 63/09, providing assistance to MECP District Offices for issues and inspections concerning pesticides, and promotes integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Stacey has worked for the Ontario government for over 20 years in various technical and policy positions within Ministry of Environment and as an entomologist and senior program consultant for the Ministry of Health. Stacey holds a Masters degree in biology (aquatic toxicology) from York University.

Image

Alex Barrie is an Engineering Specialist with OMAFA, he grew up on a dairy farm in Bowmanville Ontario, but the farm is now crops only. He has a Bachelors and Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, both from the university of Guelph.  His goal is to produce tools for farmers to help make decisions about where and how to invest in soil compaction avoidance. He has contributed to several research projects looking at the structure of soil before and after traffic. He is now looking in to how much tillage is required, to alleviate your compaction symptoms.

Derek Robertson is a seasoned lawn care professional with more than a decade of experience in operations, training, and customer service within the Weed Man network. Known for his practical, people-focused approach, Derek has played a key role in developing high-performing teams and building strong client relationships. He specializes in technician training, workflow optimization, and creating supportive work environments that promote retention and career growth. Derek is passionate about helping lawn care operators elevate their service quality through consistent education and hands-on mentorship. 

Image

Jeff McMann has been in the green industry for over 45 years.  He is a graduate of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture as well as an ISA and TRAQ certified Arborist. His previous experiences include maintaining the historic lawns of the Manulife Head Office Complex in Toronto. As an arborist he has worked as the Supervisor of Forestry for the City of Markham and Forestry Project Manager for the City of Hamilton. He was the Coordinator of Arbor Services for the Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries. Jeff contributed to the review and editing of the Landscaping Standards for Landscape Ontario. His recent semi-retired work has included creating Contract Specifications and Tender documents for property management companies, plus developing and delivering course curriculum for Landscape Ontario’s Grow program and the Professional Development Programs.

Image

Dr. John Lauzon is an Associate Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph, specializing in soil science. His research focuses on nutrient cycling and management within agroecosystems, aiming to improve agronomic efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. His current work focuses on nitrogen and sulfur management strategies.

Premier Sponsor:

Image

Media Sponsor:

Image

Lanyard Sponsor:

Lunch Sponsors:

Coffee Sponsors:

Image

Pastry Sponsors:

Image

Social Event Sponsor:

Plenary Room Sponsors:

Breakout Room Sponsors:

Image

Exhibitors:

Image

Door Prize Sponsors: 

Image

Education Accredited by: