Well-Attended Irrigation Workshop Held by Cincinnati Branch of PGMS

Well-Attended Irrigation Workshop
Held by Cincinnati Branch of PGMS

It was a great lesson in teamwork as the PGMS Greater Cincinnati Branch and Xavier University joined together to host the 2nd Annual Irrigation Maintenance and Service Workshop at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 11, 2005.

The workshop began on a high note as attendees were treated to a continental breakfast prepared by Sodexho Dining Services and provided by Xavier’s Physical Plant. Presenting the workshop was Sean Mullarkey of Wolf Creek Distribution with assistance from Mike Leach of Irrigation Supply Co. Sean, who has been in the Green Industry for nearly three decades, is a graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in landscape horticulture. He also holds a degree in computer science and has been recognized as a Certified Irrigation Contractor by the Irrigation Association.

There were nearly 50 people in attendance with professionals from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Cincinnati State University, University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University, Cincinnati Park Board, Lawn Management and more.

Sean and Mike presented a very detailed program that everyone benefitted from. Attendees learned: how to properly evaluate and use system controls, controller problems diagnosis and repair, electrical wiring diagnosis and repair, and solenoid diagnosis and repair. Sean went into valve repair and presented an excellent power point presentation on valves. After the inside presentation the group went outside and did some hands-on learning, trying to locate a valve with different types of valve and solenoid locators.

The amount of people that showed up, reflects the increased need for grounds professionals to have a solid understanding of irrigation and the value of PGMS meetings such as this. We all experience the same problems, and because of the high cost of repair, we need to do as much in house as possible. These workshops help us do that. I would like to thank Dick Menke, Grounds Supervisor at Xavier for all his support for PGMS and the green industry.