PGMS Celebrates Another Successful Site Visit

Grounds professionals from all over the country enjoyed a relaxing and education trip to Cincinnati as part of PGMS' 2009 regional visitation program that took place July 23-24.

Initiated by then PGMS President Ellen Newell, CGM, at her Arizona State University (ASU) campus, the visitation programs include presentations on grounds operations at an array of facilities plus several hours of classroom lecturing.

The Cincinnati visitation program included an up-close look at the grounds operations of Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens and Historic Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. The program also included classes on crucial grounds management topics taught by industry experts including Thomas L. Smith of Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, Darian Daily of Paul Brown Stadium, Ray Mirrizzi of Cincinnati State and Technical College and David Keszei, Xavier Leadership Program, College of Business.

	With the Cincinnati Bengals' Paul Brown Stadium in the background, Landscape Coordinator Collison Stewart points out turf management nuisances addressed on the team's two practice fields.
	Cincinnati Bengals Head Groundskeeper Darian Daily explains how the teams maintains its artificial turf in Paul Brown Stadium to Ken Stanton, CGM of Grand Valley State University (Allendale, MI).
	PGMS Cincinnati Visitation participants gather on the Bengal's home field for a group shot.
	A graceful State Champion Lebanon Cedar welcomes guests as they begin a walking tour of the historic Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.
	Serenity is achieved at one of Spring Grove's 15 lovely lakes.
	Colorful annual floral displays compliment the many lakes and fountains at Spring Grove Cemetery.
	Spring Grove Cemetery employees are constantly reminded of the need for safety as highlighted by this unique street crossing.
	Whitney Huang a horticulturist at Spring Grove, explains the cemetery's tree care program under the wonderfully spreading limbs of a large white oak.
	Beautiful annual display gardens compliment the historic Soldiers Monument near burial sites dedicated to veterans of war including hallowed grounds for Civil War soldiers.
	Helping to make the Cincinnati experience exception for PGMS members were (left to right): John Evans, Denny Baker, Rex Brown, Ray Mirizzi, Walt Bonvell, Tom Smith, Jenny Gulick, Doug Young, and Whitney Huang.
	Steve Foltz of Cincinnati Zoo shows new environmental rain garden recently added to Zoo's Botanical Gardens.
	Massive colorful annual displays greet visitors to the new main entrance of the Cincinnati Zoo.
	Educational labeling helps Zoo visitors learn about new varieties that may be used in their gardens.
	A green roof on which various plant materials are tested tops the Zoo's giraffe house.
	Beautiful flowers attract butterflies for Zoo visitor appeal.

 

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