Education Seminar
Presented by
Turf Valley Resort
2700 Turf Valley Rd.
Ellicott City, MD
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Turf Valley Resort Website
The annual Education Seminar is a full day event that provides industry professionals with the opportunity to hear from some of the best educators from around the country. And as always there will be re-certifications and GCSAA education points awarded. This is also a great event to network with your colleagues and discuss the upcoming growing season. Included with registration will be education, breakfast, lunch, ice cream break and a beer and wine networking social after the event. Be sure to register early and don't miss our biggest educational event of the year!
Featured Speakers
Limited Hotel Rooms Available at Turf Valley Resort
For your convenience we have limited rooms blocked at Turf Valley Resort for Monday, February 16th. Rates are $133 + service charges. Reach out to Turf Valley and use the booking code 28H2RR to secure your room - 410-465-1500.
Education Credits and GCSAA CUEs
check back for updates
GCSAA: 0.65 CEUs
Delaware Pest: 5 Credits
Category: 03 - Ornamental & Turf
Delaware Nutrient Management
2.5 CEUs
Maryland Pest: 8 Credits
In each of the following categories
3A, 3B, 3C, 10*, CORE*
Maryland Fert
2 CEUs towards PFAs
Pennsylvania Pest
Cat 00-4, Cat PC-6, Cat 07-6, Cat 18-6, Cat 23-6
Virginia Pest
Approved for Recertification in the following categories
3-B (24) - Turf Pest Control
60 (60) - Registered Technician (for applicators working in the appropriate category)
Virginia Fert
2 CEUs towards CFA
Washington, D.C.: TBA
West Virginia Pest:
Approved for Categories 4-10, 11-10, 12-10
West Virginia Nutrient Management
2 CEUs
Silent Auction Returns — Now Accepting Donations!
Thanks to the generous support of our vendors, members, and industry partners, the Silent Auction is back! We’re now accepting donations. Items such as equipment, golf rounds, gift cards, and unique experiences are always popular, and every contribution makes a meaningful impact. Proceeds will support research, scholarships and advocacy efforts across our industry. Reach out to Mike Esh and Luke Simon for details. You can also secure your donation but completing the form below.
Silent Auction Donation Form
Match Play Registration
The MAAGCS Match Play Championship will be in its 11th year, and Mike Esh and Andrew Puddester "Strokes Gained Sippin" are your defending champions. Registration opens at the education seminar and is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you want to secure your spot in the event, be sure to attend the education seminar!
Registration
Member/Partner: $120
Non-Member: $150
Lunch Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Ice Cream Sponsor
Break Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
Speaker Sponsor: $1,000 - includes 1 entry
Breaks Supporting Sponsor: $500 - includes 1 entry
ATTIRE:
Business Casual / Golf Casual
(Please, no hoodies)
Schedule
Subject to change
6:30-7:15
Breakfast and Registration Silent Auction Opens for Bidding
7:15-7:30
President Shaun O’Connor
Opening Remarks
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Douglas Linde, Ph.D. – Delaware Valley University
Current Trends in Organic Matter, Sand Introduction, and Nitrogen for Putting Greens in Eastern PA
This presentation highlights results from a comprehensive benchmarking study conducted between 2017 and 2022, evaluating organic matter levels, sand topdressing practices, and nitrogen programs on putting greens throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Data from 221 greens across 74 golf courses were analyzed over six years. Attendees will gain insight into ideal target ranges for each variable, learn how to establish an effective organic matter sampling program, and understand how to interpret results to improve putting green performance and sustainability.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Mike Richardson, Ph.D. – University of Arkansas
Bulbs, Blooms, and Bees: Improving Biodiversity in Turfgrass Systems
Lawns and turfgrass systems are often criticized as “biodiversity deserts”. This seminar will discuss innovative ideas for incorporating flowering plants into various turfgrass systems to improve pollinator diversity and enhance visual aesthetics. This seminar will also discuss long-term management practices and integrated pest management practices to maximize flower production and minimize pollinator exposure to common pesticides used in landscape systems.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Washington DC, DOEE
Regulatory Updates
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Morning Break
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Ming-Yi Chou, Ph.D. – Rutgers University
Innovations in Turfgrass Disease Management: Tools for Today and Tomorrow
This presentation focuses on emerging technologies and strategies designed to improve turfgrass disease management and fungicide use efficiency. Special attention is given to ectotrophic root-infecting fungi responsible for destructive diseases such as take-all and summer patch in cool-season turfgrasses. A newly developed diagnostic tool for accurate root disease identification will be introduced, along with practical cultural and chemical control strategies. Attendees will learn how to build effective, environmentally responsible fungicide programs using these new tools.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Steve McDonald, M.Sci – Turfgrass Disease Solutions
Innovative Ideas and Observations in Pest Management and Fertilizer Use in the Golf Course Landscape
This session examines property-wide pest management and fertilizer strategies for modern golf course operations. Topics include AI-assisted weed identification, spot-treatment approaches for fungicides, and updates on new herbicides and insecticides for turf and ornamental plants. The presentation also discusses targeted fertilizer applications for high-traffic and newly established areas, as well as cultural practices such as divot-filling methods and observational techniques to improve overall course performance.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Jim Kerns, Ph.D. – North Carolina State University
Understanding and Management of Spring Dead Spot and Summer Patch
Spring dead spot and summer patch are among the most challenging turfgrass diseases affecting large areas of golf courses, including tees, fairways, and roughs. This presentation covers the biological and environmental factors that favor disease development, reviews the latest research conducted in collaboration with MAAGCS, and outlines effective cultural and chemical management strategies. Attendees will leave with practical, science-based recommendations to improve disease control and turf recovery.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Ice Cream Break
Silent Auction Last Call is 2:20 PM
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Chava McKeel – Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
GCSAA Government Affairs Update: Endangered Species Act Compliance, Chemical Registration Review, and Other Hot Issues
This session provides an update on key government and regulatory issues impacting golf course management at the federal and state levels. Topics include water use, pesticide regulation, labor, and power equipment policies. A major focus will be on the U.S. EPA’s efforts to comply with the Endangered Species Act and how these actions affect pesticide availability and golf course operations. Attendees will also learn how to stay informed on legislative issues and engage effectively in advocacy efforts.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Pesticide and Fertilizer Re-certification Applications
