The Rhode Island Turfgrass Foundation was incorporated in 1995 for the initial purpose of providing support and funding for the turf program at the University of Rhode Island and the turfgrass industry in New England.  Their funding source was the Rhode Island Turfgrass Conference and Show that ran in November 1995 and 1996. In 1998 the RITF combined with all seven New England GCSAA chapters, Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals (MALCP) and the New England Sports Turf Managers Association (NESTMA) and with help from UMASS and URI to form the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation Conference and Trade Show. With this formation of the regional foundation and conference the RITF went dormant until a few short years ago.

In 2007 the RITF was formally resurrected by a group of concerned URI Alums who saw the need to direct attention to issues facing the University’s Turf Program and the turfgrass industries in Rhode Island. In 2010 a Board of Directors was appointed along with an academic and industry Advisory Committee. This group consists of members from all turfgrass related businesses in the state. Within this group you will find representation from the golf, sod, cemetery, parks & recreation, sports fields and school / college grounds management industries.

The RITF developed two objectives when re-starting the Foundation: Communicate the goals and progress of the group and raise sufficient funds to operate effectively. To assist with fund-raising a golf tournament was developed with our first event taking place in 2008 at the Stonington Golf Club in Stonington, Ct. An outing has been held each year since at various clubs in Rhode Island. All of the participating courses have been managed by a URI Alum.

Our communications and outreach efforts have focused on a luncheon at the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation Conference where we invite administrators and faculty from URI, management staff from the RIDEM, representatives from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and our Board of Directors to provide updates on activities. We also make ourselves available to present updates at all related professional association meetings, and we are developing and improving our Web Page (www.goritf.org) as a major component of our communications effort.

Over the last two years we have worked with related “Green Industry” groups in the development of an Economic Impact Survey that will show the financial and physical impact of our industries to Rhode Island State Legislators. With this information in hand we believe we can not only impact thinking but become part of the decision making process in areas that effect our businesses. We also conducted a study through a grant awarded by the USDA and RIDEM examining the use of wetting agents to reduce irrigation on sod production and transportation.

During this period we have also been involved with the URI Turf / Horticulture Departments assisting in updating the existing Internship Program. This has been a collaborate effort with the URI Administration and the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association. We are confident the changes made are being well received as feed-back from the field has been extremely positive.

The RITF continues to advocate for all turf related industries in Rhode Island. The foundation’s goals and mission strives to produce a positive impact on our region’s economy and its environment. Do not hesitate to contact us if any questions arise or to offer suggestions. We would welcome your contribution.