Canadian Turf Talks

Guelph Turfgrass Institute

Canadian Turf Talks interviews guests from all sides of the Canadian turfgrass industry – including lawn care, sports turf, golf, recreation facilities, and nursery sod. We cover turf management, work-life balance, and career advice for anyone looking to get into the turf world. Co-hosted by Dr. Sara Stricker from the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and Co-Hosts from the Canadian Turf Industry. For transcripts and more information visit www.guelphturfgrass.ca/canadian-turf-talks Brought to you by the University of Guelph and the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.

  1. APR 6

    Episode 18 - Effective Lines, Better Fields

    Clear, accurate painted lines are essential for defining boundaries, highlighting key areas, and ensuring fair, consistent play. This episode is an excerpt from the 2026 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium, with guest speakers Joe Breedon from the City of Barrie and Brent Baker from Simplistic Lines.

    37 min

  2. MAR 23

    Episode 17 - Greener Cities, Healthier Communities

    Green spaces play a critical role in making cities healthier, more resilient places to live. This episode is an excerpt from the 2026 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium, with guest speaker Peter Guinane from Oriole Landscaping about The Green Cities Foundation and the Clean Air Calculator tool.

    20 min

  3. SEASON 4 TRAILER

    Season Four Intro

    This season is a little different!

    3 min

  4. 2025-04-07

    Episode 16 - For the love of turf

    In this episode, hosts Dr. Sara Stricker and Carol Turner are joined by guest Lisa Hartvikson, a Turf Managers Short Course alum and long-time turfgrass industry professional. Lisa shares her unconventional journey into turf management, from delivering newspapers to discovering a passion for all things turf at 45. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation about turf challenges, and the love of turf!

    38 min

  5. 2025-03-28

    Episode 15 - Golf is for everyone

    In this insightful conversation, golf architect Christine Fraser discusses the intersection of accessibility, tradition, and innovation in golf course design. She highlights practical ways to make courses more inclusive for all golfers. This is an excerpt from the Women in Turf Showcase, hosted on March 19, 2025, in partnership with the U of Guelph Turf Student Club, Landscape Architecture Student Society, and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Enhancement Fund.

    37 min

  6. 2025-02-14

    Episode 14 - Grassroots Reporting

    In this episode, we sit down with Mike Jiggens, the editor of Turf & Rec magazine, to explore the world of turfgrass journalism. He shares how he got his start in the industry, his approach to finding compelling stories, and the biggest changes he’s witnessed over his 30-year career. From shifts in media consumption to the evolving challenges facing turf professionals, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that shape the industry.

    35 min

  7. 2025-01-27

    Episode 13 - Teeing off season three

    Meet the new co-host, Carol Turner. We chat about Carol’s experience the must-attend conferences and events including OTS (Ontario Turfgrass Symposium), OGSA (Ontario Golf Course Superintendents’ Association) GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America), even BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association)!

    27 min

  8. 2023-10-27

    Episode 12 - From the desert to the rainforest

    Rob Wilke, superintendent at the Skeena Valley Golf & Country Club in Terrace, B.C., was named the CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement-of-the-Year Award winner in 2022. Not only has he reduced water use on the course (mostly out of necessity), but he has developed a liquid compost product that is made on-site. Since he started spraying the compost tea on his fairways and greens, the Microdochium patch has been SEVERELY reduced - to the point that he has dramatically cut down on synthetic pesticide use. This episode covers turf management in extremely rainy, and extremely dry environments, and Rob's involvement with the British Columbia Superintendents Association. SUMMARY KEYWORDS turfgrass, Ontario, golf, British Columbia, environmental, compost, disease control, superintendents association, Osoyoos Golf Club, Skeena Valley GCC Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

    32 min
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Trailers

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Canadian Turf Talks interviews guests from all sides of the Canadian turfgrass industry – including lawn care, sports turf, golf, recreation facilities, and nursery sod. We cover turf management, work-life balance, and career advice for anyone looking to get into the turf world. Co-hosted by Dr. Sara Stricker from the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and Co-Hosts from the Canadian Turf Industry. For transcripts and more information visit www.guelphturfgrass.ca/canadian-turf-talks Brought to you by the University of Guelph and the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.

Information

  • Creator
    Guelph Turfgrass Institute
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Guelph Turfgrass Institute
  • Show Website
    Canadian Turf Talks

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