ABOUT
Our purpose is to ensure turfgrass advocacy
NYSTA is committed to being a voice for turfgrass professionals in both government and private affairs.
Our Vision for Turf Professionals
The New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA) delivers turfgrass management and public policy information that you will not find anywhere else. NYSTA provides quality continuing education and advocates for science-based regulatory and legislative decisions. From youth career development, to education, to business contacts NYSTA is your source!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
These industry professionals donate their time and work hard to ensure our association operates smoothly.
Information Links
NYSTA has a rich history that continues to be made each year through our foundation, awards, and research donations.
HISTORY
The New York State Turfgrass Association was formed at the Second Annual Cornell Turf Conference in Ithaca on March 4, 1949. The original name was the New York State Turf Association. John Farnsworth Cornman, Professor of Ornamental Horticulture, was one of the founding members and leading force behind the formation of the association. Teaching, research and extension activities in turfgrass management were started at Cornell in 1940 under his direction. Read Full History >
FOUNDATION INFORMATION
In 1991, the New York State Turfgrass Association formed the New York Turfgrass Foundation to ensure the future of the turfgrass industry. The goal of the fund is $1 million. So far, about $890,000 has been raised from individual members, businesses, friends and corporations.
The foundation is an invested fund whose interest income, not principle, will be available to support the needs of turfgrass research and education. Cornell University manages the funds in a diversified mutual fund intended to yield income and maintain long-term growth.
Your financial assistance would support vital research projects conducted by scientists and educators in the industry. Can we count on you to join our New York Turfgrass Foundation Endowment Campaign and contribute on a yearly basis? Support the Foundation Today >
TURFGRASS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FUND
The turfgrass industry is an important industry in New York State. According to the New York State Turfgrass Survey, close to 3.5 million acres in the state are covered with turfgrass, consisting of lawns, parks, golf courses, sports fields, sod farms, industrial and institutional grounds, rights of way, etc. Five billion dollars of turf maintenance expenses contributed to the State’s economy. Additionally the New York Turfgrass Survey documents that New York employed over 43,000 employees who had turf
maintenance as their primary responsibility with a total payroll of nearly $467 million. Over 843,000 acres of new turf was established at a cost of nearly $1.56 billion. Residents of New York benefit from turf in everyday life. Quality turfgrass provides countless environmental benefits such as holding rainfall for groundwater recharge, filtering pollutants, absorbing sound, cooling the air temperature and providing plentiful, clean oxygen. Dense, healthy turfgrass provides a safe playing surface for our children and athletes of all ages as well as beautifies and softens our urban
landscapes. Turfgrass has a major influence on the quality of life for New Yorkers.
Projects Funded >
AWARDS
We’re always looking for nominations for the Citation of Merit and Friend of the Green Industry, two of NYSTA’s most prestigious awards given to those who have made outstanding contributions to the New York State turfgrass industry. If you know someone who embodies all of these attributes, please send us their name, company and why you think they should be honored with the Citation of Merit Award.
Citation Nomination Form > Friend of Green Industry Nomination Form >
Join Us Today!
Membership has great benefits.