Riverwalk Landing at Yorktown WaterfrontThis 2008 PGMS Green Star Grand Award winner and pristine landmark landscape will be hosting grounds

professionals from around the region as part of the 2013 Spring Regional and Site Visit taking place April 8-9. Attendees will be treated to a bus tour on April 8 from 1-4 p.m. right after the dynamic educational programs scheduled. You don’t want to miss seeing this beautiful landscape and learning from the experts who keep this waterfront location looking beautiful year-round. See page five for a complete schedule of

events and if you haven’t registered yet, visit http://pgms.org/2013springregional/.

March/April 2013 Volume 37, Number 2

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety.

Watch us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/PGMSheadquarters.Link up with us at www.linkedin.com/groups/Professional-Grounds-Management-Society-4173565.

The Forum Newsletter is published six times a year by theProfessional Grounds Management Society

720 Light StreetBaltimore, MD 21230

410-223-2861 / Fax 410-752-8295E-mail: pgms@assnhqtrs.com

www.PGMS.org

Board of Directors:President John Van Etten, CGM

President-Elect Walter Bonvell, CGMVice Pres. John Burns, CGM

Treasurer John DoironPast President Don Bottger, CGM

Directors Cary Avery, CGM

Marion Bolick, CGM Diana Bramble Rudolph

Gerry Dobbs, CGMMark Feist

Ted Heywood, CGM Ron Hostick CSFM

Gerald Landby Joe Payne, CGM

StaffThomas C. Shaner, CAE

Executive DirectorKelly Mesaris

Associate DirectorMonica Shaner

Financial ManagerMolly Baldwin-Abbott

Director of CommunicationsMeghan Brady

Assistant Director of Communications

Opinions expressed in PGMS Forum are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions or policies of the PGMS Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

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John Van Etten, CGMPGMS President

As I pen this column, the official start of spring is here. I appreciate the changes in all of the seasons, but admittedly spring is my most anticipated! I sometimes say that apprehensively because in upstate New York we can experience 70 degree temperatures one week and then get our heaviest snow of the year the next week. But the day length is much longer, the skies are bluer and soon the entire landscape will be verdant! The last week

of February is the start of my season here, my fall plant orders start rolling in to the greenhouse, starting with my Proven Winners from Pleasant View greenhouses. The greenhouse is my winter escape and I love growing and propagating plants.

Spring no doubt is our busiest time of the year, in the deep south and west our colleagues are already full steam underway. Their team fields are in use daily and landscapes are also prepped for yet another year with major projects underway! As we reach a frenetic pace, can we possibly get any busier? Now is the time to plan ahead to April 8 & 9 for our first regional of the year in Colonial Williamsburg. Jimmy Viars has done an outstanding job lining up speakers and tours. Just prior to the start of our spring regional our Accreditation Committee will be performing a pilot program at a university nearby. We are excited with this program and the potential it will bring to all PGMS members and their campuses. After Gene Pouly, CGM returned from Orlando serving as chair to the ASC 300 Committee we were able to form a nice sized committee to support our activities. Committee members, including an alternate representative, are listed on our website. I appreciate these members stepping up and volunteering their time and talent and I’m very impressed how quickly this committee got rolling. Gene Pouly, CGM will travel to Sacramento in March to present the rough draft revision of Pruning Part I.

Planning is such a big component of what we do, and the earlier we start, the most successful we are. Now is the time to plan to enter the Green Star Awards program. Have your camera or smart phone ready to take those late winter and spring pictures of your landscapes and shots of the crew working on projects and challenges at your work site. Commit to our certification program for yourself or continue to grow your staff through certification. We have successfully certified eight new CGM’s so far this year. Talk to them, read their interviews and they will tell you how rewarding the program is. Plan to attend our summer regional in Philadelphia from August 5-7. Ed Harman, CGM is doing an outstanding job with speakers and tours for that program as well. If you’ve never attended a regional meeting, I can’t recommend them enough. The speakers and tours have always been exceptional and this year marks our 14th & 15th regional events! Of course, the School of Grounds Management & GIE+Expo is our national convention taking place Oct. 23-26 in Louisville, Ky. Besides attending tours and classes here, it is a great way to shop and demo equipment and see new tools and products. A few years ago we started the School of Grounds Management program where you can earn your SGM certificate. This has brought value to members if they need to market the conference and our educational tract to their upper management.

Happy planning and Happy Spring, hope to see you at the regional in Virginia!

Spring Into Planning

John Van Etten, CGMPresident’s Welcome

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2013 will be the Year of the...

Green Star!“This is a great honor to receive,” said Susanne Woodell, CGM of Biltmore Estate Historic Gardens. “It not only recognizes the efforts put in by our staff, but also Biltmore’s commitment toward enriching their visitors’ lives through green spaces.”

PGMS will be accepting submissions soon for the 41th annual maintenance awards program that brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence. This program salutes the grounds superintendent responsible for maintaining a well-manicured landscape year round.

So get a head start and begin taking your photos and putting your presentation together.

The deadline for entries is Aug. 2 so don’t wait, start today and make 2013 the year you become a Green Star Award Winner!

Grand, Honor and Merit Awards are offered in 15 categories, covering all types of private, public commercial and industrial landscapes. To qualify for entry, a landscape must be at least two years old and under your continuous maintenance for at least two years.

The awards will be presented during the 2013 PGMS School of Grounds Management held Oct. 23-26 in conjunction with the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky. All entries must be submitted to the Grounds Management Green Star Awards, c/o Professional Grounds Management Society, 720 Light Street, Baltimore MD, 21230, 410-223-2861.

Details at http://pgms.org/green-star-awards/.

CALENDAR3rd Friday of every month

PGMS Greater Ozarks Branch “Grounds for Thought” Live Forum

Environmental Resource Center’s Community Room Springfield, MO

April 4, 2013PGMS D.C. Branch Meeting

Catholic University Washington, D.C.

April 8-9, 2013PGMS Spring Seminar and Site Visit

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites Williamsburg, VA

May 2, 2013PGMS D.C. Branch Meeting

George Washington’s Estate at Mount VernonMount Vernon, VA

June 6, 2013PGMS D.C. Branch Meeting

Green Spring GardensFairfax, VA

July 18, 2013PGMS D.C. Branch Summer Field Day

American UniversityWashington, D.C.

August 1, 2013PGMS D.C. Branch Meeting

GlenstonePotomac, MD

Aug. 5-7, 2013PGMS Summer Seminar and Site Visit

Philadelphia Marriott WestPhiladelphia, PA

Sept.5, 2013PGMS D.C. Branch Meeting

SmithsonianWashington, D.C.

Oct. 3, 2013PGMS D.C. Branch Meeting

Raemelton FarmAdamstown, MD

Oct. 23-26, 20132013 PGMS School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO

Galt House HotelLouisville, KY

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Building the CGM Family... ...One Expert at a Time

So far in 2013, eight grounds professionals have successfully become Certified Grounds Managers (CGM). Since the last issue of the newsletter we have welcomed the following new CGMs: CGM #141 Jeffrey Schneider, grounds manager at the Smithsonian Gardens in Washington, D.C (pictured top right); CGM #142 David Davis, associate director of Landscaping Services at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. (pictured top left); CGM #143 Norman Stewart, grounds superintendent at Columbia International University in Columbia, S.C. (pictured bottom left); CGM #144 Douglas Knaup, course horticulturist at The Ohio State University Golf Club (OSUGC) in Columbus, Ohio (pictured bottom right); CGM #145 Kevin Cook and; CGM #146 Curtis Horn. Interviews with all the new CGMs are posted on the PGMS website at www.pgms.org. Below are a few highlights from the interviews:

PGMS: What challenges have you faced in your professional career that helped you through the process?Jeffrey Schneider: Smithsonian Gardens recently went through the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accreditation process. I was part of the committee that pulled together the extensive documentation that was required. Much of that documentation contained information that I was able to use for the CGM program.

PGMS: How has working in a southern climate helped you to prepare for the CGM program?David Davis: Since challenges are what prepare us for the future I’d have to say it’s managing turfgrass. Located in Piedmont, North Carolina, we’re in the transition zone between cool-season and warm season-grasses. This means conditions aren’t really optimum for either type. Some years are downright lousy for maintaining turf. With global warming, weather patterns and related pest problems seem to be evolving faster than I can ever remember. Keeping up to pace with these changes is imperative. Working in the landscape industry has taught me to adapt to ever changing conditions.

PGMS: In your opinion what advantage does having industry designations like the CGM give professionals?Norman Stewart: I believe it lets people

know how committed we are to our field, especially those who have given us the responsibility of maintaining their grounds and prospective properties. Being designated a CGM carries with it

the importance that we place on education, sustainability, and best management practices. I also believe that being designated a CGM will carry with it the confidence that is often needed when communicating with those we work for and with.

PGMS: What advice do you have for aspiring CGMs?Douglas Knaup: Just when you think you have enough photos, take more. Think you have enough data? Dig deeper. Document everything. I was fortunate to have accurate, current plant inventories on hand and many photos that I had accumulated during the time that I have been at OSUGC. This should not be a last minute decision to try to become

a CGM. You should plan far ahead so you have time to gather all the info and photos that you will need to successfully complete the open book portion of the CGM certification process. Also, be sure to ask for help from the mentor that is assigned to you, they are an invaluable resource when it comes to the entire certification process.

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PGMS is heading to Williamsburg, Virginia for the Spring Regional Seminar and Site Visit and we want YOU to join us! Come along with PGMS for this historic opportunity to tour one of the oldest cities in the country on April 8-9, 2013. Explore the amazing green gardens of Colonial Williamsburg and tour the campus of the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, The College of William & Mary. As always, the educational seminars will provide a multidimensional learning opportunity with topics such as pest management programs, native planting and customer service, and the networking opportunities will allow you to learn from other professionals in the industry!

Schedule:Monday, April 87:30 a.m. - Continental Breakfast / Registration (included in room rate)

8 - 8:50 a.m. - Lecture: “Container Gardening Ideas” (.85 SGM credits - Div. III - Technical Hort.)Laura Viancour, landscape manager, Colonial Williamsburg, Rollin Woolley, landscape supervisor, Colonial Williamsburg

8:55 - 9:45 a.m. - Lecture: “Successful Integrated Pest Management Programs” (.85 SGM credits - Div. III - Technical Hort.)Susan Dippre, landscape supervisor, Colonial Williamsburg, Renee Hypes, Integrated Pest Technician, Colonial Williamsburg

9:45 - 10 a.m. - Break

10 - 10:55 a.m. - Lecture: “Native Plants in the Landscape” (.85 SGM credits - Div. III - Technical Hort.)Denise Greene, landscape designer and owner, Sassafras Farms

11 - 11:55 a.m. - Lecture: “Customer Service with a Smile” (.85 SGM credits - Div. I - HR)John Gordon, local franchise owner, Chick-fil-a Restaurant

noon - 1 p.m. - Box lunch

1 - 4 p.m. - Bus trip to Yorktown

5 p.m. - Reception at hotel for attendees

6:30 p.m. - Dinner on your own

Tuesday, April 97:30 a.m. - Continental Breakfast / Registration (included in room rate)

8 - 9:30 a.m. - Landscape Tour Group A (Colonial Williamsburg), Landscape Tour Group B (College of William & Mary)

10 - 11:30 a.m. - Landscape Tour Group A (College of William & Mary), Landscape Tour Group B (Colonial Williamsburg)

11:30 a.m. - Guests depart

(3 SGM credits will be given for field trips for both days)

Registration is still open. Sign up before April 1 to get the best price possible! Details and registration information are available at http://pgms.org/2013springregional/.

Thank you to our exhibitors:

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Adam Falkenmeyer, resort grounds supervisor at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Utica, N.Y., recently posted the following question to the PGMS LinkedIn page: “Trash/Recycle combo receptacles? What are you using on your site?” Here’s what you all had to say:

Ellen Newell, CGM: We use Landscape Forms Chase Park model. They are marked Landfill and Recycle with the recycle portion painted blue.

Aaron Boggs: We did not have the funds to add separate recycling containers to our 300+ outdoor garbage cans. Our single stream vendor did an audit of the materials in our campus garbage cans. They determined that there was enough recyclable material in them to run the contents over their sort line to “mine” the recyclables. Now every garbage can is a recycling can on our campus. I know this sends a mixed message but it was the best way for University of Louisville to address the issue and accomplish the mission of diverting waste from the landfill.

Gregory Fear, CSFM, LEED AP: We had 120 trash cans so I put two together in 60 places (ordered blue tops for the recycling) and gave equal opportunity to recycle. The results were amazing, we were having to empty the recycling cans three times as much as the trash once all the plastic bottles were taken out the trash. Our trash bill also dropped by 40% because it wasn’t necessary to have the trash company come around as much (plastic is bulky). What I learned from the exercise is that there doesn’t have to be a trash can every 50 feet on campus.

Walter Bonvell, CGM: On our new sites in the past two years, we are using a combination and/or single receptacles, recycle/trash receptacles from Form-Surfaces. They look great and are weathering well (www.form-surfaces.com). We are using the model called Dispatch Litter and Recycling receptacle. On the other parts of campus, we are using Rubbermaid 8430 and 8440. They are trash cans and we converted the beige color cans into the recycling cans using Xavier’s logo. We make sure that with every trash can there is a recycling can.

Gabrielle Dandy-Horn: We are big on recycling, and must admit it is easy for us to accomplish since we work from our home. Still, our crew always brings back their bottles and cans so we can recycle them here, and we recycle all of our paper too. We actually called our local recycling center to get more blue receptacles and they were happy to provide them for us. Along the same lines of recycling, we also bring back tarps of leaves during the fall and mulch them to use in our own garden come spring.

Tom Knowles: Big Belly Solar compactors around our Student Union with a recycling receptacle attached. We just started. We are piloting a single stream project in our main library, indoors, where we will use a combo (35 gal.ea.side) marked Landfill and Recycle units made by Zero Waste.

Dan Schied, CGM: Here is a link from the University of Rochester that lists photos and

some details on our exterior trash/recycling program: www.rochester.edu/sustainability/recycling/outdoor.html.

Aaron Boggs: Dan, I took a look at the link you provided. Are these the only containers outdoors on your campus or just the areas with recycling containers? Do you have “garbage only” containers in other areas?

Dan Schied, CGM: Areas that are more of a ‘pass thru’ location generally only have trash receptacles. We are actually looking at reducing containers in these locations. Areas of high traffic have both recycling and trash. Our Medical Center is a very congested area, with 20,000 or so people a day in and out, each location on this campus has both trash and recycling.

Bill Lambrecht: We have been switching from dual cans (one trash & one recycling) to combined units. We have been using various containers from Max-R. They have a wide range of containers in numerous forms to be used indoors and out. They can also customize them in numerous ways. Their website is www.max-r.net.

Dan Schied: Yes, most areas remain trash only, high volume areas have both.

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Industry Leader, PGMS Member RetiresDavey announces changes within commercial service lineGeorge Gaumer, Davey’s commercial landscape services vice president and general manager, has announced his retirement. He is a longtime industry leader who retires from Davey with more than 35 years at the company.

Gaumer began his Davey career in 1977, serving in a number of positions in the residential/commercial service line, including area manager, sales and marketing manager and national sales manager. In 2000, with the establishment of the Davey commercial grounds maintenance group, he was promoted to vice president. He was promoted to his current position in 2005.

Pat Covey, chief operating officer, said Gaumer has been a dedicated leader of the service line. “Throughout the years that George has been employed at Davey, he has provided consistent leadership and commitment to the people working with him in each capacity,” Covey said. “He has been a valuable ambassador of the company within the industry.”

Gaumer holds a number of industry honors, including the Gold Medal Award from the Professional Grounds Maintenance Society (PGMS), and the PLANET “Trailblazer” award. He is a past board member of ALCA (Associated Landscape

Contractors of America), (PGMS), and Green Industry Expo and is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist and an ALCA/PLANET certified landscape professional.

In the photo, PGMS Past President Greg Nichols presents Gaumer with a PGMS Gold Medal at the 2008 Annual Awards dinner that took place Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008 in Louisville, Ky. The PGMS Gold Medal is given to an individual or entity to recognize them for outstanding and long-term achievements and/or contributions to the green industry.

*Article originally posted at www.lawnandlandscape.com/Article.aspx?article_id=138137.

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PGMS Vice President Walt Bonvell, CGM recently caught up with PGMS member Collison Stewart. Coming off of the NFL season, it wasn’t easy to get a few minutes with Collison who works at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio, home of the Cincinnati Bengals. But, we found him!

Walt Bonvell (WB): How long have you been a PGMS member and how long have you been involved in the Green Industry?Collison Stewart (CS): I have been a member of PGMS for 12 years now and have worked the Green Industry for a little over 30 years.

WB: What is your current position and how long have you been with Paul Brown Stadium?CS: My official title is Landscape Coordinator. I was hired during the construction of the stadium in 2000.

WB: Working for a NFL football organization, what made you become a PGMS member instead of joining another association related to turf?CS: When I was first hired they joined the grounds staff into STMA (Sports Turf Management Association) and OTF (Ohio Turf Foundation). After a year I went to management and told them I needed something geared more to the horticulture side. They understood and I joined PGMS because I thought it would be a good fit for what my job duties are.

WB: What are some of the challenges working at an NFL stadium?CS: It’s all about the turf here. Landscape is secondary. However it works out nicely because turf related equipment and chemicals are so costly compared to landscape that I rarely get turned down on things I need for the landscape. But it is still all about the turf. The other challenge is your seasons are reversed. Landscape’s busy season is in the spring with the fall in a more relaxed time of year. Here, from August to January you hardly get time to sit down. Fall is also our time to shine and we are limited in plant material that is in color, even fall foliage is gone by November.

WB: Being on the river front, what kind of issues do you have related to your plant material?CS: Dust/pollution, groundhogs, weeds I never seen before, and soil that’s been reused since they stepped off the boat in the 1700s. In that order. The plus side of that is I don’t have the insect problems compared to other areas of the city and being next to a major river there are no water restrictions many other locations around the country face.

WB: How many trees and shrubs are planted around the stadium?CS: There were over 8,000 trees and shrubs packed around the stadium and practice field when I started here. Through thinning out beds and replanting areas with better suited plant material I am down to about 6,000.

WB: With over 65,000 people attending game day, are you worried about your landscaping outside the stadium?CS: The landscape takes a beating. That many people leaving at once, in a hurry, can alter the landscape in no time. If one person cuts through a bed, a couple hundred will follow. I have had mature junipers, barberries, and taxus reduced to stumps in minutes. To help manage the crowd damage I use about 70 bicycle racks to fence off problem beds and have actually incorporated pathways through others. The other game day problem is the trash removal on Monday mornings. Shrubs make great places to hide your beer cans.

Member Profile: Collison Stewart

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During the winter months, I have been working on a campus bicycle plan. At the PGMS School of Grounds Management site visitation last October at the University of Louisville, Aaron Boggs, assistant director for facilities management and renovations, discussed the bicycle use on the UL campus and ideas they were using. With this information I had a start. I decided to research additional information on the Internet. I was looking for information such as campus bicycle policies, points to consider for bicycle plans, and styles of bicycle racks. I was pretty much starting from scratch. With bicycle use increasing with environmental awareness on campus’s these days I have been noticing an increase of abuse and misuse. I have found bicycles chained to trees, railings on stairways that pedestrians are using and handicap ramps, hampering the effectiveness of the design for those who need the ramp, campus signs, and sometimes just sprawled on the lawn. I have noticed bicycles left in bicycle racks that appear to have been left there for months or even years without indication of use. Since the bicycles had no tags or form of identification, I didn’t know if they were abandoned. Some of the bicycles found at the racks have seats missing, tires and/or wheels missing, bent rims from vandalism or the bicycle falling in the rack causing the rim to get damaged. I decided there must be a better way.

I decided to turn to social media for help. I went on to the PGMS group page on LinkedIn. I was specific in the information I was searching for and posted the following discussion “Bicycle rack design and specification-I am looking for specifications campus’s have used when considering footprint design for bicycle racks. How would a person do an assessment to determine number of racks needed and determining locations? I was very interested in the University of Louisville’s discussion about accommodating bike users but it seems we need more information about meeting this ever rising need. Any information I gather would be helpful as I am looking to set a standard at my college.”

I received a response from Dan Schied, CGM. Dan is the grounds manager at the University of Rochester. While we exchanged information on the LinkedIn site, we eventually continued our discussion between e-mail and phone conversation. Dan shared some of his research with me. One item of interest is the bicycle policy from the University of Chicago which follows:

Introduction - The University of Chicago has made a commitment to become a more bicycle-friendly campus. As a part of this commitment, and in an effort to support the City of Chicago’s aim to become a leading city for cyclists, Facilities Services has established an Abandoned Bike Policy.

Policy - Any abandoned or improperly locked bike is subject to removal by Facilities Services. The impounded bicycle will be stored at the Young Building, 5555 S. Ellis Avenue, for 10 business days. After 10 business days, the bicycle will be donated to charity.

Purpose - This policy is intended to help maintain the safety and beauty of the University of Chicago’s campus, to manage

the capacity of existing bike racks by removing abandoned bikes, and to ensure accessible walks and ramps are maintained.

Process - Abandoned bicycles and bicycles found secured to any object other than the University-maintained bicycle racks are subject to removal by Facilities Services. A tag, advising the owner of the reason for removal, is left at the site of removal; the bicycle is brought to the Young Building. A record of the impounded bicycle is made and shared with the UCPD, in the event that an owner reports their bicycle as stolen. Bikes are stored for 10 business days and during that time may be reclaimed by calling 773-XXX-XXXX or by bringing the removal site tag to the Young Building reception area on the 1st floor. If the bicycle is not claimed within 10 business days it will be donated to charity.

While Facilities Services regularly removes improperly locked or abandoned bikes throughout the year, two formal campus bike sweeps take place annually-----at the conclusion of Fall Quarter and prior to Spring Convocation.

To report abandoned or improperly locked bikes, or to request additional bike racks, please telephone the FS Service Center at 773-XXX-XXXX.

Dan offered, “Bicycle management is an increasing responsibility for us all, and managing abandoned bikes is essential to rack efficiencies. We all should have a proactive policy for this and I especially liked one I read from the University of Chicago. While a policy like this interests me for my campus, this decision needs to be made at an administrative level higher than mine. I passed the information on for consideration.”

I did an inventory of bicycle racks on my campus and took photos of the areas. I took notes of the damaged bicycles, missing seats, tires and rims, and noted if the bicycles were standing or laying down, if the sites are considered long term or short term parking. If a bicycle rack has bicycles laying down, it isn’t very efficient for users. Dan mentioned he desires the coat hanger style bicycle racks as it allows the frame and the front tire to be locked together.

I contacted a couple of bicycle rack manufacturers for additional information. I heard back from two via e-mail and phone conversations. Craig Williams of Cora Bike Rack, Inc in Bellingham, Wash. said, “Student participation in bicycle commuting seems to be correlated to a number of variables which are rarely the same from campus to campus. Socioeconomic conditions, weather and surrounding bike-ability are a just a few of the factors that influence student participation in bicycle commuting.” Jonathon Tupper of Saris Cycling Group in Madison, Wisc. offered some information from the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) Bicycle Parking Guidelines which is available for purchase from the ABPP. Both

Managing Bicycle Use on CampusBy Gerald Landby, director of grounds, Carroll College, Helana, Montana

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bicycle rack manufacturers promote much of APBP guidelines in their websites and information for ideal parking site layout. Features of good outdoor parking according to Saris Cycling Group include:

• Convenient to the cyclist’s destination; placed no more than 50’ from the door• Located in a high-traffic area; within eye shot of destination and along adjacent bikeways/streets• Identified by a sign• Weather-protected, situate racks under existing structures or installing free-standing structures when possible• Spaced so that the cyclist can access the side of the bikes, and there is no handle bar confliction (recommended aisle way of 60”; space between racks at 36”)• Proper aisle way spacing to avoid handlebar/rack/basket conflicts• Aisle spacing should allow for simultaneous users• Accommodate lifting of bikes (when using two-tier racks)• Consider entry and exit flows

Cora Bike Racks, Inc. recommends the following for site location: “The most convenient location is adjacent to the building entrance doors. Good line of sight in view of office windows or security personnel. If line of sight is not possible, then the rack should be placed beside high pedestrian traffic. Where a rack is being installed at an existing building,

it should be placed at the location where bicycles are seen to be. The location should be flat and at grade with the surface which the cyclist uses for access. Covered areas are preferable to uncovered areas.”

Another interesting feature a campus might consider is a bicycle repair station, a feature I saw at the University of Louisville (shown pictured below with Walt Bonvell, CGM showing the various features of it). There are several manufacturers that

sell them. Such a station could include all the tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleur. The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables and tamper-proof fasteners. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allow the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments.

As bicycle use increases on college campuses, grounds managers need to look for improvements in user friendly facilities, security, and convenience.

Contributions for the article were submitted by Dan Schied, CGM, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y.

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Communication CenterHave you been receiving PGMS e-mails? If not, here's what you've missed since January:

March 12, 2013 - Last Chance to Help Grow PGMS and Win Prizes Doing It!

March 8, 2013 - PGMS is Coming to Your Area for the Williamsburg Regional Seminar and Site Visit!

Feb. 22, 2013 - Do YOU Have What it Takes to be a 2013 Green Star?

Feb. 20, 2013 - PGMS Grounds for Thought Monthly E-mail

Feb. 12, 2013 - Latest News from PGMS’s Gold Partner Kawasaki

Feb. 8, 2013 - Why Haven’t You Registered Yet for the 2013 Spring Regional Seminar and Site Visit?

Jan. 31, 2013 - New Year, New PGMS Forum Issue!

If you are not receiving PGMS e-mail blasts visit www.pgms.org and make sure we have a current e-mail address in your profile.

PGMS has been featured in the press recently and we wanted to share the good news with you! Take a look at the recent PGMS press clippings and visit http://pgms.org/2012/05/29/pgms-press-clippings for website links to view them.

March 2013LandscapeOnline Weekly - March 12

February 2013Land & Water E-Magazine – Feb. 8

Inside APPA e-newsletter – Feb. 6

...About PGMSLook Who’s Talking...

Got News?Has something exciting happened to you or do you know of a PGMS member who doesn’t want to toot their own horn? Have you received an award or honor? Have you received a promotion or been named to a new position? Has your grounds crew been making headlines in your local paper or favorite trade magazine?

If you have any ideas for topics you would like to see articles on or if you would like to submit articles please contact Molly Baldwin-Abbott at mollybaldwin@assnhqtrs.com or 410-223-2861.

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PGMS Welcomes Newest Members! New members since January 30, 2013

John Adams Amarillo Independent School

District (AISD)

Jerry Berg Rockford College

Rebekkah Berryhill Kent State University/Grounds

Jacob Biltz Kent State University/Grounds

Steve Black Raemelton Farm LLC

Melissa Boffa ARAMARK H.E. Corporate

Gregory Calvan Waverly Heights LTD

Dave Cortina Mount St. Mary’s University

Bonner Davis Lancaster Bible College

Kevin Denney Arizona State University

Charlie Dickerson Erskine College

Jason Ferrell Averette University

Mike Frank Longwood University

Bradley Frazier Nitro Green

Melvin Griffin Sodexo Morehouse School of Medicine

Craig Guelich Waverly Heights

Michael Guercin Branches Tree Experts

William Hennessy Waverly Heights LTD

Eugene Kociba Frankenmuth Insurance

Brad Kuklinski Greenstreet Growers

Jeri Lamerton Ditch Witch Equipment

Joseph Landes Key Stone Tree Experts

Jennifer Lennox The Davey Tree Expert Company

David Love Longwood University

Darrell Maier Sodexo

Frank Mulneix Kent State University/Grounds

Mark Nettleship AMJ Landscaping

Derris Parhm Florida Memorial University

William Patton Sidwell Friends School

Becky PoulinCountry Springs Wholesale Nursery

Aaron Rowley Rockford College

Elaine Rush Longwood University

Carla Severe FINN Corporation

Aaron Shorb Mount St. Mary’s University

Steven Slominski The Protestant Episcopal

Theological Seminary in Virginia

Michael Tarantino CSFMPoway Unified School District

Paul Tohle Park University

Andrew Trent Longwood University

Brad Weikert Mount St. Mary’s University

Heather White Kent State University/Grounds

Lynda Wightman Hunter Industries

Elvin Wolfe Mount St. Mary’s University

Know someone who isn’t a member? Help grow your profession and

spread the word about joining PGMS!

Membership details can always be found on the PGMS website at

www.pgms.org.

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In the Know:Downy Mildew Spreads Across 34 StatesThe impatiens that usually brighten up gardens in the coming months will be fewer and far between this year. Downy mildew, a disease deadly to the impatiens walleriana common to spring landscaping, is reaching into landscapes nationwide.

In 2011, the disease was confirmed in 11 states. In 2012, it was in 34. Experts say that landscapers who plant impatiens will be taking a serious risk. Once the plant can be infected by the mildew spores, which are found in soil, water and winds from as far away as 100 miles. Small yellow spots appear on the tops of the leaves and fluffy white-gray growths on the undersides.

“The [fungus has] figured it out. During dormancy, they form a very thick-walled spore that’s resistant to cold and flooding and drought,” Pennsylvania State University plant pathologist Gary Moorman told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

There’s no cure, and no affordable, foolproof way to forestall the end. The plant shrivels and dies in a matter of days or weeks, while the offending spores can live on in the soil for a year or more.

Cool temperatures, high humidity, and moisture from rain and overhead sprinklers or irrigation systems fuel the spread of the disease. And spores in the ground can survive the winter.

Moorman believes that the downy mildew problem could cripple impatiens production and sales for years.

Source: http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/17426

Plant and Pest ManagementWhat are some of the major problems that plants encounter and what can you do as a plant care specialist to address those needs? How can you identify what your plant needs based on physical characteristics? What is the right amount of water, so your plants can thrive?

These and many other questions were addressed by Heddy Salerno, owner of Inside Plants Inc. at the Plant and Pest Management seminar held at LA Tropicals in Whittier, Calif. on March 8.

“It takes about six months of training to be able to read plants,” said Salerno. “The leaves will tell you everything. If the leaves are crunchy at the end, the plant isn’t getting enough water.”

Salerno addressed some ways to irrigate plants to help them survive. Too much water will cause it to die. Too little water and the plant will die. As a plant specialist you can control how much and when to water. Roots gather water all the time, so pay attention to roots.

Another way to help plants survive is by monitoring the amount of light the plant receives, said Salerno. Different plants require different light needs. Photosynthesis cannot take place without adequate light. Health problems in the plants will occur without light. The more light a plant receives, the faster it grows and the more water and nutrients it uses.

“A stress situation gives opportunity for the plant to get sick,” said Salerno. “We want the plants to concentrate on the growing of leaves.”

The environment that the plants live is also vital, the soil. Its composition should be 45 percent mineral matter, 5 percent organic matter, 25 percent air and 25 percent water. Varieties of soil differ due to areas. For instance California will have clay-based soils, while Hawaii will have more lava rocks.

“I don’t like to use soils with wood products because gnats feed off the wood,” said Salerno. “Soils need to have air in order for the plants to survive.”

Source: http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/17473.

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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed into three “green” bills, one intended to increase the city’s native biodiversity. The biodiversity measure mandates that the parks department adopt a policy favoring plants native to New York over exotic plants, which can out-compete native species and drive animals dependent on them into extinction, on all city-owned property. This marks a trend of cities looking to better control plant life in their territory.

One of the other laws similarly restricts the city’s planting policy. The parks department will have to start choosing more storm water-tolerant plants for the city’s green spaces, in order to sponge up runoff and decrease flooding and pollution. Every year, the law states, more than 27 billion gallons of sewage and dirty rainwater are discharged into New York Harbor when sewers overflow during storms.

Stormwater-Resistant Plant Manual To Be Available To Public

Under Intro 75A, the city Parks and Recreation Department must create a storm water resistant plant manual that will help reduce severe flooding events like that experienced by the city in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

“This bill is part of our ongoing efforts to manage and reduce runoff from big storms that cause catastrophic damage to many low-lying areas. By directing city parks to identify and install plantings that capture rainwater, we will reduce the occurrence and severity of these flooding events while also beautifying the city,” Gennaro said.

“Soil and plants together act as a big sponge and help to manage water. In this post-Sandy time it is so important that our elected leaders are focusing on the power of plants,” said Susan Lacerte, executive director of the Queens Botanical Garden. “With global warming and the shifting of where various plants grow it will be important to update the suggested plant lists as noted in the legislation, and that managers continually adapt their practices so that we can draw from all plants to solve current needs.”

Increasing Native Plant Use: The Future Of Big City Planning?

Intro 399 increases native biodiversity in public landscapes by requiring the city’s Parks and Recreation department to revise its planting design manual to maximize the use of plant species native to New York City.

“Invasive plant species cost the City millions of dollars a year to eradicate

and out-compete native plant species which are important to the City’s native biodiversity. The Parks Department has made efforts to ensure that plantings done within the City increase native biodiversity whenever possible,” Bloomberg said. “This legislation will require that the Parks Department update its design manuals to increase biodiversity in its landscape practices. Beginning next spring, all plantings conducted by the Department will conform to this manual. In addition, the Parks Department will create a native-species planting guide that will be available to the public. The planting guide will advise the public on suitable native plants, their characteristics, and compatibility with other plants.”

“This legislation promoting local biodiversity is an exciting first for New York City. Native plantings in public landscapes will provide beauty, create ecological corridors and support a sense of place. Stormwater sensitive plantings will enhance resiliency and encourage on-site groundwater recharge. Working in concert with nature to build a stronger city is a cutting-edge idea, one I’m thrilled to see being embraced here in New York City,” said Marielle Anzelone, urban ecologist and executive director of NYC Wildflower Week.

Source - http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/17488

NY Law To Promote Native Plants

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Assistant Superintendent for Environmental Stewardship (Operations) - Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board / Minneapolis, Minn. The Environmental Stewardship Division provides expertise for the care and maintenance of the Minneapolis Park system, overseeing maintenance of the park system’s physical infrastructure, equipment and fleet, natural areas and water resources, and forestry. Activities include planning for Environmental Stewardship service delivery; park, roadway and building landscaping and maintenance; forestry services for city and park trees; environmental compliance, environmental education, volunteer coordination; fleet services and specialized trades. The Assistant Superintendent for Environmental Stewardship performs a variety of routine and complex work in managing all phases of the Park Board’s environmental stewardship activities to effectively fulfill the organization’s mission in serving the community.

Seasonal Gardener - Hillwood Museum & Gardens/Washington, D.C. The seasonal gardener/laborer works full-time weekdays and some weekends. This position requires a good amount of stamina, the ability to lift 50 pounds and working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Perform garden, grounds and greenhouse tasks including watering, mulching, pruning, weeding, fertilizing and general garden maintenance. Safe operation of equipment and power tools such as walk-behind lawn mowers, blowers, tillers, trimmers, etc. Proper use of hand tools such as saws, pruners, rakes and shovels. Experience with common gardening tasks and general knowledge of plant maintenance. For more details go to www.hillwoodmuseum.org and click on “Jobs and volunteering” at the bottom of the webpage.

Gardener - Hillwood Museum & Gardens/Washington, D.C. This full-time permanent, entry-level Gardener position on the Horticulture team is responsible for routine gardens and grounds maintenance tasks such as mowing, blowing, mulching, planting trees and shrubs and seasonal displays, fertilizing, weeding, pruning, watering, snow removal etc. Schedule is a combination of weekdays and some Saturdays and Sundays. Demonstrated knowledge of equipment operation, physical strength & stamina, the ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in all weather. For more details go to www.hillwoodmuseum.org and click on “Jobs and volunteering” at the bottom of the web page.

Foreman-Landscape - Colonial Williamsburg Foundation/Williamsburg, Va. -Supervise gardeners or arborists working on assigned teams-Ensure job quality, safe practices and team performance-This is a working foreman position

Maintenance Supervisor (Landscape Coordinator) - City of Roanoke/Roanoke, Va. -Performs work involving the design, development, programming, and implementation of application systems-Performs difficult skilled work overseeing all aspects of the City’s landscape maintenance program-Supervises six landscape maintenance crews as well as multiple maintenance contracts-Performs or assists in the planning, preparation, estimation, and design of maintenance and minor construction projects-Reviews landscape plans and coordinates streetscape planting and/or renovation projects-Responsible for maintenance of approximately 900 locations within public rights-of-way and other designated locations

Facilities Management 2 (Manager, Grounds and Equipment) - Pennsylvania State University/State College, Pa.This position will be responsible for managing the equipment and vehicle fleet, the Service Garage facility, Landscape Services, and the Solid Waste Management program. The Manager of Grounds and Equipment will also serve as the person in charge of the University’s snow removal operation. Reporting to the Director of Buildings and Grounds, the manager will work with OPP leadership to provide innovative and responsible stewardship in their assigned areas and must be a person of high integrity and competence.

Landscaper - Waverly Heights, Gladwyne, Pa. Waverly Heights, Ltd., a premier life care community located on a 64 acre former estate in Gladwyne, PA, is currently seeking a Landscaper. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in all landscape maintenance activities including mowing, fertilization, reseeding, pruning shrubs and small trees, plant installation and care, equipment maintenance, insect/pest control and snow removal. A broad working knowledge of landscaping functions including turf management, seasonal landscaping tasks and safety is optimal. There is a high level of contact with Waverly residents and outside contractors, so verbal skills are needed. Waverly Heights offers excellent benefits and work environment. Qualified candidates may apply online at www.waverlyheightsltd.org.

ClassifiedsEffective March 2013: There is a $10 fee for PGMS members, $20 for non-members required to place a classified posting on the website and/or in an issue of PGMS newsletter the Forum. Postings will remain online for one month. The editor will have final editing rights. To place a classified ad on the PGMS website and in the PGMS Forum, please e-mail the ad to Meghan Brady at meghanbrady@assnhqtrs.com. For a payment form please visit http://pgms.org/job-bank/.