Dr. Frank Rossi - Reimagining the American Lawn: A Search for Environmental Harmony
MHG Meetings
Sponsored By: Metro Hort Group
Dr. Frank Rossi - Reimagining the American Lawn: A Search for Environmental Harmony
Monday, November 14, 2024
ZOOM
6:00pm–7:15pm — “Doors” open at 5:30pm
Come early to chat with one another!
The American lawn has its roots in some of the greatest advances in technology as well as some of our greatest failings as humans. Mechanical, biological and chemical technology have turned the American lawn into an energy intensive aspect of the modern urban landscape. Research has improved our understanding of the important role lawns play in vital ecosystem services that regulate, provide, enrich and support our daily increasingly urbanized lives. Understanding the linkages among urban design, communities, ecosystem services, and maintenance are the new concepts engaged in reimagining the lawn landscape. This presentation will outline best design and maintenance practices that maximize quantifiable ecosystems services, including alternatives to lawns.
Attendees will better understand the value of urban grasslands (lawns), lawn alternatives and progressive lawn maintenance less reliant on energy intensive inputs that match use to care.
Frank S. Rossi, Ph.D.
Dr. Frank S. Rossi (@fsr3) is an Associate Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University where he leads the Urban Grassland Program and teaches courses in horticulture, turfgrass science and food systems. He has advised more than 25 graduate students who have gone on to contribute to both the study and practice of turfgrass science. Since 2021 Frank has served as the Richard C. Call Director of the Agricultural Sciences Major, an interdisciplinary major of 120 students developing expertise in the science of the production, the economics and the environmental impact of food systems.
He’s published scientific books, chapters, articles, columns, videos, and podcasts, mostly because he can’t stop talking about grass. You can hear him on the popular “Frankly Speaking” Podcast @Turfnet.com.
Frank has had a long career advocating for excellence in environmental stewardship and is passionate about firm, fast, safe, playing surfaces and recognized throughout his career as among the most influential people receiving the 2017 John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award from the Metropolitan Golf Course Supt. Association and the 2018 GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship.
Frank is married and the father of three children, Past-President of his local school board, and a Gentleman Farmer specializing in humanely and pasture-raised Heritage Breed pigs and poultry (@belcantofarm).
TO REGISTER:
To attend this meeting, you must be a current Metro Hort member.
Pre-registration is required.
Members, please check your email for invitation.
Non-members, we’d love to see you there — Sign up here to join us and get this and all future invitations.
Deadline to Register: *90 minutes before meeting start-time
