CLS Field Day 2026
About this Event
Join us for a day of fun on a sports field and in the classroom.
See the latest technology and maintenance practices on how to maintain sports fields, golf courses and landscape areas.
Vendors in attendance will include:
California Landscape Supply, Pro's Choice, Jacobsen, Mean Green, Kress, Quali Pro, DLF, Brandt/Grigg, Aquatrols, Scag, and Turf Tank.
See the latest technology, equipment, and techniques to maintain your sports fields, golf courses and landscape areas! From planning to finished product, we'll cover it all in this half day event.
Agenda
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Pairing the Right Solution to your Application
Host: Justin Ruiz - Quali-Pro
Info: In this course, Justin will be explaining the basics of IPM (General Understanding, Identification and Timing Decisions)
Topics covered will include: Formulation Technology and how that affects your product selection, key steps to understand mixing/safety and efficacy efficiency, and key Products for the California Market when pest pressure is elevated.
Justin's Bio - Justin graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S Horticulture and then received his Masters Degree from Washington State University achieving an M.S. in Agriculture with an emphasis on Research in Soil Science. He has been a Manufacturer Sales and Distribution Sales the past 10 years. He was a former golf course superintendent the previous 15 years highlighted by managing a top 100 facility in Arizona (The Rim Club).
Accolades:
Certified Golf Course Superintendent - GCSAA
Master Greenkeeper – BIGGA
2010 Leo Feser Award – GCSAA
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Maximizing Plant Nutrition for High Performance Turf
Host: John Erickson - Brandt
Info: This in-depth conversation will cover plant nutrition and all the factors you deal with on a yearly basis including: 1. Understanding what nutrients turfgrass need to thrive and survive. 2. Challenges we face in the California Central Valley. 3. Understanding Nutrient availability above and below the ground. 4. Granular vs. Foliar fertilizers (pros/cons). 5. How foliar and liquid fertilizers work. 6. Foliars to focus on to maximize turf density and health.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
It all starts with quality grass seed! How to read a tag and evaluate needs.
Host: Matt Duncan - DLF
Info: Learn how to evaluate your turfgrass needs and successfully read a grass seed tag to determine whether you're getting what you want.
Matt Duncan CSFM - Matt Duncan is a Professional Turf Sales Representative for DLF USA working with distributors, Golf Course Superintendents, Sports Turf Managers, and Lawn Care operators promoting and selling grass seed in those markets since 2020. Matt studied Turfgrass Science at Penn State University, has a certificate in Sports Turf Management from the University of Georgia, and is a Certified Sports Field Manager through the National Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) since 2010.
Matt has spent 17 seasons in Minor League Baseball as a Head Groundskeeper in both the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians organizations. Matt also worked on the Grounds Crew for the Cleveland Browns for 16 seasons. He also volunteers on the Grounds Crew for the Little League World Series in his hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania every summer.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Pruning for Performance: Best Practices for Trees & Shrubs
Host: Brianna Bowers - California Landscape Supply
Info: Learn the principles of proper tree and shrub pruning to improve plant health, safety, and long-term landscape appearance. This hands-on seminar will cover the best times of year to prune common ornamental trees and shrubs found throughout California's Central Valley, proper pruning techniques, how to identify pruning objectives, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're maintaining parks, school campuses, golf courses, or commercial landscapes, you'll leave with practical knowledge you can immediately apply in the field.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
The Role of Water in IPM, BMP and Plant Health
Host: Ken Mauser - Aquatrols
Info: Water is one of the most influential factors in turfgrass health, plant production and landscape management. This presentation explores the critical role water plays in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Best Management Practices (BMPs), and overall plant health. Topics will include irrigation management, soil moisture monitoring, water quality considerations, spray tank preparation, and techniques for improving pesticide efficacy and application accuracy. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on how proper water management can enhance plant performance, reduce pest and disease pressure, improve input efficiency, and support sustainable growing practices.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Championship Turf: Building Better Sports Fields from the Ground Up
Host: Dylan Aldrich - California Landscape Supply
Info: Healthy, safe, and high-performing sports fields don't happen by chance—they're built through consistent cultural practices and sound agronomic decisions. This course provides a practical, season-long approach to sports field management, covering topdressing, fertilization, irrigation, aeration, overseeding, soil health, mowing practices, and routine maintenance. Designed for landscape professionals, school districts, parks departments, and sports turf managers, attendees will gain proven strategies to improve playability, increase turf durability, reduce maintenance challenges, and keep athletic fields performing at their best year-round.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Pesticide Use Regulatory Review & Common Violations
Host: Melanie Pellegrino - Stan County Ag Commissioners Office
Info: In this class, we'll introduce the role of the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and their responsibility for pesticide use enforcement. Review pesticide laws and regulations primarily in relation to industrial, institutional, and non-agricultural pest control. Discuss common violations, case studies, regulatory updates, and compliance resources
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Battery-Electric Essentials: What You Need to Know
Host: Daniel Mabe - American Green Zone Alliance
Info: This educational session provides a practical overview of today's battery-electric landscape maintenance industry. Topics include current and emerging gas-powered equipment regulations, operational challenges, implementation strategies, and lessons learned from real-world deployments.
Attendees will also review independent case studies highlighting successful commercial implementations featuring Mean Green electric mowers and Kress commercial handheld equipment, along with the operational data and field experience behind those projects.
Whether you are just beginning to explore battery-electric equipment or are planning a broader fleet transition, this session will provide practical insights to help you make informed decisions based on real-world experience.
Untitled agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
pairing
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 28.52
