INDUSTRY EDUCATION
We have some raised garden beds that we got a grant for, so they get to grow their own little garden outside.”
The second year at South Forsyth focuses on general horticulture, including shrubs and landscape, then transitions to turf, irrigation and equipment training. Year three is a turf and landscape class that is as hands on as the weather will allow. Turner teaches all of the classes, and his students manage the turf areas for track and field, as well as do some work on flag football, soccer, lacrosse and baseball fields.
At Thomas Dale High School, students take Landscaping 1, Landscaping 2, Turfgrass Management, and Advanced Turfgrass Management. According to Sheetz, more of his students are interested in the turfgrass industry than they are in the landscape industry.
“ We see the opportunities, especially with the new national FFA curriculum and turf management,” said Sheetz.“ I can sell that a whole lot more because our state curriculum is turf management as well, and then we would be eligible to go on to the national competition.”
Students new to the program at Thomas Dale start off learning safety and how to use equipment. They eventually take state-required written and hands-on tests for equipment safety. The classes at Thomas Dale are in-classroom during the winter and a fairly even mix of in-classroom and outdoor hands on during the fall and spring.
“ We have crews that paint, crews that mow, crews that spring trim around our stadium,” said Sheetz.“ We are student led, and our team looks at the agenda for the day, and I step back and watch. They go off on their own and choose their own paths. We manage the stadium, which is lacrosse and soccer in spring, and football in the fall. And we do all the work on our baseball and softball fields.”
Sheetz added that students often excel at different tasks; so, they handle the tasks with which they are most comfortable. He added that it is important for students to take a leadership role, even if that is just setting a string line.
All photos on pages 26-27 courtesy of Thomas Dale
High School sportsfieldmanagementonline. com May 2025 | SportsField Management
27