Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research and Education (CENTERE) Co-directors

The Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research and Education (CENTERE) has shifted its director responsibilities from a three person management team to a two person team.

Grady Miller and Jim Kerns are the co-directors of the turf center through 2021. Thanks to Fred Yelverton for his previous service.

CENTERE promotes research on the turfgrass systems and works on creating a multidisciplinary research ‘culture’ that develops new, environmentally sustainable management strategies. Emphasis is on basic research to resolve underlying processes that can lead to long-term solutions.

North Carolina has a diverse turfgrass industry totaling 2,007,100 acres. Turfgrasses are maintained at single family dwellings, roadsides, parks, commercial properties, churches, golf courses, schools, airports, institutions and cemeteries.

Twelve turfgrass species are utilized in North Carolina. Our faculty serve the entire turfgrass industry by evaluating new and existing cultivars, production practices, fertility systems and pest management systems including weed, insect and disease management.

Turfgrass production and management programs are constantly being created or updated and improved as a result of these research efforts..