STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Since the best-managed sports fields are the safest, the Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering two workshops in February to improve the skills of field managers.

Field management workshops will be held Feb. 11 in Booneville and Feb. 18 in Columbus. Each event lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. with lunch provided. There is no cost to attend.

Michael Richard, an Extension associate in turfgrass management, is coordinating the clinics to help high school coaches, park and recreation directors, and others maintain the playing surfaces they oversee.

“Those responsible for athletic fields know that a good surface not only looks nice, but also can help prevent injuries,” Richard said. “It takes expertise to manage weed control, irrigation, fertilizer needs, and insect and disease control, and we want to equip field managers with some of this knowledge to maintain their fields at peak potential.”

The Prentiss County workshop will be held at the Booneville West Side Community Center on 110 Dallison Drive. Call 662-325-4193 for details. The Columbus event will be held at the Lowndes County office of the MSU Extension Service at 485 Tom Rose Road in Columbus. Call 662-328-2111 for details.

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation or other information, please contact Richard at 662-325-2311 or mpr160@msstate.edu.