IPM News and Events Roundup 04/14/23
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center
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A helpful link on our website you may not know about:
Northeastern IPM Find a Colleague
To assist in finding new colleagues in your field of study, we invite you to post your contact information and a short profile about your work.
We are in the process of updating this link over the next few months. If you would like to Share Your Profile the Northeastern IPM Center encourages collaboration and promotes multistate partnerships through its Partnership Grants program. To assist in finding new colleagues in your field of study, we invite you to post your contact information and a short profile about your work by filling in our online form.
The Northeastern IPM Center has launched a series of webinars to highlight and foster diversity in IPM. We have invited presenters from historically marginalized groups to discuss topics related to their research, or to share their perspectives on overcoming barriers and succeeding in their chosen profession.
Please join us for the next webinar in our series:
Inclusive and Equitable Evidence-Based Approaches: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go from Here? by: Dr. Shannon Archibeque-Engle, Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence at Colorado State University.
April 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EpsUmnUlRqWjFWhtclqq5w
Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in the IPM Field: Perspectives from IPM Professionals with:
Kim Skyrm (he/him), Chief Apiary Inspector at Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and East Director for the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA),
John McMullen (they/he), Postdoctoral Fellow at Indiana University Bloomington ,
Samantha Bosco (she/they), Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education postdoctoral fellow at National Agroforestry Center (NAC),
Mary Centrella (she/her), Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE-PSEP)
June 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lytxoycDQeWn9XgEvLBDGw
To learn more, or to view recordings of past webinars in the series, visit www.northeastipm.org/ipm-in-action/deij-in-ipm/
Up-coming StopPests Webinars on IPM in Construction and Eliminating Cockroaches from Affordable Housing
Check out these up-coming training opportunities for housing and pest control professionals.
Design and Build for Pest Prevention in Multifamily Housing
Join StopPests in Housing on May 2nd, 2023 at 1:00 - 2:15 PM Eastern for a presentation for housing professionals, on incorporating integrated pest management (IPM) into new construction and capital improvement projects. Pest often exploit building openings and voids to gain access, build nests, hide out, and travel freely through buildings. Many of these gaps, openings, and design flaws can be avoided with good construction design and materials. Diane Eddings, a Wisconsin housing manager, and IPM consultant and expert, Tom Green, will share their experiences and lessons learned when working with contractors to design and build pest-proof buildings. From their recent experience working together, they’ll share with us how they incorporated pest-proof building materials, avoided gaps, voids, and openings, and what training and oversight was needed to accomplish their pest-proofing goals.
Register for the webinar here.
Questions? Email stoppests@cornell.edu
Eliminate Cockroaches from Affordable Housing with Assessment-Based Pest Management
Join StopPests in Housing on June 6th, 2023, 1:00-2:15pm Eastern to hear from Virginia Tech’s pest management expert, Dr. Dini Miller, on how assessment-based pest management works and how housing professionals can use this information to improve pest control in their buildings and developments. Dr. Miller has dedicated the greater part of her career in studying and promoting effective pest management practices. She’ll share what her years of research, and field studies in public housing have revealed and why she’s certain with effort and the right tools we can eliminate most cockroach infestations even chronic infestations in homes with sanitation issues. Join us for this informative talk for housing and pest management professionals and stick around for the last 15 minutes to listen to Dr. Miller answer your questions.
Register for the webinar here.
Questions? Email stoppests@cornell.edu
Research
Biology of Invasive Plants 3. Vincetoxicum nigrum (L.) Moench and Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbarich (cambridge.org) Authored by: Anna S. Westbrook , Lindsey R. Milbrath, Jessica Weinberg, and Antonio DiTommaso
Vincetoxicum comes from the Latin vinco (to conquer or subdue) + toxicum (poison), for the supposed use of these plants as an antidote for poison (DiTommaso et al. Reference DiTommaso, Lawlor and Darbyshire2005b). The specific epithet rossicum is a Latinized reference to the presumed origin of V. rossicum in Russia, whereas nigrum is Latin for “black” in reference to the flower color of V. nigrum. The identities of North American specimens of V. nigrum and V. rossicum were confirmed by Gaina Konechnaya and Nikolai Tsvelev, Institute of Botany, Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia (personal communication). In addition to the two invasive Vincetoxicum species, a third species, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik. [syn.: Cynanchum vincetoxicum (L.) Pers., Vincetoxicum officinale Moench], occupies a large native range in Eurasia but appears only to be a rare garden escape elsewhere, not showing invasive tendencies like V. rossicum and V. nigrum. Some workers have considered V. rossicum to be a dark-flowered form of the V. hirundinaria species complex (Gleason and Cronquist Reference Gleason and Cronquist1991; Lauvanger and Borgen Reference Lauvanger and Borgen1998) as hybrids between the two are known (Markgraf Reference Markgraf1971).
Culex (Phenacomyia) lactator (Diptera: Culicidae) in southern Florida, USA: a new subgenus and species country record (academic.oup.com)
The Culex subgenus Phenacomyia is a small and poorly studied group of three mosquito species native to the American tropics. Here, we report the first detections of established populations of Culex (Phenacomyia) lactator Dyar & Knab in three counties of southern Florida. Culex lactator was first detected in May 2018 in southern Miami-Dade County, and, at this locality, was collected in subsequent years from 2018 to 2022 as both adults and immatures.
Invasive yellow crazy ants create male ‘chimeras’ to reproduce (sciencenews.org)
Yellow crazy ants break the rules of reproduction.
Every male ant contains separate populations of cells from two distinct genetic lineages, making them “chimeras,” researchers report in the April 7 Science. Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are the first known species that requires chimerism to create fertile males.
It’s “an elegant response to the kinds of unusual mating systems we’ve observed in other ants,” says evolutionary geneticist Waring “Buck” Trible of Harvard University, who was not involved in the study. “We might consider this as the next evolutionary step” in ants.
Biology and Management of Lesser Mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Broiler Houses (academic.oup.com)
Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), the lesser mealworm, is a ubiquitous generalist ?pest of poultry broiler and layer facilities, originating in southern Africa and now found worldwide. They spend their full life cycle within the litter and manure of poultry, causing structural damage to poultry houses, injuring birds, and acting as a reservoir for several avian pathogens, notably Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. Management commonly consists of spraying walls and floors of poultry houses with organophosphates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or spinosyns between flocks, and periodic removal and replacement of litter. Populations have been observed to become resistant to specific insecticides after ca. 10 yr of consistent use and exhibit cross resistance to insecticides of the same mode of action. Alternative cultural and biological control methods have been identified but are not currently implemented.
Research in the News
Calling all canines: Help sniff out the dangerous spotted lanternfly (vtx.vt.edu)
Officials in infested states have brainstormed different approaches to stop the spread of this deadly leafhopper. Stomp, squash, or smash the dastardly bug, they say. Now, researchers in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are experimenting with a new approach and calling upon dogs in the fight against the spotted lanternfly. With a four-year, $475,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, Erica Feuerbacher, an associate professor of applied animal welfare and behavior in the School of Animal Sciences, and Mizuho Nita, a Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist and an associate professor in the School for Plant and Environmental Sciences, have partnered with researchers at Texas Tech University to combat both the spotted lanternfly and the deadly fungal disease powdery mildew with the help of canines and their citizen-scientist counterparts.
Spring Weedy Grass Control in Grass Hay and Pasture (extension.psu.edu)
The forsythia is starting to bloom. This is a great natural indication that it is time to make applications of residual herbicides to control germinating summer annual weeds, especially grasses.
Early Spring Weeds in No-Till Fields (extension.psu.edu)
Warmer temperatures and rainfall occurring across much of the state are causing weeds to flourish. Many of these weeds started their growth last fall and overwintered as a rosette. However, there will be some that germinate from seed this spring. These weeds will cause problems with planting in no-till settings if they are not adequately controlled. Before burndown herbicide programs are considered, it is best to know what weeds you are targeting to best determine what products to use and when to apply them for optimum performance.
New Pesticide Exposure Test Developed to Protect Inexperienced Cannabis Farmers (news.utoledo.edu)
A chemical analyst and expert in micro-extraction at The University of Toledo created a more reliable, robust and efficient way to monitor pesticide exposure and help protect the health and safety of agricultural workers, especially for emerging sectors like the cannabis industry.
Dr. Emanuela Gionfriddo, an assistant professor of analytical chemistry, and Nipunika H. Godage, a Ph.D. candidate in UToledo’s Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis, published research in the journal Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry outlining their groundbreaking method that is able to detect 79 pesticide residues in human blood plasma at “ultra-trace” levels, or parts per trillion.
With a Little Gardening Help from Some Friends (unh.edu)
Recently, a team of New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station scientists made up of UNH faculty and alumni published research in Environmental Entomology examining the role of annual insectary plants—which are flowering plants grown to attract, feed and shelter beneficial insects—in serving as habitats for syrphid flies. Also known as hover or flower flies, syrphids appear as a mix of a housefly and honeybee—typically with black and white or yellow bands across their bodies—and derive their name from their behavior of hovering over flowers and other plants. And while adult syrphids prefer nectar and pollen for a meal, many species of syrphid larva will consume large numbers of common pests, such as aphids.
Other News
USDA Asks Americans to Protect Plants by Looking for Invasive Pests in April (usda.gov)
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is declaring April 2023 Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month (IPPDAM). This national outreach month is dedicated to highlighting the impact of invasive plant pests and diseases on plants nationwide and informing Americans how they can help reduce their spread. IPPDAM aims to raise public awareness about the threat and how U.S. residents can help protect U.S. resources from hungry pests.
News on Fuerte herbicide, BioWorks products, and Thrips parvispinus (growertalks.com)(JC Chong)
What the ... ?
Fuerte available in CA
BioWorks product compatibility
Pest management articles
Thrips parvispinus website
2023 a Potentially Bad Year for Honey Bees (morningagclips.com)
A massively destructive hurricane in Florida last year, a very stormy winter in California, and higher than average colony losses mean that 2023 is positioned to be a bad year for honey bees.
“I talked with a beekeeper recently who hadn’t lost more than 20% of his colonies in several years but lost 90% of his bees this year,” said Tim Lawrence, a recently retired Washington State University Extension associate professor who worked with the insects. “And he’s far from alone. I’ve heard from many beekeepers suffering high losses this year.”
Maryland Agencies to Treat Potomac River for Black Fly Control (morningagclips.com)
MDA will apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-based larvicide via helicopter (Bell 206 Long Ranger, green and white paint scheme. Tail number is N641HA). Bti is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soils. It is a bacterial insecticide, not a chemical, and is only harmful to a very limited variety of organisms, including midge, black fly, and mosquito larvae and a few other aquatic Dipteran (flies) insects.
Florida, USA: An invasive thrips species has started to wreak havoc (iapps2010.me)
An invasive thrips species has started to wreak havoc in Florida. The insect was first detected in Florida in 2020 but has since spread significantly across the state. What once was isolated to greenhouses now has begun to harm a wide range of plants including those in residential landscapes. The insect, Thrips parvispinus — commonly known as pepper thrips — is one of the smallest thrips species in Florida. Its size makes it challenging to detect. The tiny insects fly and hop from plant to plant, rasping the plant with their mouth parts and sucking the sap. Feeding on the plant restricts the plant’s growth and reduces crop yields. Researchers don’t know of any viruses this species transmits, but often, thrips can transmit viruses between plants, killing the plants.
Maine Forest Service Emerald Ash Borer Emergency Order (maine.gov)
The Director of the Maine Forest Service can implement an emergency order to limit the spread of destructive forest pests. The authority for the order is found in?Maine Revised Statutes Title 12, Section 8305
In the case of?the?emerald ash borer, an emergency order is used to help prevent the further spread of emerald ash borer while revised quarantine rules are drafted, proposed, and adopted by the Department
CDFA AWARDS $1.1 MILLION FOR INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (cdfa.ca.gov)
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has awarded $1.1 million in funding to support two integrated pest management technical assistance (TA) projects. The projects will help growers implement integrated pest management practices.
Integrated pest management, or IPM, is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on the long-term prevention of pests through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of agricultural practices, and use of resistant plant varieties. Deciding what pest control tool to use can be complex, and technical assistance can provide growers with information about how to best control pests on their operations.
MOFGA Programs Continue to Offer Critical Support for Maine Farmers Impacted by PFAS (mofga.org)
When the ubiquity of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) chemical contamination of farmland in Maine made headlines last winter, MOFGA jumped into action. Partnering with the Maine Farmland Trust (MFT), MOFGA created the PFAS Emergency Relief Fund and provided much needed financial assistance to farmers irrevocably impacted by PFAS contamination, developed farmer programs to offer technical support, and advocated for policy changes to “turn off the tap” on PFAS in Maine.
Invasive foreign ants becoming dominant species in Florida, says new research: 'Concerning trend' (foxnews.com)
New research is indicating that invasive foreign ants that have hitched rides on global imports are slowly becoming the dominant species in the state of Florida. Populations of non-native leaf-litter ants have skyrocketed in the Sunshine State in recent years — with native populations falling alongside them, SWNS reported. The number of non-native ants has nearly doubled in the past half-century in some areas, the study suggested.
Southern Region Land-grant Researchers Finding Feral Hog Solutions (lsuagcenter.com)
Feral hogs are a nuisance in many areas of the United States, causing billions of dollars in damage. They are reported in 35 states with a population of approximately nine million hogs causing billions in damages each year. They eat crops, dig up trees and devour food that other animals depend on.
Seeking Nominees
USDA Seeks Nominees to Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers. This committee recommends solutions to challenges faced by minority farmers and ranchers, and is part of USDA’s commitment to advance equity for all, especially for farmers and producers in underserved communities. The Committee is administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).
The Committee was established in the Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 to ensure that underserved farmers have equal access to USDA programs. Advisory Committee members will represent underserved farmers and farming communities and should also reflect the diversity of agriculture in geography, size, scale and type of production. Members will include: six or more farmers or ranchers; two or more individuals from minority-serving institutions of higher education; two or more individuals from community-based nonprofit organizations; and two or more individuals with civil rights and equity expertise. Interested candidates may nominate themselves. The Committee consists of 15 members who serve two-year terms and may be reappointed for an additional two terms.
All nomination packages received by April 24, 2023 will be considered.
Requests for Input
NEWVEC began as a partnership of university research teams from each of the six New England states joining with state and local health departments and agricultural Extension programs to discover, evaluate, and promote practices that reduce the burden of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. NEWVEC’s inaugural undertaking is Project ITCH (“Is Tick Control Helping”). Project ITCH will be carried out in two phases starting Spring 2023.
In Project ITCH - phase 1, NEWVEC is asking for participation of consumers to share what they are doing at home to reduce the incidence of ticks and tick bites. Whether you are hiring a company
to spray your lawn, going with a DIY approach, or just crossing your fingers, we’d like to learn more about your experience.
In Project ITCH – phase 2, NEWVEC will gather the information shared, and through a lottery process, select residential properties to participate in a research study to test what’s working. NEWVEC will partner with participants to answer the question, “Is Tick Control Helping.” And while participating households will get a free evaluation of their property, the results of Project ITCH will inform all residents about best practices to protect themselves, their families and their pets.
It all starts with you taking a few moments to answer a few survey questions. Participants in this survey will be eligible for consideration for Phase 2 enrollment in the future. To learn more about NEWVEC and Project ITCH, go to https://www.newvec.org/itch and/or sign-up to receive updates on NEWVEC projects.
Participation Needed: Identifying Research Priorities of Managers
You are being invited to participate in a research study titled, “Identifying Research Priorities of Managers Related to Invasive Species and Climate Change” by Dr. Bethany Bradley from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. You were selected to participate in this study because as a member of one or more invasive species listservs, your knowledge of invasive species management is critical for prioritizing research.
Why are we doing this research study? This study aims to facilitate communication between scientists and natural resource managers on the topic of invasive species and climate change and update management priorities for managers in the Northeast. Climate change is likely to cause invasive species management priorities and approaches to shift. Your participation will help us understand the current needs of natural resource managers for addressing these combined threats so that we can continue to develop and disseminate relevant research and management tools/resources.
Biological Opinions Available for Public Comment and Links to Final Opinions (epa.gov)
In accordance with the stakeholder input process for ESA pesticide consultations, EPA is posting draft biological opinions for public comment from either the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) prior to being finalized to ensure an open and transparent process and to ensure that measures taken to protect threatened and endangered species are both feasible and effective. Below are links to the currently available biological opinions (BiOps).
Who should take this survey: Those working in public agencies focused on controlling disease vectors (e.g. mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, bedbugs) as a public service. Also, those who work for private companies and are contracted by public entities to control disease vectors.
Thank you for your interest in this survey distributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Vector-borne Diseases in Fort Collins, CO. This survey aims to evaluate the capacity of vector management programs receiving public funds in the Upper?Midwest, mid-Atlantic,?Northeast, and Pacific coast in the United States to conduct tick surveillance and control, educate the public about tick-bite prevention, and assess the efficacy of tick control efforts. Survey data will allow CDC to identify barriers to the development of comprehensive tick management programs, assess the feasibility of key program components, and determine ways CDC can partner with vector control organizations to expand the tick management community of practice. We sincerely appreciate your time and effort in completing this survey. Participation in this survey is entirely voluntary. All data will be aggregated, and no personally identifiable information will be collected. Aggregated results data will be presented at professional meetings, included in peer-reviewed publications, and guide the development and enhancement of new and existing tick control programs. If you have questions or encounter errors during the survey, please contact tickcontrol@cdc.gov.
We would like to collect only one completed survey from each organization; however, we encourage groups of personnel within the organization to answer the survey together.
DISCLAIMER: Neither the authors of this survey nor CDC endorse any of the tick control or surveillance methods mentioned in this survey.
We are inviting you to complete an online survey about your farm business and your plans for the future. The purpose of this research is to understand how farms are adapting to the rapidly changing farm labor environment in New York state. Summary results and findings will be shared with participating farm employers.
We do not anticipate any risks for farm employers from participating in this research. Only project researchers will have access to the data in a secure electronic storage and results will only be reported as group data. At no time will any personally identifiable data be publicly reported. Your participation is this research is voluntary and you can stop at any time.
The main researcher is Richard Stup, director of Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development. Contact him at rstup@cornell.edu or (607) 255-7890 with any questions about survey content.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your rights as a subject in this study, contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Human Participants at 607-255-5138 or access their website at www.irb.cornell.edu.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public nominations of scientific and technical experts for consideration to serve as ad hoc reviewers assisting the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) with the review of the Agency’s analysis and assessment of ecological risk from atrazine use. EPA is also announcing a three-day public virtual meeting on August 22-24, 2023, starting at 10:00 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. EDT on Examination of Microcosm/Mesocosm Studies for Evaluating the Effects of Atrazine on Aquatic Plant Communities.
Nominations must be submitted on or before April 24, 2023. These nominations will be used to assist the Agency in selecting approximately 8-12 ad hoc reviewers to assist the FIFRA SAP with their review. The review will take place during the August public meeting. Registration information for the meeting will be announced on the FIFRA SAP website in July.
Individuals nominated for this FIFRA SAP peer review should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: aquatic plant community ecology; aquatic community ecology; plant community ecology; algae community ecology; aquatic plant ecology; aquatic toxicity; ecotoxicity; plant toxicity; algae toxicity; and/or mesocosm experiments. Nominees should be scientists with sufficient professional qualifications, including training and experience, to provide expert comments on the scientific issues for this review.
2023 Pesticide Use and Resistance Survey for the Northeast
NEVBD Pesticide Resistance Monitoring Program is asking those working in state- and county-level public health and vector control agencies in the Northeast region to complete the survey to direct their program. Your participation is essential to the continuing development of the pesticide resistance monitoring program. Please note: this survey is targeting professionals working in the Northeast region specifically.
Clicking on the link below will take you to the pesticide use and resistance survey, which should only take between 10-to-15 minutes to complete and will ask questions relevant to the following subjects:
2023 Pesticide Use and IR Monitoring Survey
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
Topic: The International Weed Genomics Consortium (IWGC) is a partnership between academic, industry and government entities from around the globe, whose major objective is to sequence reference genomes for the world's worst weeds. To date the IWGC has been involved with sequencing and annotating over 30 species and 50 genomes. Our hope is that these genomes serve as a launching point for new discovers in weed management and invasive weed control. In this seminar we will cover what the IWGC is, how to get involved, what kinds of opportunities are available, and some early success stories and applications for these reference genomes, with the hope that you will be inspired and utilize these resources as they become publicly available.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Patterson's research program uses the most current genomics techniques to understand the structure and plasticity of weedy genomes, and how that plasticity influences the success of weedy species. We are especially interested in how genome rearrangements form and are used as novel sources of genetic variation for weed adaptation to abiotic stresses. Dr. Patterson provides technical support for the efforts of the International Weed Genomes Consortium (IWGC).
April 19, 2023 01:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
IPM Institute of North America, Inc.
Last year, the EPA proposed to categorize all?second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides for restricted use, make changes to some first-generation anti-coagulant rodenticide statuses and adjust application methods within certain areas of the US. The 11 rodenticides include brodifacoum, bromadiolone, bromethalin, chlorophacinone, cholecalciferol, difenacoum, difethialone, diphacinone (and its sodium salt), strychnine, warfarin (and its sodium salt) and zinc phosphide.
ABC’s Director of Government Relations,?Hardy Kern, will describe these restrictions and explain the EPA’s motivation to adopt these restrictions to protect endangered species and wildlife.
Following discussion of the new restrictions, urban rodentologist,?Dr. Bobby Corrigan,?and GSC founder,?Dr. Thomas Green,?will review the rodent trapping, baiting, exclusion and sanitation strategies that structural pest control professionals can adopt to meet and exceed these EPA rodenticide restrictions.
GSC clients can access this webinar for free. To learn more about GSC’s sustainable pest control standards, please visit?bit.ly/GSCpmp.
This presentation qualifies for pesticide applicator continuing education units in FL, IN, MI, OH and PA.
Register at?http://bit.ly/EPArodenticides
What’s Bugging You? First Friday Events (New York State IPM Program)
Fridays | 12:00 pm. – 12:30 p.m. EDT | Zoom | Free; registration required
In this monthly virtual series, we explore timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. What is IPM? It's a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.
2023 What’s Bugging You First Friday Schedule
Join us Live on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.
- May 5: Spotted lanternfly update | Stinging insect ID
- June 2: Common Garden insects | Poison ivy management
- July 7: Pest of home berry plants | Spiders in the home
- August 4: Groundhog management | Bat exclusion
- September 1: Right plant, right place | Transplanting trees/shrubs
- October 6: Jumping worms | Roof gutter pests
- November 3: Winter Garden prep | Tick check reminder
- December 1: Houseplant IPM | Firewood pests
Register for upcoming events before our session on May 5, 2023.
What’s Bugging You First Friday events are in Spanish this year. Individuals interested in these events can find more information on this website: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/whats-bugging-you-webinars/conozca-su-plaga
And can register using this form: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OQDpakcGrSd3tc
NC RISCC spring 2023 webinar series. This virtual series aims to 1) introduce community members to different existing decision support tools to manage invasive species in a changing climate and 2) gather community input to inform the development of new tools. Advanced registration is required to attend the webinars. Register here.
Blue Ridge PRISM Spring Meeting: "All About Callery Pear" with special guest David Coyle (Free webinar w/Q&A)
Wednesday, April 19, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Blue Ridge PRISM will welcome Dr. David Coyle as the speaker during its spring meeting. This will be a live webinar. A recognized expert on forest health and invasive species, Dr. Coyle will take us through the problematic history of the Callery pear, how and why it got to the United States, and its current infestation status. He will also talk about the applied research he has done to demonstrate ecological impacts as well as discuss some management strategies that do (and do not) work to mitigate its spread.
Dr. Coyle will have a Q&A with the audience at the end of his presentation.
Cost: Free
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/551792214367
Annette Evans (University of Massachusetts Amherst) and Chuck Bargeron (University of Georgia)
May 5, 2023, 10 - 11 am MT
Tool overview: An existing, web-based tool that aggregates observation data to provide a database of invasive species and pest population information for the US and Canada. EDDMapS also includes a range shift listing tool that provides information for selected species under future climate conditions which can aid invasive species prevention and early detection.
Tool overview: The final webinar will introduce a new system that is in development - an online portal that will house existing tools and datasets to aid invasive species management - from species distribution models to occurrence data and more. This centralized hub will facilitate early detection and rapid response to biological threats across the US.
Please forward this information to anyone you think might be interested. You can find more information about the webinar series including speaker bios here. Please email us at nc_riscc@colorado.edu with any questions.
Amy Wray (USGS)
June 2, 2023, 10 - 11 am MT
Tool overview: The final webinar will introduce a new system that is in development - an online portal that will house existing tools and datasets to aid invasive species management - from species distribution models to occurrence data and more. This centralized hub will facilitate early detection and rapid response to biological threats across the US.
Speaker bio:
Amy Wray is a Biologist and Technical Outreach Coordinator at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center, working on the National Early Detection Rapid Response Information System. She is originally from San Diego, CA, and completed her PhD in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Amy was a postdoc and lab manager at the University of Wyoming before relocating to Colorado, and her previous research interests focused on wildlife disease and community ecology.
2023 IR-4 Project Research Symposium: Food Crops
Sustainable Landscapes and Integrated Pest Management
SAVE THE DATE
Learn how to create a more sustainable, environmentally friendly landscape while reducing the impacts of pests during NYSIPM’s 2023 Annual Conference. Speakers will provide insight and instruction on incorporating sustainability and trusted IPM strategies to create landscapes that combine ecological, climate and societal considerations to achieve a more beautiful space with less work.
Event date: Thursday - June 15, 2023
Registration coming soon
INTEGRATED MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT UTILIZING UAVS AND ATVS (90-minute webinar)
Mosquito control districts are increasingly using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as both monitoring tools and for applying pesticides. This webinar will explore how these technologies are evolving and becoming integrated into mosquito management programs. Federal and local experts will also discuss potential limitations and regulatory challenges with UAVs and ATVs. This webinar will provide the attendees an opportunity to obtain continuing education credits from the following state agencies and organizations: * State Lead Agencies: TBD * Organizations: TBD
Event date: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM EDT
Save these Dates for upcoming IR-4 Events
2023 Environmental Horticulture Workshop
The 2023 EHC Priority Setting Workshop will be held October 12-14 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The 2023 Food Use Workshop will be held September 12 – 14 in Raleigh, NC.
2023 Industry Technology Session
The 2023 Industry Technology Session will take place virtually on Thursday, July 20.
Employment Opportunities
University of Maryland (several positions posted)
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution in the University System of Maryland. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Job Links:
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Assistant Clinical Professor - PTK
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Asst. Professor Agriculture and Extension Education
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Assistant Prof. and Extension Spec. – Weed Ecology
Environmental Science & Technology: Nutrient Management Advisor: Worcester County
Greenhouse Supervisor, Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station
Cornell University
The Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two-core separate but related functions -- the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula grants.
The Cornell AES greenhouse operations on and around the Cornell Campus are, with 127,000 square feet, the largest non-commercial greenhouse facility in the state. The 146 compartments are primarily used as teaching and research facilities, housing 300 to 400 research projects at any given time. Plant services for all these projects are provided by the dedicated greenhouse staff, which is responsible for the setup, daily care, and maintenance.
NYS’s Paul Smith’s College – Adirondack Watershed Commission
Full-Time Year-Round Positions:
Are you interested in joining our full-time year-round staff? Our team conducts scientific research, advances stewardship and community outreach efforts, and is dedicated to our mission of protecting clean water. Our current openings range from administrative support, working with our Stewardship Team, or with our science team.
Seasonal Positions:
Are you interested in having a positive impact with people and the lands & waters of the Adirondack Park? AWI hires over 100 people for summer jobs throughout the Adirondack region. These seasonal jobs offer experience in environmental science, environmental interpretation, and natural resource management. Positions range from watercraft inspection stewards working on the front lines of aquatic invasive species spread prevention, to research technicians assisting with lab and field operations in our environmental research lab.
NYS DEC Short-term positions:
NYS DEC Forest Health Strike Teams: May 17th-August 17th (ongoing recruitment, open until filled)
Locations: Avon, Albany and New Paltz. Forestry Technician positions $18.22/hour
As part of a Forest Health Strike Team, selected candidates will work in the field to survey for target invasive and non-native species. Strike teams collect valuable data on insect, disease, and other forest disturbances. The program uses this data to monitor, analyze, report on, make management decisions regarding forest damage causing agents, and to help public and private landowners and managers address these issues. Target organisms may vary by location and changing conditions. Specialized training will be provided, both remotely and in the field.
Forestry Technician Minimum Qualifications: Thirty (30) semester credit hours, including twelve (12) semester credit hours in forestry, which must include at least one course in three or more of the following areas: botany, dendrology, forest biology, forest ecology, forest ecosystem management, forest entomology, forest health, forest mensuration, forest pathology, forest protection, forest soils, general soils, geographic information systems, land surveying and silviculture OR One (1) year of technical forestry experience in one (1) or more of the following areas: forest management, including sale and removal of timber products; nursery management, including the transplanting of tree or shrub seedlings; forest pest management, including control of diseases and insect pests
To Apply: Applicants should supply a letter of intent, resume, transcript (unofficial is fine) and contact information for three professional references to Jason Denham jason.denham@dec.ny.gov. Make sure to indicate which office locations you are applying for.
Watercraft Steward Program:
Watercraft Stewards and Program Coordinators
This program is responsible for public outreach and education on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges staff, Watercraft Stewards will offer inspections of watercraft for AIS and will educate boaters on AIS and prevention protocols. Inspections include AIS removal and identification, and data collection. Training will be provided. Program Coordinators will be responsible for supervising the Finger Lakes Institute's Watercraft Stewards and assist the program manager in various aspects of running the program. This is a great program for anyone looking to spend time outdoors this summer, and for those looking to build on a career in environmental studies or science, conservation, interpretation, ecology, or biology. Build valuable skills in communication, education, plant identification, and more by joining our watercraft steward team!
Positions Available: 20+ at $16.50 - $19.00/hour
Locations: Public boat launches on Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco and Otisco Lakes and surrounding areas, Whitney Point Reservoir, Sodus Bay and parts of the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY.
To apply, and for more information about the Watercraft Steward position, follow this link: https://www.hws.edu/offices/hr/employment/summer.aspx
To apply, and for more information about the Watercraft Steward Program Coordinator position, follow this link: https://www.hws.edu/offices/hr/employment/temp.aspx
Aquatic Invasive Species Field Crews:
With assistance from Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM), these positions will assist in field work related to various aquatic invasive species (AIS) programs. Crews will work with managers to survey, monitor, and manage high-priority AIS. Crews will collect plant survey and water quality data on waterbodies throughout the Finger Lakes region. Training is included. These are great positions for anyone looking to spend time outdoors this summer, and for those looking to begin a career in the fields of environmental studies or science, conservation, ecology, or biology. Build valuable skills in plant identification, data collection, field work, teamwork and more by joining one of our field teams!
Positions: 5 at $17.50 - $18.50/hour
Locations: Geneva, NY, with travel throughout the Finger Lakes Region
To apply, and for more information, follow this link: https://www.hws.edu/offices/hr/employment/summer.aspx
Terrestrial Invasive Species Field Crew:
With assistance from Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM), will assist in field work, outreach, and education related to various terrestrial invasive species (TIS) programs. Crews will work with managers to survey, monitor, and manage high-priority TIS throughout the Finger Lakes region. Crews will collect plant survey data on throughout the Finger Lakes region, and will participate in mechanical removals at high priority sites. Training is included. These are great positions for anyone looking to spend time outdoors this summer, and for those looking to begin a career in the fields of environmental studies or science, conservation, ecology, or biology. Build valuable skills in plant identification, data collection, field work, teamwork and more by joining one of our field teams!
Positions: 2 at $17.50 - $18.50/hour
Locations: Geneva, NY, with travel throughout the Finger Lakes Region
To apply, and for more information, follow this link: https://www.hws.edu/offices/hr/employment/summer.aspx
Rutgers University
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is searching for a community-engaged scholar to provide statewide leadership, educational programming, and applied research-based expertise in our Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM), focusing specifically on tree and small fruit production. This 12-month, 100% Extension-funded tenure-track position, to be housed at an off-campus Rutgers NJAES Extension Research Farm or county Extension office (TBD), offers an exciting opportunity for developing new strategic and innovative initiatives in the areas of tree and small fruit production and sustainability.
Posting Close Date 05/01/2023
Assistant Extension Specialist
Rutgers University
The Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics invites qualified candidates to apply for a tenure-track faculty position as an Assistant Extension Specialist (equivalent to Assistant Professor) in Farm Viability. This is a 12-month tenure track position, housed in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics. The Assistant Extension Specialist will hold a majority appointment in Rutgers Cooperative Extension and is expected to be an active member of the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics. The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead externally funded research and extension programs that support and strengthen the viability of New Jersey farms, spanning different scales, commodities, and production systems. The expected outcomes are identifying needs and providing program outreach to underserved farmers and agricultural constituencies. Programmatic emphases will include sustainable agricultural production, diversified farming systems, climate resilience, feasibility analysis, farm management and business decision-making, and the development of marketing strategies. In addition, the Specialist is expected to participate in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching and advisement of independent research projects in the field of expertise.
Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor, Insect Diagnostician
Utah State University
Utah State University seeks an accomplished and collaborative insect diagnostician and pest management specialist to join the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab (UPPDL) in the Department of Biology, USU Logan campus. The successful candidate will have a solid background in insect and arthropod identification and pest management, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in Extension. The composition of the position is 95% Extension and 5% service.
This is a non-tenure track, faculty appointment at the Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor rank with opportunity for promotion. Review of applicants will begin in late March 2023 and will continue until the position is filled, with a tentative start of June 1, 2023. This position is not eligible for remote work.
Agricultural Climate Energy Specialist
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)
MDAR seeks applicants for the position of Agricultural Climate Energy Specialist (EA III) within the Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance (DACTA). The position will support work that advances climate smart initiatives on farms including clean energy and energy efficiency and climate resiliency. The Specialist will have a working knowledge of agriculture and a desire to improve climate resiliency of farm operations in Massachusetts.
The position is full-time and is based in the Southborough, Lakeville or Boston Office. The workplace has recently transitioned to a hybrid work model that includes a combination of working in the office and remotely. The position will report to the DACTA Division Director and the type of person we are seeking is one who is reliable, detailed oriented, tech-savvy, and has a willingness to learn, ask questions when in doubt, and become a valuable, contributing member of our team. This person should also have strong writing skills and be able to work with others in a collaborative team environment. The person will work closely with the Department’s Alternative Energy Specialist.
The SARE Fellows program provides an immersive educational experience for participants to enhance their understanding of sustainable agriculture through broad-based training and interpersonal interactions at unique agriculture operations nationwide. Participating Fellows build professional relationships, improve their teaching and technology transfer skills, and are better prepared to develop programs that meet the needs of their local agricultural communities.
Program Details
The Fellows program is a two-year commitment and participants are selected on a competitive basis. Each year, one individual from each of the four SARE regions is chosen resulting in a total of eight Fellows participating in any given year.
State-based study tours are the core of the program. The tours are three to four days long and are held every spring and fall. They occur in each region on a rotating schedule, so that each Fellow visits all four regions during their two-year program. Specific dates are chosen by the host state with input from the participants. Selected Fellows agree to participate in all four study tours over the two-year period.
After completing the program, the graduating class of Fellows facilitates a “Reading the Farm” super seminar and farm tour at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) annual meeting.
All travel, meal, and lodging expenses will be covered by the program. Additionally, participants receive a complete SARE library and are eligible for a $1,500 stipend after successful completion of all four study tours. Stipends must be used for program support in their own professional outreach activities, which will require a plan of work and final report.
For more information see SARE Fellows Program Eligibility and Application.
Research Associate II, Extension Vegetable Program
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware Carvel Research and Education Center serves as the experiment station and county extension office for southern Delaware in Sussex County. This facility provides the setting for applied research in many areas coupled with the dissemination of these results and additional information to Sussex County residents as well as to the state and region.
The University of Delaware Extension Vegetable and Fruit Program conducts applied research and provides Extension support to Delaware’s vegetable and fruit growers. This position will support a grant funded research project in the area of lima bean breeding and genetics and vegetable variety trials. Funding is in place for 3 years with continued funding support anticipated. The Research Associate will work under the supervision of the Extension Vegetable and Fruit Scientist/Specialist.
Mountain Top Arboretum (MTA), in Tannersville, NY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - The Mountain Top Arboretum (MTA), in Tannersville, NY seeks an energetic, entrepreneurial, mission-driven professional to become MTA’s next Executive Director (ED). Working closely with its engaged and dedicated Board of Directors and in collaboration with the Director of Horticulture & Environmental Stewardship, the new ED will be responsible for advancing the organization financially, strategically, programmatically, administratively, and operationally. This is an outstanding opportunity for a professional who is committed to excellence in nonprofit organizational leadership; who has the vision to leverage our strong organization and drive it to the next stage of growth and long-term sustainability; and who is passionate about horticulture/public gardens, education, environmental stewardship, and the Catskills. Critical priorities for this role include: 1) assuring the Arboretum’s long-term financial health and sustainability through robust fundraising, donor stewardship, and the development of new revenue streams; 2) enthusiastically implementing MTA’s recently-adopted Strategic Plan; 3) guiding the day-to-day administration as well as growing the organization’s staffing and programmatic capacity consistent with the anticipated growth of financial resources; 4) creating synergies and partnerships, with other organizations, that amplify MTA’s local and regional impact; 5) advancing our position as a cultural and educational asset to the Mountain Top community and an organizational jewel in the greater Catskills crown. We seek a candidate who embraces our vision, mission, and values; who will champion the Arboretum with leadership excellence and unquestioned integrity.
Seasonal horticulturist (Part time)
The Arboretum seeks to hire a part-time seasonal Horticulturist reporting to the Executive Director. The employee will work in all aspects of plant care throughout the property with a particular focus on the detailed maintenance of the Arboretum’s displays and natural areas. The qualified candidate is passionate about plants and nomenclature, has a discerning eye, a strong work ethic, enjoys interacting with the public and would like an opportunity to gain broad experience in a small but high quality organization.
Interested applicants should send a resume to Marc Wolf, Executive Director, at marc@mtarboretum.org
The Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer.
This is a part-time seasonal position, up to four days/week, approx. May 1 - October 15, 2023.
Compensation: $20-$22.50/hour, commensurate with experience
The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking an Ecological Field Specialist to assist with the planning and implementation of ecological management and stewardship activities and projects in the Central Pine Barrens that foster biological diversity, natural resource conservation, water resource protection, and ecosystem protection and restoration, and the implementation of a scientific ecological research program.
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking an energetic, passionate, experienced and collaborative Executive Director to provide visionary leadership to its dynamic staff, board, and partners. In joining NCAT’s staff, the Executive Director must be deeply committed to public service and to becoming part of our high performing, passionate, and diverse team.
Founded in 1976, NCAT is a national, private nonprofit organization providing trusted, individualized technical assistance, hands-on training opportunities, practical educational resources, and peer-to-peer learning networks on nationally acclaimed projects in food, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. NCAT has field offices in 11 states. At close of 2022, the organization had an annual budget of $7 million, with major additional funding expected to be finalized in 2023 for roles or leadership in five Climate Smart Agriculture Partnerships, plus additional new agriculture and energy projects. NCAT is committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in its work and organization.
Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2023 or until a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are encouraged. All persons interested in being considered for the position must submit a current resume and cover letter highlighting their experience and skills at https://ncat.bamboohr.com/jobs/.
Questions about the application process can be directed to: Kriss Sullivan, Director of Human Resources; email: jobs@ncat.org.
University of Georgia
UGA-Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health-Tifton Campus
Post-Doctoral Associate
BASE ANNUAL SALARY: $53,000
GENERAL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS: This Postdoctoral Research Associate position will work on mapping and modeling invasive and potentially invasive species to North America as part of a U.S. Forest Service funded project. This grant-funded position is initially funded for 19 months and could be extended if additional funding is available. The primary work will be utilizing distribution data from EDDMapS (www.eddmaps.org) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (www.gbif.org) to model and map species distribution with variables of current and future climate, current land cover, and human population density. The position will be located in the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health and will work closely with the Center faculty and staff.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Doctorate in a relevant discipline (e.g., invasive species, forestry, natural resource management, ecology, entomology, weed science) with expertise in data management and geospatial analysis, particularly as it relates to species modeling and distribution. Candidates will demonstrate and be committed to thriving in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment and conceptualize, implement, and develop high quality/high impact interdisciplinary products.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in geospatial analysis, spatial data management, developing data visualizations and a working knowledge of coding geospatial operations (in R, Python, or other). Understand and synthesize knowledge across disciplines.
Assistant Director, Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources, Associate or Full Professor
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University Extension Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources program leader is responsible for the leadership and administration of the Ohio State University Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources program area. The Assistant Director Agriculture and Natural Resources is responsible for the leadership of Ohio State University Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources program area. This includes overall direction of educational programming within and across Ohio's 88 counties. The Assistant Director reports to the Director of OSU Extension and serves as a member of OSU Extension's Administrative Cabinet. Specifically, the Assistant Director provides leadership and direction for Agriculture and Natural Resources programming with emphasis on program and curriculum development; applied research; identifying potential collaboration and partnerships with universities, colleges, departments, peer agencies and industry partners; securing funding to support related activities; administrative leadership for the state Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources office; and professional development of faculty and staff.
The UMass Extension Agriculture Program has five Extension Educator positions open. If you want to use science to help Massachusetts farmers be more successful and sustainable, please apply for one or more of these opportunities to join our team! The default location for all positions is the UMass Amherst campus, with opportunities for hybrid work arrangements. Candidates who wish to be considered for more than one of the above positions need to apply for each position individually. Positions will remain open until filled, but candidates seeking priority should apply by April 24.
1 and 2. The UMass Extension Fruit Team is currently hiring one Extension Educator III (MS-level) and one Extension Educator II (BS-level). The successful candidate for the Educator III position will have expertise in tree or small fruit crop and pest management and will work with other members of the Fruit Team to provide science-based educational programming and technical assistance to commercial fruit growers in MA, and conduct applied research on relevant crop and pest management topics. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in plant pathology and/or small fruit production. The Extension Educator II, which is a 24-month appointment that may be extended pending funding availability, will provide program support for the Fruit Team, assisting with educational programming, organizing grower meetings, contributing to publication of newsletters, and assisting with applied research trials. For more details, please see the full position descriptions linked below.
Fruit Extension Educator III
https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518181/fruit-extension-educator-iii-umass-extension
Fruit Extension Educator II
https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518182/fruit-extension-educator-ii-umass-extension
3. Extension Educator III Production Agriculture
https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518183/extension-educator-iii-production-agriculture
The UMass Extension Vegetable and Fruit Teams are hiring an Extension Educator III to provide cross-commodity educational programming and technical assistance for commercial vegetable and fruit growers in MA, and conduct applied research. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in weed biology and management, but other cross-cutting disciplines, for example climate change and technology, will be considered. This is a 24-month appointment that may be extended pending funding availability. For more details please see the full position descriptions linked below.
4. Soil Health Extension Educator IV
https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518166/extension-educator-iv-soil-health-umass-extension
The UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab is hiring a Soil Health Educator IV who will develop and deliver recommendations to customers and educational resources relevant to soil fertility and health, with potential for some applied research projects. They will collaborate with Extension professionals across multiple teams in production agriculture, commercial horticulture, and urban agriculture. This is a MS-level position requiring significant experience, with a preference for candidates with expertise in analytical testing and practical recommendations in soil fertility and health. This is a 24-month appointment that may be extended pending funding availability. For more details please see the full position descriptions linked below.
5. Urban Agriculture Extension Educator III
UMass Extension is hiring an Urban Agriculture Educator III to join a recently hired Urban Agriculture Educator based in Newton and a soon-to-be hired Extension Faculty member at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. The Educator will develop and deliver educational resources to support agricultural enterprises in urban areas of Massachusetts and maintain working relationships with organizations and professionals in urban agriculture and linked fields. Successful candidates will have at least a BA/BS and three years of relevant professional experience, in addition to strong multi-cultural competence and experience delivering fact-based information. This is a 24-month appointment that may be extended pending funding availability. Alternate UMass locations in Massachusetts can be discussed with the preferred candidate. For more details please see the full position descriptions linked below.
Restoration Planting Specialist
NYC Department of Environmental Protection
The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire a City Planner II for a position with Invasive Species Program, Ecological Research and Assessment Section, Natural Resources Division, Watershed Protection Programs Directorate, located in Kingston, New York. The Ecological Research and Assessment (ERA) Section provides an array of services to the Bureau of Water Supply and other bureaus in the fields of invasive species, wetlands, restoration, aquatic ecology, and project review. Through research and monitoring programs, ERA supports management of City lands, regulatory reviews, partnership programs and a wide range of watershed protection and management programs. Understanding and managing the wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds and reservoirs in the watershed and their relationship with the uplands is very important for assessing their condition and identifying and mitigating potential water quality threats.
Post-Doctoral Associate Position
Shrewsbury Lab - Biological Control / IPM
Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Position Summary: This position addresses the use of natural enemies (including pathogens) in the biological control of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF, Lycorma delicatula) in urban environments. The project is part of a collaborative effort with USDA and other university researchers with opportunities for networking and Extension. The incumbent will also participate in the statistical analysis and publication of existing data sets.
Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in entomology, sustainable pest management, biological control, insect pathology, or a closely related field; demonstrated strong statistical and writing skills; evidence of a publication record; ability to work independently; driver’s license; and be able to do physical field work.
Responsibilities: The incumbent will be responsible for: 1) designing research protocols and conducting lab and field experiments on the biological control of SLF using pathogens, 2) data management, 3) supervising undergraduate students, 4) statistical analysis and publication of on-going research projects, and 5) presenting results at professional and extension meetings.
Duration: 12 months, full time position with benefits.
Review of applicants will begin immediately and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Preferred start date as soon as possible.
Application Process: Email to Dr. Paula Shrewsbury at pshrewsbury@umd.edu: 1) a cover letter that includes your research and extension qualifications and interests, including your statistical and writing experience; 2) CV; 3) 1-2 representative publications, and 4) contact information for 3 references.
Funding Opportunities
NYS DEC 2022 - Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program
This grant is now open, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and in the order received until funds are exhausted. See the Request for Applications (RFA) (PDF) for detailed information. The December 9, 2022 information session is now available to view. This is a special grant opportunity made possible in part by federal and state funds. (Information on Round 16 of the regular Urban and Community Forestry Grant will be updated below as dates are finalized.) Up to $350,000 will be available for Tree Planting in Disadvantaged Communities after Ash Loss. The November 9th information webinar was recorded. (Please note that the presentation starts at about 14 minutes in to the recording.) Eligible applicants include NYS Municipalities, Indian nations, or tribes, and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit (NFP) corporations.
Application Deadline:
2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, or when funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 – New York
Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary
NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of New York. A total of up to $500,000 is available for the New York CIG competition in FY 2023. All non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2023 is $500,000.
Key Dates
Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on April 23,2023. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.
Applicants are encouraged to visit the New York State CIG website to learn more about the CIG program.
The agency anticipates making selections by June 1, 2023 and expects to execute awards by July 22, 2023. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.
Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program Pre-Application
NIFA requests pre-applications for the ECDRE program to address priorities identified by the Citrus Disease Sub-committee (CDS) of the National Agricultural Research, Education, Extension and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board through projects that integrate research and extension activities and use systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches to provide solutions to U.S. citrus growers.
The overarching goals and desired outcomes for the ECDRE program are:
- To combat Huanglongbing (HLB) and its disease complex in order to continue to be able to farm citrus in a financially sustainable way through collaborative approaches and knowledge;
- Transition from component-focused research to deploying research outcomes and conclusions on farms; and
- Encourage research teams to bring knowledge together to find grower solutions to combat and prevent HLB infection.
The ECDRE program will address these needs through the promotion of collaboration, open communication, the exchange of information, and the development of resources that accelerate application of scientific discovery and technology to farm-level solutions for HLB.
Proposals funded by the ECDRE program in FY 2023 will provide a plan for addressing one or more of the nine priority needs (priorities listed in order of importance) to target grower needs with a focus on producer implementation.
The RFA announcement and technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2023 funding opportunity will be held soon. Please visit again for more information.
For more information contact: Emmanuel Byamukama
Closing Date: Monday, April, 17, 2023
The Land Trust Alliance, with support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Legislature, is pleased to announce a second round of competitive land trust grants through the New York State Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Program.
This successful public-private partnership is funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the Alliance, in coordination with the DEC.
Up to $1,350,000 is available through the 2023 grants round which will be awarded in the fall of 2023. Grant awards are contingent upon the receipt of state funds.
All LOIs/preapplications must be completed through our online application and reporting system.
The deadline for LOIs/preapplications, May 11th by 5 p.m. Eastern.