IPM News and Events Roundup 05/03/2024
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.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
IPM Weather Apps and NEWA - Webinar Recording with Dr. Juliet Carroll, New York State IPM Program
Recorded May 18, 2016
Dr. Juliet Carroll has led the New York State IPM Program’s weather network, NEWA, the Network for Environment and Weather Applications, since 2005. As the Fruit IPM Coordinator for New York State, she recognizes the importance of weather in driving disease and insect development in orchards and vineyards and has worked with colleagues across the Northeast to develop NEWA into a user-friendly suite of apps to assist growers in their IPM and crop management decisions. In addition to leading NEWA, she helps fruit growers in New York use IPM tactics to protect their crops from insects, diseases, and weeds with minimum risk to the environment, their health, and crop yield.
The Biology and Management of Common Invasive Plants in the Northeastern U.S. and Southern Canada with Dr. Antonio DiTommaso Recorded February 27, 2024
This presentation focused on the biology and management (both chemical and non-chemical) of ten common invasive plants in the northeastern United States and southern Canada. Species covered include Japanese knotweed, buckthorn, swallowworts, honeysuckles, bindweeds, multiflora rose, and Japanese stiltgrass.
The Use of IPM in Beekeeping to Control Parasitic Varroa Mites with Dr. Robyn Underwood Recorded March 11, 2024
During this talk, you will learn about the parts of the IPM pyramid as they relate to controlling the parasitic varroa mite, widely the biggest problem in beekeeping. You will learn about breeding for mite resistance, cultural and mechanical controls, and chemical controls that are both organic-approved and synthetic. These items will be presented as a year in the life of a beekeeping operation.
Kosher, Halal and Insects: How do they relate? with Dr. Joe Regenstein Recorded March 25, 2024
Kosher and halal food regulations are an important part of the food industry. Both religious systems are concerned about the practices of modern agriculture including the role of insects and similar animal species. This talk will introduce these dietary laws and then look specifically at how each religion views insects in the food and feed context.
Reducing Synthetic Chemical Use to Optimize Pest Management and Crop Production: A case study of onion thrips in onion with Dr. Brian Nault Recorded April 11, 2024
Large-scale commercial onion production is reliant on synthetic chemical inputs like fertilizer and pesticides to ensure its profitability. Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is a major pest that threatens the sustainability of onion production. The potential exists for reducing onion thrips infestations in onion by decreasing levels of fertilizer applied at planting and insecticides applied to foliage during the season. Brian Nault will share the results of his multi-year study with 20 New York commercial onion fields on the viability of reducing synthetic fertilizer and insecticide inputs without compromising onion bulb yields. The onion growers in the study successfully reduced their synthetic chemical inputs resulting in greater profits and a reduction of chemicals in the environment.
EPA Publishes Update on Herbicide Strategy Progress
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing an update to its draft Herbicide Strategy, which is part of the Agency’s plan to improve how it meets its Endangered Species Act (ESA) obligations. The purpose of this update is to describe some improvements that EPA plans to make as it continues finalizing the strategy to increase flexibility and improve ease of implementation while still protecting federally listed species. The Agency expects to publish the final strategy in August 2024.
The full update, along with additional details regarding the strategy, are available in the public docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0365 at www.regulations.gov, and on EPA’s website.
USDA Protects Hundreds of Crops from Invasive Fruit Flies with Five-Year Strategy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has released “Fruit Fly Exclusion and Detection Program Fiscal Years 2024-2028 Strategy.” APHIS worked with members of the National Plant Board to develop a unified roadmap for USDA and its partners to protect American agriculture from the threat of invasive fruit flies and measure our progress along the way.
“The United States is experiencing an unusually high number of invasive fruit fly detections - the worst of its kind in 70 years,” said Mark Davidson, USDA APHIS Deputy Administrator for the Plant Protection and Quarantine program. “Invasive fruit flies are a nuisance that drive up costs of producing fresh fruits and vegetables, which can hurt both producers and consumers. Our five-year plan lays out how Federal and State partners can continue to limit the flies’ spread as we further scientific research that will help us develop better pest management tools and options.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a proposed interim decision (PID) to cancel all but one use of the pesticide acephate. This decision is based on EPA’s updated human health draft risk assessment (HH DRA) and drinking water assessment (DWA) that were released last year, which showed significant dietary risks from drinking water for currently registered uses of acephate. EPA also identified worker, homeowner, and ecological risks that would be mitigated by the proposed cancellations.
For more information on the registration review of acephate and to provide comments on the PID and updated assessments, please visit the acephate docket on regulations.gov under the docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0915.
Research in the News
Ornamental Plant and Weed Response to Oxyfluorfen Plus Prodiamine (journals.ashs.org)
Ornamental plant and weed response to oxyfluorfen + prodiamine herbicide was evaluated in Connecticut and Tennessee, USA, in 2017 and 2018. Preemergence application of oxyfluorfen + prodiamine was made at 0 lb/acre, 2 + 0.75 lb/acre, 4 + 1.5 lb/acre, and 8 + 3 lb/acre to container-grown ornamental plants on an outdoor gravel pad and weeds in greenhouse experiments.
EPSPS gene amplification confers glyphosate resistance in Palmer amaranth in Connecticut (cambridge.org)
A Palmer amaranth biotype (CT-Res) with resistance to glyphosate was recently confirmed in a pumpkin field in Connecticut. However, the underlying mechanisms conferring glyphosate resistance in this biotype is not known.
A theoretical framework to improve the adoption of green Integrated Pest Management tactics (nature.com)
Sustainable agriculture relies on implementing effective, eco-friendly crop protection strategies. However, the adoption of these green tactics by growers is limited by their high costs resulting from the insufficient integration of various components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In response, we propose a framework within IPM termed Multi-Dimensional Management of Multiple Pests (3MP).
We report highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in dairy cattle and cats in Kansas and Texas, United States, which reflects the continued spread of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses that entered the country in late 2021. Infected cattle experienced nonspecific illness, reduced feed intake and rumination, and an abrupt drop in milk production, but fatal systemic influenza infection developed in domestic cats fed raw (unpasteurized) colostrum and milk from affected cows. Cow-to-cow transmission appears to have occurred because infections were observed in cattle on Michigan, Idaho, and Ohio farms where avian influenza virus–infected cows were transported. Although the US Food and Drug Administration has indicated the commercial milk supply remains safe, the detection of influenza virus in unpasteurized bovine milk is a concern because of potential cross-species transmission. Continued surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in domestic production animals is needed to prevent cross-species and mammal-to-mammal transmission.
Pollinator Support Resources (uvm.edu)
With the warming temps and growing season kicking off, we have some new resources for use about crop pollinators and how to support them in select Northeast grown crops. Check out the “Know Your 5” crop pollinator guides at UVM Extension’s Pollinator Support webpage under the “Know your 5” pollinator support factsheet series drop down, https://www.uvm.edu/extension/pollinator-support-resources.
A scalable crop yield estimation framework based on remote sensing of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) (iopscience.iop.org)
Projected increases in food demand driven by population growth coupled with heightened agricultural vulnerability to climate change jointly pose severe threats to global food security in the coming decades, especially for developing nations. By providing real-time and low-cost observations, satellite remote sensing has been widely employed to estimate crop yield across various scales. Most such efforts are based on statistical approaches that require large amounts of ground measurements for model training/calibration, which may be challenging to obtain on a large scale in developing countries that are most food-insecure and climate-vulnerable.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (cals.cornell.edu)
Take-Home Messages
HPAI Factsheet (PDF)
News
North Central IPM Center April 2024 Issue
Highlights include
- 2024 Cicada Brood Links
- Bird Flu Updates
- Urban IPM Webinar Sign Up
- Delusional Infestation Updates
A mix-up over bioengineered tomato seeds sparked fears about spread of GMO crops (npr.org | April 28, 2024)
The Purple Galaxy Tomato splashed across the cover of this season's Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds catalog: a closeup of a blackish-purple tomato speckled with tiny pink dots. Next to it, sits a sliced open fruit, revealing deep fuchsia seeds and flesh.
"This beauty is believed to be the first — and the purplest — non-GMO purple tomato in the universe!" read the catalog copy.
Only problem? The seeds actually may have been a GMO variety, the recently released Purple Tomato, created using genes from a snapdragon flower by Norfolk Healthy Produce.
Colorado dairy herd added to bird flu case count (canadiancattlemen.ca | April 29, 2024)
Colorado is the latest state to confirm cases of bird flu in a dairy herd, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on April 25.
Nine states and have reported infections in 34 herds since the middle of March.
In a Colorado Department of Agriculture news release, Colorado State University veterinarian Maggie Baldwin said the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus is being spread between both dairy cows and herds.
Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree, & Shrub Availability List (ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu)
UConn Extension & Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division
This updated native tree and shrub availability list is designed to assist homeowners, landscapers, and conservation organizations in locating native planting stock for wildlife habitat enhancement. It was compiled from a survey of Connecticut’s registered nurseries. Of the respondents, many indicated that they have native trees, shrubs, or perennials in stock or would obtain them by special order. Although some of the listed nurseries are strictly wholesale businesses, trees and shrubs can often be ordered from them through your local retail nursery or garden center. Present this publication (PDF version here.pdf) to your local retailer and ask them to order plants for you if they do not already have them in stock.
Four reasons to be concerned (but not freak out) about the bird flu (usatoday.com | May 1, 2024)
Now is the time to get ahead of bird flu, a handful of experts said, so we don't end up with another nightmare scenario.
"Every moment we're not preparing for it, is a failure on our part," said Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, an infectious disease specialist and founding director of Boston University's Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases. "It is always later than we think it is in an outbreak."
Grow as you go: ‘Peecycling’ helps plants and compost thrive (news.cornell.edu | May 1, 2024)
Growing healthy plants takes time, care, sunlight, water.
And human urine?
Urine may not be the most obvious fertilizer, but it’s one of the most readily available. And it could be an important ingredient in helping cultivate more sustainable agriculture and food systems that produce less environmental waste. Urine could also be a handy resource in tending home gardens and compost piles, thanks to an interdisciplinary collaboration between Cornell Engineering students Nadia Barakatain ’24 and Veda Balte ’24 and Rebecca Nelson, professor of plant science and global development in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Narrated and featuring Woody Harrelson, Kiss the Ground is an inspiring and groundbreaking film that reveals the first viable solution to our climate crisis.
Kiss the Ground reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle.
This movie is positioned to catalyze a movement to accomplish the impossible – to solve humanity’s greatest challenge, to balance the climate and secure our species future.
11th International IPM Symposium Needs You!
We’re looking for volunteers for these committees:
Awards
Students & Early Career Scientists
International
Posters
Silent Auction
Program
Details below!
Be a Part of the Change
Additional volunteers are needed for symposium committees! Responsibilities are outlined here. We will need to move fast to finalize program topics and field trips and begin calls for sessions and awards, so we plan to convene committees in March.
Your Commitment + Reward
The time commitment will be one to ten hours per month depending on the assignment. Past volunteers have found this experience to be professionally and personally rewarding with excellent opportunities for networking and thought leadership!
The Symposium website.
Thank you for your consideration! Please feel free to reach out to ipmsymposium@ipminstitute.org with any additional questions.
NYISAW Call For Events!
It's that time of year again - planning for NYISAW (New York Invasive Species Awareness Week)! Come join us in a statewide invasive species extravaganza from June 3rd to June 9th as we all work to bring invasive species education to people across the FLX.
What do you need from me?
Send the following to gallo@hws.edu by Friday, May 17th. Email us with “NYISAW Event Submission” in the email subject line, and include the following information:
- Event title
- Event description
- Registration information
- Event time
- Event location, address, including town/city and zip code
- Event contact and email address
If you have marketing material such as a flyer already developed, send that along and we will put this on our website and calendar.
What kinds of events have been done before?
Examples of events:
- Plant pulls / native plantings
- Volunteer survey and data entry into the iMapInvasives
- Interpretive hikes or paddles
- Boat tours / floating classrooms
- Public presentations and exhibits
- Ask-an-Expert displays at farmer’s markets and visitor, welcome and nature centers
- Invasive species movie screenings
- Other kinds of awareness activities, such as signage on marquees or book displays
Please let us know if you have any questions. Here’s hoping to a great NYISAW!
Surveys
National Needs Assessment: DEIA programming in IPM
Katie Hartmann is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) for the North Central IPM Center at Iowa State University. She is conducting a national needs assessment of IPM professionals to understand their efforts regarding DEIA topics. The purpose of this study is to understand the IPM programs being facilitated in the country and IPM professionals’ level of comfort and/or needs in regard to incorporating DEIA into their work. So, if you are an IPM professional please consider taking part in her survey.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
Grapevine Downy Mildew Resistance: how does Plasmopara viticola so easily evade the plant's defense mechanisms?
Mateo Bareyre, Agro-Bordeaux
Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology – AgriTech
Tuesday, May 7, 11:20 am – 12:10 pm, A134 Barton Lab & AgriTech Zoom Passcode: Seminar
Making Climate Policy Models More Decision-relevant
Wei Peng, Princeton University
Perspectives on the Climate Change Challenge Seminar Series
Monday, May 6, 2:55 – 4:10 pm, Zoom
Previously featured
MANAGING FUNGAL DISEASES FOR ORNAMENTAL PLANTS (90-minute webinar)
Ornamental plants, such as flowers and shrubs, bring beauty to their surroundings. However, imported varieties of these beautiful plants can also bring new plant diseases into the United States. The spread of these diseases can infect and potentially kill other plants, significantly impacting the domestic ornamental plant and landscape industries. In this?free?webinar, participants will be introduced to common fungal diseases of ornamental plants and learn how to manage and prevent them. Our presenter will describe the importance of integrated pest management, including the role of best practices in distribution outlets like wholesale nurseries, non-chemical controls (such as irrigation management, plant spacing, and fertilizer management), and the selective use of fungicides. Current?research and experiences of commercial ornamental plant growers will also be shared.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Learn about the origin and impact of fungal diseases in ornamental plant production, including what causes them to spread within plant production facilities; Learn how to identify common fungal diseases; Discuss ways?to remove fungal pathogens from soil using sterilization and pasteurization; and Learn about integrated pest management strategies that have been developed to This webinar will provide the attendees an opportunity to obtain continuing education credits from the following state agencies and organizations: * State Lead Agencies (SLAs): AZ, CT, DE, FL, ID, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, WY * State Department of Health/Sanitarian: AZ, MN * Organizations: New Jersey Community & Urban Forestry (NJUCF); Society of American Foresters (SAF)
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
Spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts: Quarterly Update, May 2024
The spring session of our quarterly spotted lanternfly webinar series coming up on May 15 at 10am. The May session will feature a presentation from Anne Johnson, a graduate student at Penn State University, about North American predators of spotted lanternfly. There will also be an update from the SLF Survey Crew.
As always, these webinars are free to attend, and provide continuing education credits for the following: 1 Mass. Pesticide License credit (all categories and license types), 1 MCA credit, 1 MCH credit, 1 MCLP credit, ½ MQTW credit, 1 Forester License credit, ¾ ISA credit, 1 Timber Harvester license credit.
Register today at https://bit.ly/SLFWebMAMay24
SLELO PRISM invites you to attend a series of Zoom webinars to be held beginning in January 2024 through May. The webinars are free and continuing education credits are available. Registration is required to receive a link to the Zoom webinar and recordings will be sent to registrants.
- May 17th, 1 PM-2 PM- Birds as Habitat Health Indicators. Conservation Director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, Neil Gifford, will discuss a bird banding and tracking program used to determine ecosystem health on the preserve, the impacts invasive species can have on bird habitat, the benefits of invasive species management, as well as ways homeowners and land managers can support birds.
NEVBD is accepting applications to the 2024 Vector Biology Boot Camp! This no-cost program provides hands-on training in tick and mosquito biology, behavior, ecology, taxonomy, and more. Ideal program applicants include non-academic professionals with limited experience in key components of tick or mosquito surveillance and/or control, whose job duties specifically involve vector surveillance and/or control.
Applications are required. Lodging and meals provided. Attendees responsible for own travel; assistance may be available on an individual basis.
WHEN: Tuesday May 21 – Thursday May 23, 2024
WHERE: MaineHealth Vector Ecology Lab, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074
HOW TO APPLY: Submit an application by Friday March 1, 2024. There is no fee to apply or register.
You can access the application form here or visit our Vector Biology Boot Camp website at https://www.neregionalvectorcenter.com/vector-biology-boot-camp.
The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) is holding its 7th National Meeting in Portland, Maine, from September 9th to 13th. Diagnosticians, State Department of Agriculture staff, government officials, institutional researchers, and students are among the many who attend this meeting. Visit the registration page on the 2024 NPDN National Meeting Website to register today!
What’s Bugging You First Friday is a monthly virtual series that explores 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. IPM is 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.
The 2024 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is now available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
May 3rd: No-Mow May | What to do with Grass Clippings
June 7th: Tick & Mosquito Yard Treatments | Myth: Mosquito Repellent Plants
July 5th: Japanese Beetle Management | Aphid-Eating Insects
August 2nd: Spotted Lanternfly Update | Box Tree Moth Update
September 6th: Back to School: Bed Bugs | Head Lice
October 4th: Identifying Pests in Your Home
November 1st: 2024 Tick Blitz Results | No Spray Needed
December 6th: Feed the Birds | Repurposing a Holiday Tree
2024 Webinar Series for Greenhouse, Nursery & Garden Center Professionals
Join UNH Cooperative Extension and other experts to sharpen and refresh plant production skills. These monthly webinars on a variety of topics are intended to provide practical training for greenhouse, nursery and garden center professionals, although all are welcome to attend. One New England pesticide applicator recertification credit has been applied for each event.
Register for one, multiple or all of the interactive, Online Classes
2024 Class Dates:
June 25 - Growing Media (types, components, attributes) - Jonathan Ebba
July 30 - Considerations for Growing with Wood Fiber - Jonathan Ebba & Mark Sanford
August 27 - Thielaviopsis Control - Dr. Bo Liu
September 24 - Injecting a Drench - Jonathan Ebba
October 29 - Renewable Energy Sources for Greenhouse Environmental Control - Dr. Md Sazan Rahman
November 26 - Mealybug - Dr. Amber Vinchesi-Vahl
December 17 - Fertilizer Selection Basics/Water Analysis - Jonathan Ebba
If you have questions or would like assistance registering for or accessing the webinars, including language access, please contact Jonathan at Jonathan.Ebba@unh.edu
Save the Date!
The 11th International IPM Symposium
March 3 – 5, 2025
San Diego, CA
This is an excellent opportunity for state IPM program directors and ARDP PDs to meet USDA NIFA presentation requirements.
The Symposium is a key conference that cuts across IPM issues and offers much in the way of highlighting current issues in IPM, presentations on current research and developments, and valuable networking for stakeholders.
Scholarship Opportunities
Maine Entomological Society Mazurkiewicz Scholarship Fund
The Maine Entomological Society (M.E.S.) offers scholarships each year for educational and research expenses in the study of Maine insects. Maine educators (teachers, Master Naturalists, amateur and professional entomologists) and students at all levels are eligible. Membership in M.E.S. is not required. All scholarship recipients will be given a one-year M.E.S. membership.
MES Website (maineentosociety.org). If you have questions or want to suggest candidates and/or projects, contact Anna Court at annaagnesleecourt@gmail.com.
Fellowship Opportunity
Previously featured
SARE Fellows Program Now Accepting Applications
Applications are now being accepted for the SARE Fellows program. SARE Fellows is a unique professional development opportunity for agricultural professionals to:
Build new relationships with colleagues across the nation.
Deepen their understanding of the concepts and intentions of sustainable agriculture.
Visit with innovative producers and partners nationwide who are striving to sustain agriculture for future generations.
Increase their awareness about educational opportunities and approaches in sustainable agriculture.
Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024; 5pm Pacific Time.
2024 Field Technician for Mosquito Monitoring and Biocontrol Project
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is looking to fill a single position for a seasonal laboratory field assistant to work on two projects starting in late May (start date can be flexible before June) on a 40 hour per week basis, until completion of the projects in the winter (with opportunity for a student to telework part-time in the fall). The first project involves mosquito trapping and testing activities for the Maine statewide mosquito monitoring program as described in DACF’s “Plan for the Protection of the Public Health from Mosquito-borne Diseases.”
The second project is a classical biological control program, working on releasing caterpillars which have been imported to control black swallowwort.
The Grape Sensing, Pathology, and Extension Laboratory at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY (there is no live link for this position, please email Dave Combs) is recruiting one more summer research assistant to help with ongoing vineyard work and research projects (including working with robots, drones, and other cool tech) from late May to late August.
Must be capable of lifting 20-30lbs, have drivers license & reliable transportation to Geneva, and comfortable with early work days (field work starts around 8am). Previous interns have gone on to have great research careers, including one alum who was recently accepted to Yale for her PhD in molecular biology. This position is open until filled so please reach out soon if interested!
If interested, please email vineyard manager, Dave Combs (dbc10@cornell.edu) with a statement of interest in the position and a resume.
Previously featured
Research Support Specialist I - Hemlock Conservation Team Lead
Cornell University -
Responsibilities include: Serve as one of a two-person team. The “Hemlock Conservation Team”, based remotely from the Cornell Ithaca Campus working in the field to treat hemlock trees with systemic insecticides to control HWA. The “Team” will also scout priority areas for HWA early detection, maintain a database of treated trees, and assist the NYSHI lab with field research projects on HWA biological control and early detection of HWA using eDNA in New York State. Field work will be conducted year-round primarily in the southern Adirondacks, but may include other locations in New York State as needed.
Responsible for maintaining field equipment, including pesticide application equipment, as best as possible. Ordering field supplies and maintaining inventory. Provide basic data analysis using basic statistical methods and computer software (including Excel, R), provide maps using ArcGIS. Support ongoing and future research projects on hemlock woolly adelgid biological control and early detection of HWA using eDNA. Assist in the development of reports, papers and publications based on data collected. Provide training and assistance to volunteers and state agency personnel for HWA early detection and to assist with pesticide treatments.
This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding.
Technical Assistance Program Coordinator
University of Vermont - Northeast SARE
Responsible for developing and maintaining a network of technical assistant service providers to support potential applicants in their proposals for Northeast SARE Grant Programs. The TAP Coordinator has a specific focus on reducing application barriers of historically underserved or marginalized populations. The TAP coordinator supports Northeast SARE’s diversity, equity, inclusion and justice values and its strategic plan, including engagement with under-served communities. They collaborate to develop and improve policies and procedures in support of Northeast SARE grant program effectiveness and commitment to the organization’s outcome statement. The TAP coordinator leads Northeast’ SARE’s outreach efforts in recruiting potential applicants for SARE grant programs and diversifying applicant pools. The position has a specific focus on recruiting and nurturing applicants for the BIPOC Grants Program. The position works with external partners to develop training for technical assistant service providers and leads the Northeast SARE team on policies and procedures for best practices of converting interested parties into grant applicants; they foster the relationships between technical assistant providers and grantees. The position reports to the Northeast SARE Director.
Assistant or Associate Professor of Urban Plant Ecology
The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in Ithaca, NY in the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS).
Expectations include teaching an undergraduate course on sustainable landscape management, a seven week modular course on plant identification in natural environments, and co-teaching an undergraduate course on urban plant biodiversity that includes woody plant identification and establishment in urban landscapes.
The successful candidate will assume an active role in advancing the Green Cities initiative, an informal group of Cornell faculty, staff, and students who contribute to improving urban ecosystem services and quality of life.
The successful candidate will also be positioned to collaborate with numerous colleagues throughout several Cornell colleges and units.
Field Assistant S08, Cornell AES Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm, Freeville, NY
As the S08 Field Assistant, you will provide direct support for research, teaching and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission. Key responsibilities include:
- Provide technical and general labor support for conventional and organic field research trials in a broad range of vegetable crops.
- Assist with field tillage preparation, fertilizing, planting, harvesting, mowing, stone picking and data collection.
- Adhere to and participate in personal safety training, policies, and procedures.
- Adapt the CUAES culture of sustainability as it pertains to reducing resource inputs; protecting the environment and natural resources, facility and equipment use, and alternative crop production practices.
- Responsible for equipment assembly, operation, safety, and modification to meet changing research objectives.
- Additional tasks include herbicide, pesticide, and irrigation treatments, reporting and recording, irrigation system setup and operation, daily performance recording, supply and parts procurement, and facility maintenance.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
The Turf and Integrated Pest Management Specialist is responsible for providing leadership for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Pest Management for Suffolk County Properties Program and the Turf Fertilizer Management Program. The Specialist aids with the implementation of integrated pest management strategies for turf, landscape and structural pests in situations where pesticides have been reduced or eliminated, providing diagnoses, training, public outreach, and research and demonstration projects. The Specialist will also provide a comprehensive fertilizer educational program includes educational training to landscape professionals and county staff regarding use of nitrogen fertilizers. The Specialist also serves as a resource for all residential, commercial, and agricultural turf management. The target stakeholders and areas of work include Suffolk County staff and properties – golf courses, parks, landscapes, county facilities and buildings, highways, and right-of-ways – as well as residential, commercial, and agricultural sod.
UNH Extension Seeks Field Specialist, Food and Agriculture, in Hillsborough County
This position is located at Extension’s Hillsborough County Office in Goffstown, N.H. The field specialist will provide technical assistance and develop educational programming in fruit and vegetable production to both new and experienced growers. Expertise in fruit or vegetable production is a priority for this position. Additional expertise in soil nutrition, integrated pest management or agricultural engineering is desirable. The candidate will work individually and as part of a team to host educational events and produce educational resources.
Director - UMass Cranberry Station / Extension Associate/Full Professor
The University of Massachusetts is seeking an experienced scientist, innovative leader and Extension educator to serve in a full-time, 12-month appointment as Extension Associate or Full Professor and Director of the UMass Cranberry Station located in East Wareham, Massachusetts. The Director will provide: 1) vision, support, and coordination in planning, developing and implementing departmental programs in research and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission; 2) leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students; 3) administration of human, physical and financial resources; and 4) promotion of external funding opportunities. The successful candidate will report to the Director of the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment.
Questions about the position may be directed to averill@eco.umass.edu.
Invasive Species Strike Team Technician
The Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) is looking to hire 3 motivated & reliable Invasive Species Strike Team Technicians to join us in controlling invasive species throughout the Catskills this season:
One Aquatic Strike Team Technician & 2 Terrestrial Strike Team Technicians.
Previously featured
The Southern region SARE program is soliciting a national Call for Proposals for the Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants. The purpose of this one-time grant opportunity is to implement outreach, training, and technical assistance efforts to build capacity for food loss and waste initiatives.
SARE Food Loss and Waste Program Manager Lisa Johnson will walk participants through the details of the Call for Proposal and answer participant questions related to the grant in a webinar taking place on Zoom on May 7, 2024 from 12 p.m. (NOON)- 1 p.m. EST. Interested parties can register for the webinar at https://bit.ly/3UIaLZp. For more information or questions, reach out to Lisa Johnson at flw@sare.org.
The Call for Proposals is open to qualified applicants in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands. Application deadline is June 28, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST. Projects will span three (3) years, beginning on Sept. 1, 2024. Roughly two (2) to four (4) projects, capped at $1 million per proposal with an expected grant size of $500,000, are anticipated to be funded per SARE region: Southern SARE, North Central SARE, Northeast SARE, and Western SARE, so that regional priorities to addressing food loss and waste can be augmented, while allowing for national coordination and impacts. A total of $8 million is being funded nationally for the CFP Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants effort.
Visit SARE Supporting Strategies to Curb Food Loss and Reduce Food Waste with Grant Opportunity for more information.
Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity
Invasive species pose a significant threat to the ecological, economic, and cultural integrity of America’s lands, waters, and the communities they support. Once established, they can outcompete or even lead to the extinction of native species, reducing biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to disease and other environmental stresses. They can also lead to costly damage to infrastructure, such as roads, canals, and levees.
The Department is working with partners to identify, enhance, and collaborate on invasive species eradication activities, build new tools, and support coordinated processes to proactively eradicate new invasive species before they spread and cause increased harm. This $3 million Funding Opportunity to Eradicate Invasive Species will be administered within the existing authorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation program and coordinated across the Department’s bureaus.
The Department encourages leveraging science and technology to increase the likelihood of invasive species eradication and long-term success. Proposals will be considered for on-the-ground projects that eradicate an invasive species and projects that advance research that increase the effectiveness and near-term availability of eradication tools.
Estimated total program funding: $ 2,960,000
Award ceiling: $1,000,000
Award floor: $50,000
Closing: May 27, 2024
Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, permanently alter habitats, and imperil public health. Aquaculture, tourism, recreation, shipping, and hydropower facilities may also be adversely impacted by biological invasion. Effective and coordinated approaches are necessary to manage aquatic invaders and protect our Nation’s waters. Although prevention is the most effective approach to eliminate or reduce the threat of aquatic invasive species, Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) serves as a failsafe when prevention measures are ineffective or unavailable.
Recognizing the importance of timely action, the Department of the Interior is working with partners to identify, enhance, and collaborate on EDRR activities, including the establishment of a Rapid Response Fund for aquatic invasive species. This fund is intended make financial resources available to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected species, thus avoiding costly long-term and wide-spread control efforts. This year, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorization for ecosystem restoration, the Department invested $1 million to establish a pilot Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species with an additional $1 million envisioned each year 2024 through 2026 as part of advancing a National EDRR Framework. Investments in EDRR, including a Rapid Response Fund, help to meet conservation goals set through the America the Beautiful Initiative.
The Rapid Response Fund will be administered within the existing authorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation program and coordinated through the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. Co-chaired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the ANS Task Force consists of federal agency representatives and ex-officio representatives that work in conjunction with six regional panels and issue-specific subcommittees to coordinate efforts related to aquatic invasive species across the Nation. Accordingly, the ANS Task Force is well positioned to coordinate and successfully operate a response rapid fund. In July 2023, the ANS Task Force approved The Model Process: Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species that outlines a structure and process for operation of the fund.
Read the full Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Estimated total program funding: $ 960,000
Award ceiling: $960,000
Award floor: $50,000
Amazon Research Awards issues spring 2024 call for proposals
Amazon Research Awards (ARA) is announcing the spring 2024 call for proposals for the AI for Information Security and Sustainability research areas. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on May 7, 2024.
Proposals will be reviewed for the quality of their scientific content, creativity, and their potential for impact at scale. Proposals related to theory, practice, and novel techniques are all welcome.
ARA provides grant recipients unrestricted funds and AWS promotional credits. Funded projects are assigned an Amazon research contact, and recipients also receive training resources, including AWS tutorials and hands-on sessions with Amazon scientists and engineers.
Before applying, we encourage researchers to visit the ARA website and read our frequently asked questions for more specific program information. We look forward to receiving your submissions.
When you're ready to submit your proposal, use the button below and follow the instructions on the site.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has posted an Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity to request proposals that support the eradication of a newly introduced or established invasive species in terrestrial or aquatic habitats of the United States, including the U.S. territories (aquatic habitats include freshwater, wetland, riparian, estuarine, and marine environments). While preference will be given to proposals that result in eradication of invasive species, research proposals that advance the effectiveness and availability of eradication tools will be considered.
As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorization for ecosystem restoration, the Department of the Interior (DOI) invested $3 million to establish an Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity. It is administered within the existing authorities of DOI and administered by the USFWS in collaboration with DOI bureaus. The intent of this funding opportunity is to promote and invest in those projects with a high likelihood of achieving eradication success and that have existing partnerships and plans in place.
Please note that projects responding to founding populations of aquatic invasive species within the early detection and rapid response context should instead apply for funding through the Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species. Projects addressing established aquatic invasive species infestations with a high likelihood of eradication can apply for this Eradication Funding Opportunity.
General information about the funding for invasive species eradication can be found HERE.
DACF Maine Opens Applications for PFAS Fund
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) is accepting applications for assistance from commercial farms impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
The $60 million PFAS Fund was established by Governor Mills with bipartisan legislative support to provide impacted farmers with financial assistance, purchase contaminated farmland from willing sellers, accelerate research to help inform on-farm management decisions, and support health-related initiatives.
The impact of PFAS on some farms and farm families is not unique to Maine. The practice of applying wastewater residuals to farmland is an approved practice by EPA nationwide. However, because these so-called “forever chemicals” can be taken up into soil, water, livestock, products, and ultimately humans, a robust response from the Legislature and the State of Maine was necessary. The PFAS Fund is a novel effort to specifically address PFAS in agriculture.
The PFAS Fund will augment DACF’s existing PFAS Response Program, a first-in-the-nation effort to work directly with impacted farmers to navigate the uncertainties of PFAS contamination by providing technical and financial assistance. In many instances, PFAS-impacted farms can modify their operations to operate safely and remain viable; however, assistance is critical to their success.
Further information about DACF’s PFAS response and assistance programs can be found online at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/.