IPM News and Events Roundup 06/21/2024
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
Management of Much-Maligned, Often-Misunderstood Bats
Although bats are some of the most misunderstood and needlessly feared of the world's creatures, they are largely beneficial, serving a vital ecosystem role. But they can be nuisance pests and inadvertently create human-health risks. IPM techniques can help redirect them away from human-occupied structures. [Read more]
Northeastern IPM Center Announces Recipients of 2024 Partnership Grants
Each year, through a competitive RFA process, the Center's IPM Partnership Grants Program distributes funding to projects that further the mission of the Center, address or identify IPM priorities for the Northeast, and benefit the region at large. [Read more]
Northeastern IPM Center Announces 2024 IPM Award Winners
The award honors those whose work on IPM in the Northeast deserve special recognition. Professionals (or organizations) and students are eligible. Nominations come from colleagues, advisors, supervisors, and others familiar with the nominees' work. [Read more]
Reminder: Regional IPM Centers DEIA Funding Available
Several diversity-focused funding opportunities launched in late 2023 have been collaboratively promoted by all four regional IPM centers and are available on a national level. With some projects already funded, additional funding is still available, with applications due June 21. [Read more]
Northeastern IPM Center Releases 2023 Annual Report
Summarizing activities, programs, and initiatives from throughout the year, the report illustrates how the Center fosters IPM research, adoption, and implementation in the Northeast and beyond through grants and awards, webinars and conferences, publications and other communications platforms, evaluation, and the Center's StopPests in Housing Program. [Read more]
Save the Date: 11th International IPM Symposium
The 11th International IPM Symposium: Pest Management in Changing Environments will be held March 3-6, 2025, at Paradise Point in San Diego, California. The symposium has traditionally been the premier global event for presenting and learning about the latest IPM research and strategies. [Read more]
Increasing Access to Practical Biocontrol Information through Digital Resources
October 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MFNtyp2KQoaWGYrAbDfvPw
The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.
Description
The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program Biocontrol website continues to grow with information for all of North America. In the past year, we have added profiles of individual biocontrol agents, and we are planning to incorporate resources developed through the Augmentative Biocontrol (ABC) Working Group. The focus for both is to provide practical information that addresses barriers to biocontrol adoption and helps growers and gardeners successfully implement biocontrol. During the toolbox talk we will provide a tour of biocontrol agent profiles and describe the ongoing process and progress to create resources on augmentative biocontrol.
Amara Dunn-Silver
Biocontrol Specialist – New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, part of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Amara supports the effective use of biological control solutions for pests in all agricultural commodities, as well as pests encountered by New Yorkers where they live, work, play, and learn.
Hillary Peterson
Integrated Pest Management Specialist – Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Hillary is responsible for IPM education and implementation across the state including pests affecting structures like schools, homes, and restaurants, agriculture, invasive species, and more.
EPA Marks National Pollinator Week, Emphasizing Commitment to Protecting Pollinators
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan issued a proclamation announcing June 17-23, 2024, as National Pollinator Week. This year’s proclamation underscores EPA’s commitment to protecting pollinators from pesticides, including through mitigation measures for several pesticides and the upcoming issuance of the final Herbicide Strategy to protect over 900 federally threatened and endangered species, including pollinators.
EPA Releases Updates on Organophosphate Pesticides Dicrotophos, Dimethoate, and Tetrachlorvinphos
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the Proposed Registration Review Interim Decisions (PIDs) for dicrotophos and dimethoate, as well as an Interim Registration Review Decision (ID) for tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), three organophosphate (OP) pesticides.
The PID and updated HH DRA are posted to www.regulations.gov on docket #EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0440. Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, these documents will be open for public comment for 60 days.
The PID and updated HH DRA are posted to www.regulations.gov on docket #EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0059. Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, these documents will be open for public comment for 60 days.
The TCVP ID is available in the TCVP public docket #EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0316 at www.regulations.gov.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its 2024-2027 Climate Adaptation Plan, which describes agency actions to address the impacts of climate change and help build a more climate-resilient nation. The plan expands the agency’s efforts to ensure its programs, facilities, workforce and operations are increasingly resilient to climate change impacts. EPA plays a central role in the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis and build a climate-resilient nation.
The plan builds on work initiated in the 2014 and 2021 EPA Climate Adaptation Plans to incorporate climate adaptation into the agency’s programs, policies, rules, enforcement activities and operations. EPA has already made significant strides partnering with other federal agencies, states, Tribes, territories and local governments to promote climate resilience across the nation, placing a particular focus on advancing environmental justice. Nevertheless, more needs to be done given the magnitude of this global challenge.
All plans from each of the agencies and more information are available at the Federal Sustainability Plan website
Research in the news
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a major pest of citrus due to its role as the vector of the bacterium that causes huanglongbing. In commercial citrus, ACP control currently relies on the application of insecticides, which may not be sustainable long-term, nor practical in urban areas. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an alternative strategy in which large numbers of pests are reared, sterilized using radiation, and then released into the field to compete with wild individuals for matings, suppressing population growth. As a fundamental step toward the development of SIT for ACP, this study sought to identify the optimum radiation dose required to sterilize ACP without affecting their survival and mating capacity.
Nesting cavity diameter has implications for management of the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) (academic.oup.com)
Body size influences performance in many bee species and may be influenced by nesting cavity diameter in cavity-nesting bees. Megachile rotundata (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is a commercially-managed, solitary cavity-nesting bee. In M. rotundata body size has low heritability and is strongly influenced by the size of the larval provision and the diameter of the nesting cavity. Commercial nesting boxes have cavities that are 7 mm in diameter. Our goal was to examine the effects that nesting cavity diameter has on M. rotundata body size and performance by manipulating the size of cavities that are available for nesting.
Insects Foraging on Pearl Millet, Cenchrus americanus, Pollen (meridian.allenpress.com)
Despite frequent statements that grasses have no value to bees and other pollinators, bees and syrphid flies have been documented feeding on the pollen of at least 51 grass genera and are commonly seen collecting or consuming pollen from staple crops such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), maize (Zea mays L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) (Bailey et al. 2005, Apidologie 36: 623–633; Harris-Shultz
et al. 2022, Insects 13(12): 1152. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13121152; Nunes-Silva et al. 2010, Stud Dipterol. 17: 177–185; Pu et al. 2014, J. Appl. Ecol. 51: 1357–1365; Richardson 1915, J. Econ. Entomol. 8: 338–342; Saunders 2018; Schmidt and Bothma 2005, I.S.M.N. 46: 72–75; Singh et al. 2016, Adv. Life Sci. 5(6): 2285–2292).
How to Enhance Golden-winged Warbler Managed Sites for the Monarch Butterfly and Other Pollinators in the Great Lakes (nrcs.usda.gov)
Early-successional communities within the eastern United States have become rare and this has led to the loss of wildlife species, dependent on this community type for habitat. The decline of early-successional communities has been, in large part, caused by the lack of natural disturbances. For example, reduced wildfire and beaver activity have decreased the area of young forests and shrublands within eastern deciduous forests. Furthermore, supporting this community type through human effort (i.e., habitat management) is expensive, due to the management tools needed to simulate natural disturbances (e.g., brush hogging and prescribed fire) and the need for periodic disturbance to revert older sites to early-successional conditions.
News
This newsletter informs and updates school staff on topics related to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM controls pests with limited pesticide use by stressing preventative methods and encouraging collaboration by all school staff. Learn how you can improve school health for fellow staff members and students through the content below and free Pest Defense trainings.
This newsletter is courtesy of the North Central IPM Center, the National Education Association and the IPM Institute of North America.?
Forest Health Diagnostic Lab Reporting Form
Have a sick tree in your yard? Snapped a picture of a mystery insect you think could be invasive? DEC's Forest Health Diagnostic Lab is here to help you diagnose and identify tree diseases and potentially invasive insects. We're excited to announce a new reporting form which makes it easier and quicker than ever to submit your diagnostic requests. Check it out!
Giant hogweed plants are beginning to bloom across many parts of the state, making it a prime time to spot this harmful invasive species. Giant hogweed is a large, flowering plant from Eurasia with sap that can cause painful burns and scarring.
Adult giant hogweed plants tend to be 7-14 feet tall with an umbrella-shaped cluster of white flowers up to 2.5 feet wide. The stem is green with purple splotches and coarse white hairs, and leaves are large (up to 5 feet across), incised, and deeply lobed. The most common lookalike found in NY is our native cow parsnip, which flowers earlier and does not have the purple splotches on the stem (but can also cause burns). You can find more identification tips, including a table of other lookalikes, on our website.
Is the Beetle Doing Its Job? How Environmental DNA Can Aid Biological Control Efforts (entomologytoday.org | June 18, 2024)
Researchers from Cornell University have developed tools to help fight the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), a pest responsible for killing hemlock trees across eastern North America. A new study published this month in the Journal of Economic Entomology details work on innovative DNA tests to accurately detect the beetle that eats hemlock woolly adelgid, making it easier to track and measure the impact of these helpful insect allies.
“How-to” Video of the Week: Plant Washes and Other Tools to Make Detecting Parvispinus Easier (onfloriculture.com)
Plant washes are a simple but effective method to detect low levels of critical pests, such as Thrips parvispinus.
Once you’ve washed out your pests, we’ve also developed a quick “decision tree” to help you easily determine if you’re dealing with Thrips parvispinus or another thrips pest.
Produce Without Pesticides (consumerreports.org)
To get a sense of the current situation, CR (Consumer Reports) recently conducted our most comprehensive review ever of pesticides in food. To do it, we analyzed seven years of data from the Department of Agriculture, which each year tests a selection of conventional and organic produce grown in or imported to the U.S. for pesticide residues. We looked at 59 common fruits and vegetables, including, in some cases, not just fresh versions but also canned, dried, or frozen ones.
Surveys
Previously featured this issue
NYS Reforestation Target Species List Survey
One major challenge in implementing large-scale reforestation is the limited commercial availability of native woody species and seedling supplies. This list aims to encourage landowners, reforestation practitioners, and nursery professionals to prioritize a specific subset of tree species among the hundreds native to the region, thereby boosting seedling production, increasing the commercial availability of planting materials, and maximizing overall impact. The goal is to help New York State achieve its net-zero emissions goals by reforesting 1.7 million acres of abandoned post-agricultural lands by 2050.
The survey, which takes about 20 minutes to complete, aims to gather information about tree species selection and seed/sapling procurement from those who are professionally engaged in planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, and/or maintaining tree planting and other forest ecosystem restoration efforts in New York State. The survey should be completed by June 30th, 2024. Please feel free to share widely!”
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
Schenectady Lyme Disease Info Session
June 24 at 6 p.m. EDT: Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara and Cornell Cooperative Extension Lyme Disease Prevention Informational Session featuring Joellen Lampman
Back to Basics on Endangered Species Conservation
Amid dynamic regulatory and ecological conditions, news of endangered species and associated protections comes seemingly daily. In this presentation, wildlife specialist Adam Janke will take a step back from the headlines and review the basics of endangered species designations, populations, and conservation measures applied in the North Central states. The presentation will seek to resolve common uncertainties surrounding endangered species policies and offer practitioners guidance on practices that promote mutual thriving of rare and declining wildlife on profitable and productive farms.
Date & Time: June 26, 2024, 01:30 PM in EST
Affordable housing suffers from disproportionately high rates of pest infestations, resulting in high rates of asthma and allergies, and an increased risk of pesticide exposure from repeated applications or pesticide misuse.
A look back on symposia presentations and how they influenced our work in affordable housing, Susannah Krysko, MS, will explore the impact of the International IPM Symposium on technical assistance and training provided by The StopPests in Housing program, and in turn, the pest management practices at HUD-assisted housing sites across the country by facilitating an exchange of ideas, research findings, theories, obstacles, and successes.
Date & Time: July 30, 2024 02:00 PM in EST
Description: IPM Symposium Series Webinar #3
SLELO PRISM is hosting the following events and volunteer opportunities:
- iMapInvasives Training and Guided Walk: June 28th at the Nicandri Nature Center in Massena, NY. Please register to join.
- July 25th join a water chestnut pull on the Oswegatchie River in the Village of Heuvelton, NY. Registration is required to attend. Get details.
- Help remove invasive plants in July and August at various sites in Jefferson and Oswego Counties. Get details.
- Assist an emerald ash borer biocontrol monitoring project on Wednesdays now through September 25th at the Rice Creek Field Station in Oswego, NY. The purpose of the project is to determine if released parasitoid wasps have become established at the site. Volunteers will walk trails to gather specimens from pan traps and view them under a microscope. Guidance will be provided at each monitoring survey. Get details.
Pest Lessons: Bed Bugs and Public Health Implications
While bed bugs are not known to spread disease, their impact on physical and mental health cannot be understated. Residents with bed bug bites can suffer sleep deprivation and bites that are scratched open have the potential to become infected. Bed bug infestations – whether real or imagined (delusory parasitosis) – also can give residents anxiety or cause other psychological issues. In this webinar, Dr. Zach Devries will review bed bug biology and behavior, review known bed bug health effects and discuss potential emerging threats.
Date & Time: June 24, 2024 02:00 PM EST
What bit me? Summertime pests that have a tendency to ruin our outdoor activities.
Description: Summer, when we go outside to be one with nature. We step out of our front door and step into a world full of arthropods! These insects and arachnids certainly have been known to ruin our fun. Join us to learn how to keep your cool when there are things like ticks, mosquitoes, wasps and hornets around. We will discuss basic biology, how to protect yourself and your family, treatment options and what home remedies might not work as well as you think!
Presenter: Dr. Matt Frye, Community IPM Extension Educator with NYS Integrated Pest
https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_leu7Uk7bT46s0Xfb4wlDCQ
Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Time: 7pm to 8pm
Fee: Free
Commercialization of a Biologic Product to Reduce Lyme Disease in the Environment
As regulatory bodies become more aware of the need to acknowledge indirect effects of pest control methods, effective and environmentally sensitive approaches, like IPM, will become more relevant.
In this webinar, “Commercialization of a Biologic Product,” Dr. John Brooke, Director of Regulatory and Data for US Biologic, will discuss specifically the recent commercialization of a wildlife biologic against Lyme disease and generally how companies with a breakthrough technology can unexpectedly struggle
Date & Time: June 25, 2024 - 02:00 PM in EST
Description: IPM Symposium Series Webinar #2
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!
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.
Fellowship opportunities
Fellowship in Understanding the Scope and IPM Solutions to Woody Invasive Species in the Northeast
The Woody Invasive Species Assessment Fellow (the Fellow) will work in coordination with the UNH personnel to research and produce an assessment of woody invasive species scope of challenges, IPM recommendations and efficacy, emerging issues, research and Extension programs active in the space, and relevant government and non-profit organizations in the northeast region that provide information and/or resources for landowners to use IPM strategies for managing woody invasive species. The assessment will build capacity and expand the portfolio of the Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research Station systems to support forestland owners and managers.
DELIVERABLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The selected Fellow will be expected to deliver a final written landscape assessment in the form of an electronic professional report published electronically by the NHTOA and any background datasets by December 1, 2024
COMPENSATION
The selected Fellow will receive $10,000 to be used before December 1, 2024 to conduct the activities described above: meeting and corresponding with project steering committee, develop an assessment of existing resources and knowledge, complete a written report, and present the findings to relevant stakeholders. Funding represents approximately 1 month (160 hours) of work contributing to this effort.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should submit a proposal (300-500 words) and CV (or multiple CV’s if proposing a Fellow team) by June 30, 2024 to anton.bekkerman@unh.edu
There is no live link for this fellowship. Email above for more information.
Do you like programming, data, and maps but also crave contributing to conservation goals? Are you a problem solver who is detail-oriented, comfortable in the field, and can visualize field data? The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program and Saint Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management are hiring a Conservation and GIS Analyst with these skills and invite you to apply!
The Conservation and GIS Analyst is a full-time hybrid position. The successful candidate will oversee GIS and other relational database programs and provide technical support for PRISM staff. Some job duties include but are not limited to, designing field survey and collection tools, data visualization, and report curation.
To apply, go to careers.nature.org and search for job ID 55285, submit your application by using the "Apply Now" button. Need help applying? Visit The Nature Conservancy's recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
ARS Vacancies as of June 18, 2024
USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is one of the world’s premier scientific organizations, with research locations throughout the United States and a small number of international locations. Several positions listed.
Previously featured
Technician III (Cornell AgriTech); Geneva, NY
This position will support research and extension programming focused on weed management and sustainable crop production practices in New York specialty crops, including processing and fresh market vegetables, small-fruit, and perennial tree fruit. The research and extension program is designed to help NY growers develop multi-tactic integrated weed management practices that enhance productivity, profitability and ecosystem services in various cropping systems. The laboratory and field research program will focus on describing the biology and ecology of troublesome weed species, herbicide evaluation and stewardship, efficacy of novel physical and cultural weed control methods, including organic production practices.
Tasks will include performing field and laboratory research on weed ecology and management under the general supervision of the principal investigator. Specific duties may include: 1) establish and maintain small-plot and cropping-system level field experiments, 2) operate and maintain specialized tractor-mounted equipment including planters, grain-drills, sprayers and cultivators, 3) assist in completion of small-plot herbicide trials including pesticide calibration, spraying and inventory maintenance, 4) assist in data collection including weed population census, cover crop performance and cash crop yields, 5) process and summarize data, 6) assist in supervision of temporary staff and collaborate with graduate students to execute data collection protocols, 7) assist in extension programming, including field trial reports, newsletters and field workshops, 8) maintain good communications within the program team, farm staff, collaborators at Cornell, and with stakeholders, 9) identify problems and develop solutions, and 10) participate in professional development opportunities.
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is seeking an Extension Educator responsible for organizing, developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs for youth, families and communities. The Educator would work with volunteers and youth development agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities for youth, leading to the development of life skills for youth. The educator is also responsible for developing an active, ongoing recruitment campaign to involve new volunteers and youth. As a tenure- track faculty member, the Educator will be responsible for providing leadership to develop focused youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across the county and Capital Maryland cluster. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a timeframe defined.
Grape IPM Specialist - NYS Integrated Pest Management
The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) is seeking a dynamic and engaging leader with a passion for extension and innovation to serve as the Program’s grape IPM coordinator.
As part of NYSIPM’s award-winning team, the successful candidate will work with faculty and Cornell Cooperative Extension colleagues to help shape New York’s thriving $6 billion grape industry by expanding knowledge and access to sustainable pest management practices in grape agroecosystems and inspiring and working with diverse audiences and stakeholder communities to address the key issues impacting the state’s grape production systems.
This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Southeast Area, Crop Science Research Laboratory, Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit in Mississippi State, MS.
In this position, you will be responsible for implementing modern molecular breeding tools, high-throughput phenotyping methods, and statistical tools to develop maize germplasm with resistance to fall armyworm, and pre-harvest resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation.
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the nation’s largest public housing authority, with an operating budget of $3.3 billion and approximately 10,600 employees who manage and maintain 325 developments that house over 400,000 residents.
The Pest Management Department employs more than 300 people responsible for the reduction of pests in apartments, interior spaces such as basements and grounds. Half of the staff is made up of exterminators who follow an integrated pest management philosophy and goals set around vacuuming, pesticide use and sealing of holes. The unit also employs teams working on supplies, work order planning, program and data management, and specialized teams working with snap traps, bed bugs, rats, exclusion, resident engagement, and burrow collapsing.
Reporting to the Administrator of Program Management, the Entomologist is responsible for supporting and running various projects to better our pest management policies. Under direct supervision, receives training in and, with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, performs beginning level scientific and applied research and analysis in the study of entomology.
Assistant Director, Sustainable Pest Management
California Department of Pesticide Regulation
(This is a repost if you have already applied for position, no need to reapply. Also, notification is from 2023, still active post)
This senior-level position will lead strategic agency and stakeholder engagement/collaboration and
development of plans, programs and proposed funding to implement recommendations of the Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap. This CEA A’s leadership will include developing support for the practice change necessary to transition away from high-risk pesticides and adopt SPM at a systemwide level. The CEA A will lead initiatives that encourage regulatory alignment and SPM alternatives research, innovation, outreach and education. In addition, the position will oversee the SPM stakeholder advisory groups and work groups to support the integration of stakeholder feedback and SPM principles in pesticide program activities, grants, education, outreach, and other projects.
Agent, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and Extension programs through University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeks to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in watershed-based education with a particular focus on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions at individual and community landscape levels. The Regional Watershed Specialist for the Capital Cluster will work in the Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s counties of Maryland as well as statewide to provide non-formal education and technical assistance to stakeholders, including local and county governments, watershed groups, communities, and individuals. Education programming will focus on practices that improve water quality and quantity at the local level that lead to quantifiable reductions in non-point sources of pollution as well as improvement of water quantity/quality issues in the face of changing climate, increasing catastrophic weather events and intensities in a rapidly urbanizing region and state. The educator will be a member of the University of Maryland Extension’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Program (WPRP), consisting of faculty members with similar education responsibilities in other regions of the state. The educator will work closely with the Maryland Sea Grant Program (MDSG) to assist with implementing strategic Sea Grant initiatives that emphasize environmental justice and climate resiliency.
Agent, Native Plants & Landscapes Specialist
University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Extension seeks a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual to conduct applied research, develop educational programs, and engage in community outreach initiatives aimed at teaching and promoting the ecological benefits and use of native plant species in diverse landscapes. The Specialist will also be part of the leadership team responsible for implementing the Maryland Native Plants Program (along with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The IR-4 Southern Region office at the University of Florida seeks a Regional Field Coordinator (Research Coordinator III).
This role involves developing, managing, and coordinating field research programs, including field trials in pesticide residue, product performance, bio-pesticides, integrated solutions, and environmental horticulture projects. The incumbent will assign field trials associated with IR-4-funded research to field researchers, distribute research protocols, track progress, and ensure quality data are submitted to IR-4 Headquarters.
The Regional Field Coordinator will engage stakeholders in IR-4’s regional work, including growers, commodity associations/grower groups, Cooperative Extension Agents & Specialists, Agriculture Experiment Station researchers, and others connected with pest management in specialty/minor uses. Other outreach and management responsibilities are involved as well.
This role fills the vacancy opened by Janine Spies' transition to Statewide Program Leader in Fruit IPM Coordinator at Rutgers University (congratulations, Janine!).
Visit our Careers page to find more information and link to UF's job posting. Join us in spreading the word (or submit your application!) so we can help grow this talented team.
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.
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.
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.
Funding Opportunities
Previously featured
Calls for 2025 NE SARE Large Grant Preproposals Open
Three Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) programs are calling for preproposals. $5.9M in funding is available across the Research and Education, Research for Novel Approaches, and Professional Development grant programs. Preproposals are due August 6, 2024 by 5 p.m. EST.
Professional Development Grant
Q&A Sessions will take place in June and July to help applicants determine which program is right for their project. These sessions are a great opportunity to build community understanding around Northeast SARE grant programs and procedures.
Q&A Sessions will take place from 1 - 2 p.m. EST on:
Wednesday, June 26
Wednesday, July 10
Tuesday, July 16
A single registration allows you to attend ANY of the Q&A sessions.
Register for the Q&A sessions.
Research and Education Grant Program 2025 Call for Preproposals
Preproposal Due Date: August 6, 2024 5:00 p.m. ET
Proposals are submitted online at projects.sare.org
Questions?
Visit our website at: northeastsare.org/ResearchEducationGrant. For questions about this Call for Preproposals, contact Heather Omand at: northeast-re@sare.org or 802-656-7654.
At a Glance
The Research and Education program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. An education component is required, while an applied research component is optional. Funding
requests typically fall between $30,000 and $250,000 – though there is no cap. Farmer engagement in the project is required.
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.
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.
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