IPM News and Events Roundup 02/17/23
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.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
Northeastern IPM Center-Led Study Explores IPM Adoption and Impacts
The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center is pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on IPM impacts, barriers to IPM adoption, and strategies for increasing IPM adoption, recently published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management.
The paper is based on a study led by the Northeastern IPM Center with assistance from the other three regional IPM centers. David Lane, evaluation specialist for the Northeastern IPM Center, is lead author of the paper. The co-authors are Tegan Walker, evaluation specialist for the Southern IPM Center, and Deborah G. Grantham, Northeastern IPM Center director.
The paper, “IPM Adoption and Impacts in the United States,” was published January 3, 2023.
Research
Honey bee populations of the USA display restrictions in their mtDNA haplotype diversity (frontiersin.org)
Authored by: Mohamed Alburaki, Shayne Madella, Jillian Lopez, Maria Bouga, Yanping Chen and Dennis vanEngelsdorp
The genetic diversity of the USA honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) populations was examined through a molecular approach using two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. A total of 1,063 samples were analyzed for the mtDNA intergenic region located between the cytochrome c oxidase I and II (COI-COII) and 401 samples were investigated for the NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) coding gene. The samples represented 45 states, the District of Colombia and two territories of the USA. Nationwide, three maternal evolutionary lineages were identified: the North Mediterranean lineage C (93.79%), the West Mediterranean lineage M (3.2%) and the African lineage A (3.01%). A total of 27 haplotypes were identified, 13 of them (95.11%) were already reported and 14 others (4.87%) were found to be novel haplotypes exclusive to the USA.
Multiple ecosystem service synergies and landscape mediation of biodiversity within urban agroecosystems (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
Authored by: Shalene Jha, Monika Egerer, Peter Bichier, Hamutahl Cohen, Heidi Liere, Brenda Lin, Azucena Lucatero, Stacy M. Philpott
Ecosystem services (ESs) are essential for human well-being, especially in urban areas where 60% of the global population will live by 2030. While urban habitats have the potential to support biodiversity and ES, few studies have quantified the impact of local and landscape management across a diverse suite of services. We leverage 5 years of data (>5000 observations) across a network of urban community gardens to determine the drivers of biodiversity and ES trade-offs and synergies. We found multiple synergies and few trade-offs, contrasting previous assumptions that food production is at odds with biodiversity. Furthermore, we show that natural landscape cover interacts with local management to mediate services provided by mobile animals, specifically pest control and pollination. By quantifying the factors that support a diverse suite of ES, we highlight the critical role of garden management and urban planning for optimizing biodiversity and human benefit.
Herbicide-resistant barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) in global rice production (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
Authored by: Christos A. Damalas, Spyridon D. Koutroubas
Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli(L.) Beauv.), an annual species of the family Poaceae, is a major weed problem in rice-producing countries throughout the globe. Synthetic herbicides can effectively control this grass in rice paddies, but the development of resistant biotypes after the continuous use of the same active ingredients has led to low herbicide efficacy and yield losses. In this review, a summary of resistant-barnyardgrass cases in global rice production is reported based on data from the International Herbicide-Resistant Weed Database. The first case of resistant barnyardgrass in rice paddies was to the photosystem-II inhibitor propanil in the late 1980s. Eighty-five (85) out of 116 cases in the period from 1986 to 2022 refer to resistant barnyardgrass (E. crus-galli var. crus-galli, E. crus-galli var. formosensis and E. crus-galli var. zelayensis) in 16 countries. Barnyardgrass has been found resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors (34 cases), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors (23 cases), photosystem-II inhibitors (11 cases), auxin mimics/cellulose biosynthesis inhibitors (9 cases), very long chain fatty acid inhibitors (6 cases), and microtubule assembly inhibitors (1 case).
Insects Taste More Than Food and With More Than Mouths (entomologytoday.org)
Insects taste food, sites to lay eggs, and even mates. Some insects also use taste to know where on their body needs grooming. We humans taste using taste buds on our tongues. The insect equivalent of taste buds are taste sensilla, which tend to look like hairs. Taste sensilla have specific protein receptors that are activated by certain compounds. This in turn triggers nerves in the sensilla, which may result in acceptance or rejection behavior. Taste / gustation in insects can be defined as detection of nonvolatile chemicals, either liquids or solids, whereas olfaction is detection of molecules traveling through air.
Small but Destructive: Hibiscus Mealybug Emerges as Concerning Pest of Florida Fruits, Ornamentals, Some Row Crops (entomologytoday.org)
Hibiscus mealybug (Nipaecoccus viridis) is a mealybug known by many names across the world and is regionally referred to as the “lebbeck mealybug” in Florida. There, this mealybug is emerging as a multi-crop pest, though it is currently restricted to Florida.
America’s Next Top Entomology Outreach Model (entomologytoday.org)
One thing you can say about Vanessa and Valerie, the newest lab members of the Medical Entomology Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is that they catch everyone’s eye when they enter a room. That’s because Vanessa and Valerie are life-sized mannequins harboring blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). These ticks transmit the pathogen that causes an estimated 300,000 cases of Lyme disease in the United States annually.
Other News
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
NJ Under SLF Quarantine
SLF Egg Hatch Predictors
Biocontrols in GT
Fungal Biopesticides Webinar
Give the Gift of a RedBook
EPA Tackles Endangered Species Duties (dtnpf.com)
EPA is taking steps it hopes will ensure predictable pesticide access for growers while protecting threatened and endangered species and their habitat as required by law.
In comments delivered during the annual meeting of the Weed Science Society of America, Jake Li, EPA deputy assistant administrator for pesticide programs, acknowledged that the agency had registered and reregistered pesticides without going through the ESA process for decades. He cited the sheer volume of work -- determining the potential effects of hundreds of pesticide active ingredients on more than 1,600 threatened and endangered species -- as the main reason.
A 'soft landing' for beneficials with automatic dispenser (hortidaily.com)
One of the important points when releasing beneficial insects in the greenhouse is that they can get to work quickly. Now, it sometimes happened that the insects were so startled by their introduction into the greenhouse that they had to recover for a while, for example, from a 'hard landing' on the crop.
Black farmers call for justice from the USDA (npr.org)
"For more than 100 years the USDA did little to alleviate the burdens of systemic inequality for Black, Brown and Native farmers and was often the site of injustice," the then-candidate stated in his plan for rural America. Referencing class action and large lawsuits brought by farmers, Biden vowed to bring equity to the Agriculture Department's methods of supporting farmers.
As a part of the plan, the Agriculture Department created an Equity Commission. And Congress, led by Democratic Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Raphael Warnock of Georgia, approved a large debt relief program.
Human Health
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the availability of $2B from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address emerging contaminants, like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water across the country. This investment, which is allocated to states and territories, will be made available to communities as grants through EPA’s Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program and will promote access to safe and clean water in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities while supporting local economies. Administrator Regan announced the water infrastructure investments in Maysville, North Carolina while holding a community roundtable with North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser and other state and local leaders.
Pesticides; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard; Reconsideration of the Application Exclusion Zone Amendments (regulations.gov)
EPA is reconsidering certain revisions to the Application Exclusions Zone (AEZ) under the Agricultural Worker Protection Standards as amended in an October 2020 final rule. On October 30, 2020, EPA promulgated a final rule to: (1) limit the applicability and enforceability of the AEZ to within the boundaries of the agricultural establishment; (2) clarify when pesticide handlers may resume an application that was suspended because of people present in the AEZ; (3) eliminate criteria pertaining to spray quality and droplet size and establishing a simplified 25-foot AEZ for all sprayed applications made from a height of greater than 12 inches from the soil surface or planting medium (the 100-foot AEZ was retained for aerial, air blast, fumigations, mist, and fogger applications); and (4) provide an immediate family exemption to the AEZ requirements. The “Do Not Contact” provision was not revised; therefore, the handler must continue to ensure the application will not contact people and take appropriate measures to prevent contact from occurring. EPA will solicit public comment through a notice of proposed rulemaking.
6th Annual National Pesticide Safety Education Month February 2023
The purpose of National Pesticide Safety Education Month is to reinforce core principles of safe pesticide use with many audiences and raise awareness of and support for the land-grant university Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs). To learn more about National Pesticide Safety Education Month and access national resources, visit the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship website.
New York’s Pesticide Safety Education Program – CCE-PSEP:
New York State has its own PSEP! The Cornell Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE-PSEP) is dedicated to delivering science-based pesticide education that promotes the proper use of pesticides, to ultimately help reduce risks to applicators, consumers, and the environment. Come to us for pesticide safety training, information on proper pesticide use, and for general pesticide questions. We can help you to identify and reduce pesticide risks to people and the environment. We can help you better understand how to use pesticides properly and legally, following the current national and state-specific pesticide regulations and registration. In New York, pesticides are regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
CCE-PSEP Resources:
We develop pesticide applicator certification training manuals, host on-demand online applicator recertification training courses, present and host live pesticide safety/informational talks to applicators and the public, publish the Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines, and answer pesticide-related questions from any person or organization
CCE-PSEP looks forward to continuing to serve NYS applicators and citizens by providing pesticide safety information and training every month - not just February! Reach out to our team for any pesticide questions or to learn more about CCE-PSEP.
**If you have other Pesticide Awareness Month items from around the region and would like to share? I would be happy to receive and get them in next week’s Roundup, email me, Jerrie Haines jlh472@cornell.edu**
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
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.
- March 3: Carpenter ants | Carpenter bees
- April 7: Avoiding wildlife at home | Slug/snail management
- 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 March 3, 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
Food Solutions and the Climate Crisis
Register separately for each session using live links.
Webinar Series - Thursdays, February 23 – March 16, 2023 - 3pm ET
- 23 February – Plant-Rich Diet Efforts in Extension Programs in New York State and Beyond – with Jenna Walczak, Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY
- 2 March – Alternative Proteins – Rajni Aneja, Managing Director, Cornell Institute for Food Systems Industry Partnership Program (CIFS-IPP), Food Science
- 9 March – Reducing Food Waste Educational Programs – Karen Mort, Cornell Cooperative Extension Resource Educator, Albany County, and Dr. Lori Leonard, Professor and Chair, Cornell Global Development
- 16 March – What is Next? Moving Forward with Food Systems and Climate Education – Featuring Jenna Walczak, Agriculture Climate Resiliency Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York
For questions, contact Marianne Krasny (mek2@cornell.edu) or Celeste Carmichael (cjc17@cornell.edu). Use “Food Climate Webinar” in subject line.
FUNGAL BIOPESTICIDES - A GROWING OPTION IN PEST CONTROL (90-minute webinar)
Biological pesticides, or biopesticides, are usually inherently less toxic than conventional pesticides and generally affect only the target pests and closely related organisms. This free webinar will discuss various fungal biopesticides — Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium, Isaria (Cordyceps) — and their effective applications to manage pests such as bed bugs and mosquitoes. The featured speakers will provide an overview on how fungal pesticides work and an update on current successful use cases. Presenters: Stefan Jaronski Adjunct Professor at Virginia Tech University; insect pathologist and entomologist, USDA-ARS ; Speaker and Moderator: Marcia Anderson, Ph.D., US EPA
When: February 21, 2023 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
Lobster mobsters, jumping plant lice, and more invasive species talks coming
Invasive species pose a threat to Michigan's environment, economy, and sometimes even human health. What is at stake? What is being done? This webinar series will explore how agencies, universities and locally led organizations are working together to protect Michigan's natural resources through the Michigan Invasive Species Program. If you are concerned about the impacts of invasive species or interested in the techniques used to control them, join us as we examine species-specific actions, innovations in research and technology, and programs designed to help communities prevent and manage harmful invasive species. A question-and-answer period will follow each presentation.
UMass Extension’s Invasive Insect Webinar Series 2023
Join UMass Extension’s Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program and UMass Extension’s Fruit Program presents for this series of FREE webinars focusing on the impact, monitoring, and management of invasive insects in Massachusetts and the nation! Topics to include spotted lanternfly updates, management, and entomopathogens, forest pest risk re. climate change; the beech leaf disease nematode; and invasive forest insects. Please note while participants from anywhere are invited to attend, much of the material presented will be specific to Massachusetts and New England.
Event date/time: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 9:00am
Event Type: Online
Price: Free (grant subsidized)
Join us on February 23-24, 2023, at USDA's largest and premiere annual gathering!
USDA’s 99th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), will be held in-person at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott on February 23-24, 2023, and all sessions will be livestreamed on a virtual platform.
More than 30 sessions and 100 agriculture leaders and subject matter experts will discuss key issues impacting the sector including:
- USDA’s initial forecast for the agricultural economy, commodity markets, and trade in 2023 and the U.S. farm income situation
- Climate smart agriculture
- Supply chain challenges and solutions
- Factors impacting U.S. trade update & the global marketplace
- Food prices outlook
Buglady Predator Release Workshop
Live Hands-on Demos, Unpacking bios, Quality control check, Beneficial storage, Application methods, Scouting, Q&A,Tour of Pride’s Corners, And more…..
Date and time: Monday, February 20, 2023, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Location: Prides Corner Farms 122 Waterman Road Lebanon, CT 06249
Spotted Lanternfly Summit 2023
Registration Is Now Open
The 2023 Spotted Lanternfly Virtual Summit is scheduled for March 1 & 2, 2023.
Day 1 – begins March 1 at 10 a.m.
Topics include research updates on SLF phenology and host impact.
Register for Day 1: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CnNq1DCyRHekyGqVnH_Ryg
Day 2 – begins March 2 at 10 a.m.
Topics include research updates on SLF impact on crops and forestry.
Register for Day 2: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eBMMB1pASm-nOAqtcBKBxA
If you would like to receive email updates about the summit, please contact ipmforslf@cornell.edu.
Description: The insect world is diverse and includes a collection of critters that provide important functions in the ecosystem. Some are pollinators, some decomposers, and many are food for the birds,
reptiles and mammals we enjoy in our landscapes. To avoid becoming a food item and defend their colony, some insects sting, while others bite to obtain food. This presentation will help you to better
understand the stinging and biting insects found around your home, provide some insights about reducing encounters with them, and options for effective management when necessary.
We will also discuss:
• Do mosquitos only come out at dusk?
• Brown recluse? Black widow? Joro spider? What is actually in our area?
• What bug is that crawling in my bed?
Other pest arthropods like wasps and biting flies will also be discussed!
Presenter: Dr. Matt Frye, Community IPM Extension Educator with
NYS Integrated Pest Management
February 28, 2023 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar here!
Science & Management Webinar of this Invasive Weed
The webinar is intended to share information on control of Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica, with researchers, land managers, and landscape professionals who work with riparian weeds. The webinar will emphasize attempts at practical control strategies for California's Central Coast within a broader context of its ecology.
Hosted by the Marin Knotweed Action Team (MKAT).
Save the date
DATE: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
SPEAKERS & AGENDA: coming soon
REGISTRATION: opens in 2023
QUESTIONS: email llevinger@ucanr.edu
Exploiting the Vulnerabilities of Weeds
Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Regional Capital Area Agriculture & Horticulture Program and the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program are pleased to present “Exploiting the Vulnerabilities of Weeds” on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Farmers who grow field crops, vegetable crops, fruit crops, and horticultural crops will learn weed biology and how to exploit weed vulnerabilities to develop a cultural weed management plan and improve the effectiveness of herbicides. Pesticide applicator recertification credits will be available.
Weeds are a universal challenge for all farmers. Fortunately, much research has been done over the last several years to understand weeds and develop cultural techniques to manage them. Herbicides are also more effective when strategized based on weed biology. Several weed experts from Cornell University and the University of Illinois will present at this workshop, along with experienced farmers and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators. Farmers do not have to be frustrated with weeds anymore. The workshop will provide a foundation of weed management for all farmers.
March 7, 2023, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Italian-American Community Center, 257 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205
Cost: $60.00 per person
Registration: https://caahp.ccext.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=169
Online registration is now open for The Native Plant Center's 2023 Spring Landscape Conference, Sources and Solutions: Essential Native Plant Partnerships, March 13. The event will take place virtually.
Whether in a forest, meadow, or yard, ecological restoration takes a big-picture approach and the cooperation of many people. Discover strategies being used to confront challenges such as invasive species, climate change, and native plant supplies and how you play a role.
Event Details
Date: March 13, 2023
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Information: See event details and Essential Native Plant Partnerships here.
Please register by March 9, 2023 – 5:00 p.m.
SPOTTED LANTERNFLY - UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS (90-minute webinar)
A pest of concern to both ornamental plants and agriculture is the highly invasive spotted lanternfly. This voracious leafhopper is moving outward from the Mid-Atlantic states, damaging trees, ornamental plants, and agricultural crops. Vineyards are especially sensitive to this pest. Experts will review the environmental and economic challenges caused by the spotted lanternfly invasion, present the latest data on their range, and discuss research into prevention and control techniques with an emphasis on the grape industry.
When: March 14, 2023 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
Employment Opportunities
IR-4
The IR-4 Project is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor to join its headquarters team, based on NC State’s Centennial Campus.
Reporting to the National Quality Assurance Unit Manager, the incumbent is a member of the IR-4 Project Quality Assurance Unit and is responsible for various types of quality assurance audits of IR-4 Project generated raw data and reports. The incumbent would be responsible for performing inspections of field sites and lab analyses during critical phases of a study as well as conducting facility inspections.
This vital role helps ensure the quality and integrity of IR-4 Project submissions to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Many of the functions of this position are required for the IR-4 Project to achieve compliance with US EPA Federal Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (GLPs – as documented in Chapter 40- Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160).
This is a full-time (40 hours per week), EHRA non-faculty position.
View the job posting and apply here!
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:
Home & Garden: Business Services Specialist
Home & Garden: Program Management Specialist
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 (4 Positions)
1)Baltimore County, 2)Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, 3)Worcester County and 4)Talbot County
Cornell University
We are seeking a Program/Extension Aide II who will closely collaborate with the NYSIPM Digital Outreach and Development Coordinator to take on the following responsibilities in our program.
- Collaboratively build python modules and Django web apps
- Deploy basic Django web apps to test and evaluate python modules using coding best practices.
- Perform basic non-critical planned updates to existing Django web apps, following plan of work documents.
- Research and synthesize new information about online target audience needs.
- Build mockups of digital tool interfaces for user testing.
- Participate in planned Digital Outreach Team meetings and team-building activities.
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.
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.
WNY PRISM is Hiring! All 2023 Summer Positions are Open!
Join the WNY PRISM team and spend the summer gaining valuable experience in invasive species management! Multiple positions are open with varying responsibilities, timeframes, and necessary qualifications, so take a look and see what interests you! The application deadline for all positions is March 3, 2023.
For more information, including full job descriptions and to apply, visit www.rfhiring.com
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.
Entomology Technician (Assistant Apiary Inspector)
MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & FORESTRY
The Division of Animal and Plant Health Program is seeking a qualified candidate to assist with the duties of the Apiary Program. Primary duties include inspecting hives for regulated diseases, pests and parasites, servicing traps for detecting invasive bees and wasps, collecting samples for the National USDA Honey Bee Health Survey, and light office work. Depending on experience and skill, the candidate may also be asked to provide educational opportunities for Maine beekeepers and lab diagnostic testing. This position will be primarily based out of Southern Maine, with occasional travel required to other parts of the state. Some overnight travel may also be required. This position will start mid-May.
Closing Date: March 2, 2023
Funding Opportunities
Two of our critical grants management systems, CREEMS and ezFedGrants, are nearing the end of their lifecycle and require replacement. NIFA will chose a new grants management solution from these Federally managed technology providers.
This Grants Modernization Initiative is a key priority for NIFA, and our goal is to keep you informed and engaged. Ultimately, this initiative will transform how we do business so that it is more seamless for staff and customers, improves our ability to track and report outcomes, and helps achieve the agency mission more efficiently and effectively.?
2023 Capital Region PRISM Requests for Proposals
The Capital Region PRISM is seeking Request for Proposals (RFP's) for the 2023 calendar year. The PRISM has a dedicated amount of funding for partner organizations throughout the Capital Region for invasive species related projects. Awarded projects must be located or serving areas within the ?boundary of the CR-PRISM.
The CR-PRISM hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County is funded through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) via the Environmental Protection Fund. As part of the agreement with the NYSDEC, we are pleased to announce another round of funds to be released for contract on behalf of the CR-PRISM. The PRISM Steering Committee has requested that the proposals align with the greater goals and objectives of the Capital Region PRISM 2023 Work Plan.
The CR-PRISM is offering three levels of proposal requests in which potential applicants can apply for funding. Project requests can now fall within one of the three category levels below based on financial need of partners and proposed project work. Please review the following documents before filling out your application: 2023 Request for Proposals Pre-Application Guide Subcontract deadline for receipt of proposals February 21,2023 at 9:00 am
Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management 2023 Request for Proposals
The Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (Lower Hudson PRISM) is a group of organizations and agencies that work cooperatively to promote the prevention, early detection
and strategic management of invasive species to protect conservation targets. In addition to conducting public education, outreach and management activities, we support community engagement and citizen
science projects addressing the ecological impact and effective control of invasive species. The Lower Hudson PRISM is one of eight Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management or
PRISMs in New York State. These partnerships are supported by the New York Invasive Species Council and are funded by the Environmental Protection Fund through contract with the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). The LH PRISM is now accepting applications for the 2023 calendar year. Approximately $100,000 is expected to be available for management and outreach activities related to invasive species in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York. We expect that most funded projects will range between $2,000 and $20,000. Projects submitted in response to this RFP are subject to review and approval by NYSDEC.
Applications are due by February 28, 2023, at 9 a.m.
USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.
USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 27, 2023.
A pre-recorded webinar on Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants | USDA provides an overview of the grants’ purpose, project types, eligibility, and basic requirements for submitting an application.
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.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (nrcs.usda.gov)
NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP. Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.
Targeted EQIP financial assistance is available through several conservation initiatives. See which initiative is available in your state.
Dune and Riparian Ecosystem Restoration Project
Background: The Nature Conservancy has entered into an agreement with the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation to host the SLELO PRISM to deliver core functions of an invasive species management program including the creation and delivery of the Aquatic and Riparian Restoration Initiative, designed to identify the most deserving areas in need of monitoring, management, and restoration in the Eastern Lake Ontario region. The Nature Conservancy intends to enter into agreement with a subcontractor for the purpose of administering the Aquatic Restoration Initiative Phase IV, of the South Sandy Creek Project and Phase III of the North Sandy Pond Special Project. It has been determined by the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario partners Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) and steering committee that working with a subcontractor is desirable and beneficial towards producing the deliverables sought for this project. It is the desire of the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) hosted by The Nature Conservancy to continue the Restoration Initiatives, South Sandy Creek Phase IV and North Sandy Pond Phase III, initiated in 2020. The objective of 2023 is the delivery and administration of a comprehensive project including the management of invasive species, restoration of native species in aforementioned sites in Eastern Lake Ontario enabling natural ecological processes to reestablish resulting in site resiliency. The detailed Request for Quote can be found below.
Due date and time: Monday, March 13, 2023, at 5:00 PM
Download here: http://fingerlakesinvasives.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RFB-2023-Hydrilla-Cayuga-Lake-Herbicide-Treatment.pdf
1. Project Title
Aquatic herbicide control of Hydrilla verticillata in Finger Lakes and Great Lakes Region.
2. Project Description
In summer, the certified commercial pesticide applicator (defined herein as the “Contractor”) will perform herbicide treatment of Hydrilla verticillata in Cayuga Lake, located in Lansing, NY (approx. 5 acres).
3. Project Term
Start March 20, 2023, End October 31, 2023Details of the Request for Bids is available on the fingerlakesinvasives.org website.
For more information and any questions, please contact BECK-ANDERSEN@hws.edu.