IPM News and Events Roundup 02/20/2026

IPM News and Events Roundup                 

A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Regional IPM Centers      
 
The Southern IPM Center is teaming up with several NE IPM Center "veterans" to continue delivering programming to the Northeast (see the funding acknowledgement). Watch for emails from Deb Grantham (deborahggrantham@gmail.com) and Jerrie Haines (ipm.communicator@gmail.com). Roger Magarey, co-director of the Southern IPM Center is the primary contact related to this effort.     
 
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at ipm.communicator@gmail.com. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email Jerrie at ipm.communicator@gmail.com. Past Roundups are archived on our website.    
 
This work is supported by The Southern IPM Center, Project Award Grant #2022-70006-38002, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Program. 
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. government determination or policy. 
 
 
Beginning in 2008, the Southern IPM Center has recognized Friends of IPM– those with extraordinary potential to contribute to research, extension, or implementation of IPM in the Southern region of the United States. Many of the criteria for the awards are based on the National IPM Roadmap published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Those that are named “Friends of IPM” are given an award for their dedication and achievement. 
 
For the 2026 funding year, SIPMC received 31 proposals totaling $994,848 in requested funds. Of those, we funded nine projects, including five working groups, totaling $318,117. Disciplines, many interdisciplinary, range from Entomology, Human Health, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, and Wildlife. Contracting states include: AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, and SC, while 12 of the 15 southern states are represented when including cooperating states. 
Click on the above link to view the projects that were funded by the Southern IPM Center’s 2026 Southern IPM grants.   
 
 
 
  • Pruning Workshops, 
  • Japanese Beetle Biological Control 
  • Downy Mildew Resistant Cucurbits 
 
 
Newsletter of the Western Integrated Pest Management Center 
  • New World Screwworm Detections in Mexico 
  • USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Releases North 
  • Screwworm Grand Challenge: $100 million Available, 20 Awards Anticipated 
 
Government Agency News 
When pistachio hulls split before the nuts are harvested, insects and fungi can get inside, damaging the nut, costing farmers money and contaminating what consumers get. About 4% of the overall crop experiences hull split, but some cultivars can split as much as 40% under certain conditions. 
Scientists at the University of California, Davis, are seeking solutions for California’s $2-billion-a-year pistachio industry. New research reveals how the hull is built and how cell walls in certain layers break down, along with the genes and corresponding mechanisms that spark and control those changes. Their research will help breeders select for traits that will make the hulls less vulnerable to tearing and cracking. 
 
Weed control is essential in apple orchards because weeds compete with trees for nutrients, water and sunlight. Penn State University (PSU) researchers are developing an automated, robotic weed-management system. PSU researchers developed an AI machine vision model that can accurately find, outline, interpret and estimate the weed density. The system, intended to guide a robotic precision sprayer, uses a machine vision innovation that allows a side-view camera to detect and identify weeds for treatment — even weeds that are partially obscured.  
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the enrollment periods for agricultural producers and landowners to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for Continuous CRP starting Feb. 12, 2026, through March 20, 2026. Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9, 2026, through April 17, 2026. FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future. 
 
Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is the most devasting disease of citrus worldwide and has cost billions of dollars in economic losses. HLB has severely affected the citrus industry in Florida before any remedial action could be taken by growers. In California, HLB has been reported in urban backyard citrus trees that are a potential source of the pathogen. These infected backyard citrus trees threaten surrounding commercial citrus groves. 
 
As planting season approaches, now is the time for farmers and seed dealers to prepare their seed for testing. The Georgia Department of Agriculture Seed Lab in Tifton, Georgia, is currently accepting seed samples for germination and certification testing. 
The state seed laboratory serves farmers, seed dealers, wholesalers, and others across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Early seed testing helps ensure strong germination rates and compliance with certification standards before planting begins. 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites public comment on three petitions to deregulate corn developed using genetic engineering. Specifically, the corn varieties were developed to resist damage caused by lepidopteran pests, and two of them also include herbicide resistance. Two petitions are from Pioneer Hi-Bred and one petition is from Syngenta.The public will have 60 days to review and provide comments on the petitions and APHIS’ evaluation documents. 
In the Search field, enter the following docket numbers: 
  • APHIS-2025-1033 for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., 910521-2 Maize (Corn) 
  • APHIS-2025-1034 for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., DAS-01131-3 Maize (Corn) 
  • APHIS-2025-1035 for Syngenta Seeds, LLC, MZIR260 Maize (Corn) 
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites public comment on a petition from Bayer CropScience LLC to deregulate a soybean developed using genetic engineering. The soybean variety is resistant to damage caused by lepidopteran pests.  
The public will have 60 days to review and comment on the petition and draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRA). APHIS encourages submission of scientific data, studies, or research in support of comments. 
 
Research in the news 

Spotted Wing Drosophila IPM Working Group 

 
Pathogenic fungi often penetrate plant cell walls using specialized fungal infection cells with high hydrostatic turgor pressure. Kumakura et al. identified two enzymes that are conserved across multiple fungal species and that biosynthesize a polymer called dihydroxyhexanoic acid (DHHA). DHHA reduces the porosity of fungal cell walls, making them only partially permeable, allowing the cell to build up higher turgor pressure. This contrasts with the role of melanin, which appears to increase cell wall strength. The DHHA-producing enzymes provide a potential target for antifungal measures, which may aid the protection of crops against disease. —Madeleine Seale 
 
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is an emerging approach to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while improving soil health and crop productivity. Yet its long-term climate impact remains uncertain due to limited understanding of how adoption will evolve across regions, income groups, and in response to a warming world. Here, we combine historical analogs of technological diffusion with a coupled human–nature feedback model to provide spatially explicit projections of global ERW adoption through 2100. We develop five scenarios reflecting varying levels of policy ambition, societal responsiveness, and implementation capacity. 
 
Plant anticipatory behavior is well established for adaptive responses when environmental cues reliably predict meaningful challenges with clear fitness consequences. 
Emerging fields, such as plant electrome analysis and interplant communication, hold promise but face challenges when compelling narratives overshadow rigorous replication and parsimonious interpretation. 
Critical analysis of claims that spruce trees collectively anticipate solar eclipses reveals fundamental flaws: the eclipse was functionally minor, gravitational cues are not predictive, and weather offers more parsimonious explanations. 
 
More than fifty years after the publication of Silent Spring, the United States continues to struggle with balancing the benefits of pesticide use against their environmental and public health costs. These costs are also known as pesticide externalities because these are paid by society at large rather than factored into the costs of production. A major contributing factor to this imbalance is the absence of standardized, widely adopted metrics and tools for assessing and reducing pesticide externalities in day-to-day agricultural production and urban pest management. This leaves producers, consumers, and policymakers without clear guidance for decision-making. Researchers are also impacted, left without coordinated direction or incentives to focus their work on the reduction of pesticide externalities. 
 
Spatially explicit cropland greenhouse gas emission data are essential for identifying emission hotspots and guiding sustainable mitigation strategies. Here we develop high-resolution (5 arcmin) global maps of cropland emissions across 46 crop classes in 2020 by integrating sectoral datasets on synthetic fertilizer, manure, crop residue, in-field burning, rice cultivation and cultivated drained peatlands. Global croplands emitted 2.5 (95% CI 2.4–2.7) GtCO2e yr−1, with drained peatlands (35%), rice paddies (35%) and synthetic fertilizer (23%) as the primary contributors. Four crops—rice, maize, oil palm and wheat—accounted for 67% of total emissions. Emission areal intensities averaged 2 MgCO2e ha−1 globally, with higher intensities in Asia and Europe, where croplands also achieved high caloric productivity. Spatial correlations between emission intensity and production efficiency reveal geographic trade-offs between mitigation potential and food production. The resulting dataset establishes a unified global framework for a spatially explicit assessment of agricultural emissions and efficiency. 
 
News  
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are common in northern temperate zones and feed on human blood. They usually are found in mattresses and bedding material, taking blood meals at night. While the bed bug’s survival depends heavily on temperature and relative humidity, little is known about how much heat and humidity can prove lethal. 
 
The U.S. should do more to address pest and disease outbreaks in agriculture, which are costing the industry billions of dollars and leading to higher food costs for consumers, according to a new report from Farm Journal Foundation. 
 
Corn earworm moths (Helicoverpa zea) are a serious problem pest of corn, cotton, and other crops in the southeastern U.S. Since the 1960s, pest managers have used a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for control because it produces proteins toxic to insects. And in the 1990s, scientists learned how to introduce Bt genes into corn, allowing Bt-modified corn to produce Bt biopesticide proteins. 
 
This CPN TV interview series covers Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and approaches including basic to more advanced options for weeds, diseases, and insects in Midwestern cropping systems. Extension experts describe how to link IPM with NRCS terminology (prevention, avoidance, monitoring, and suppression) and how conservation efforts can be used for NRCS funds and programs under 595 programs. Viewers can learn how to develop an IPM plan and receive cost-share funding for IPM implementation under many NRCS program options. 
Learn more about IPM’s system-based approach to crop protection and conservation at cropprotectionnetwork.org. 
 
Valentine’s Day may not feel complete unless there are chocolates, flowers, a special meal, and a glass of wine. Yet one of the East and Midwest’s most beloved wine grapes continues to face the possibility of significant crop loss and declining quality due to Botrytis bunch rot and sour rot.  This agricultural challenge called the USDA-ARS Grape Genetics Research Unit (GGRU) to action, prompting the Geneva, NY, facility to take a closer look at how they could solve a burgeoning threat to one of New York’s signature grapes. 
Bumble bees may look clumsy and goofy hovering above a flower, but don’t be deceived: They’re among the hot rods of the insect world and able to fly 22 kilometers per hour. Even while hovering, their powerful wing muscles generate a lot of heat. Like any high-performance vehicle, the bees have ways to keep their motors cool—and a new study shows just how effective one of these methods can be. 
 
The groundhog was skeptical, but spring is coming, and with it, dozens of crop and weed management decisions – burndown herbicide selection, planter row widths, variety placement, tillage passes, and maybe even tactics like cover crops. 
Do you know how each one affects your operation’s most troublesome weeds?  
Time to stock up on the GROW Weed Management Planners, which aim to help farmers learn exactly that! 
 
Traditional herbicide-resistance testing takes months and often outpaces the time you have to make decisions about what to spray in your fields. But what if that turnaround time could be shortened?  
Funded by the United Soybean Board, the Herbicide Resistance Monitoring Network (HERMON) is developing rapid, DNA-based herbicide-resistance testing in soybean production. Through HERMON, farmers might only wait a few weeks to find out if that worrying pigweed or ragweed is herbicide resistant, according to the HERMON project’s principal investigator, Dr. Eric Patterson of Michigan State University. 
 
General Announcements 
The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship helps scientists gain first-hand experience applying science to policy as they spend one year on the staff of federal, state, local, or non-governmental agencies in the Gulf region. 
With the guidance of a mentor, fellows delve into activities like policy development, evaluation, restoration planning, grants management, and stakeholder outreach and learn what it takes to make scientific information not just useful but useable. Meanwhile, host offices get a talented technical expert with a fresh perspective and a new network of contacts across the Gulf region. 
Fellows who have completed a MA, MS, or MPH/MSPH degree or who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program will receive an annual stipend of $63,800. Fellows who have completed a PhD, ScD, EngD, MD, DrPH, or DVM will receive an annual stipend of $69,300. 
For additional information and to apply, please visit our website. 
 
Help our Hemlocks: HWA Winter Mapping Challenge 
The Winter Mapping Challenge is already underway and runs through March 15. Eastern hemlocks play a vital role in our forests, but they are threatened by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). You can help by joining scientists, conservationists, and volunteers across the state in tracking the spread of HWA, and compete to win a prize from the NYS Hemlock Initiative. Learn more at NY iMapInvasives. 
 
Applications Due Soon for WNY PRISM's 2026 Boot Brush Station Program! 
Boot brush stations are a simple, cost-effective way to prevent the spread of invasive species on trails and in natural areas while engaging and empowering the public to take action. Through the program, partners receive the supplies needed to install a station and then they maintain it for community use. We encourage applications from both new partners and those who have participated in the program before. Learn more and apply here. Application deadline: February 23, 2026. 
 
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is February 23 - 27, 2026 
This year's theme is Defending Our Health by Stopping the Spread. Invasive species don’t just harm ecosystems, they impact our water, our food systems, our communities and our well-being. This year, NISAW will shine a national spotlight on how protecting our environment is directly connected to protecting public health. Throughout the week, NAISMA and partners across North America will host free educational webinars, policy and legislative discussions, community engagement resources and more! Learn more here! 
 
To bring awareness of, recognize, and pay tribute to those who have made significant contributions to NCR-SARE and sustainable agriculture in the North Central region, NCR-SARE is accepting nominations for the “NCR-SARE Hero” recognition. 
Coordinated by the NCR-SARE Alumni Organization, the recognition will acknowledge these heroes' leadership, vision, contributions, and impact in the region's sustainable agriculture field across the 12-state region (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI). 
Anyone may submit nominations. The official nomination form is available on the NCR-SARE website here. 
Eligibility  
  • Service to NCR-SARE and/or national SARE; and 
  • Leadership in sustainable agriculture locally and regionally; and 
  • Lasting impacts to sustainability in the North Central region. 
Nominations and Selection  
  • The NCR-SARE Alumni Heroes Committee reviews and forwards nominations to the NCR-SARE Administrative Council. 
  • Nominations received will be kept on file at NCR-SARE and maintained for consideration for four years. Nominations may be resubmitted after that time. 
  • Current SARE staff and state coordinators cannot be nominated. They are eligible for nomination one year after leaving their SARE positions. 
Nominations received by the end of the day on March 31, 2026, will be considered for the 2026 recognition. The NCR-SARE Hero recognition will be announced in July 2026. 
 
Survey 
We (researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Maryland College Park) are conducting a research study to understand the timing and approach to invasive plant control efforts and the efficacy of these interventions. The purpose of this study is to better understand when in the field season different kinds of mechanical and chemical control methods are deployed for specific invasive plants, and whether practitioners have needed to adjust the timing of these interventions in recent years due to shifts in plant phenology brought about by climate change. This is our second year of sending this survey - if you have filled it out before, thank you, and we want to hear from you again!  The survey will take between 15-25 minutes to complete.  
You may participate in this study if you are a natural resource manager who deals with invasive plants. Your participation is completely voluntary, and no identifying information will be collected. You are free to skip any question that you choose and can stop the survey at any time. 
 
The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture invites farmers from across the U.S. to complete a short online survey to better understand the types of traits and characteristics producers value most in their cover crops. The results of the survey will directly inform future cover crop breeding and variety testing research — including that of the Cornell-based Cover Crop Breeding Network — as well as outreach efforts, to help meet the needs of farmers across the country.  
The survey will take approximately 5 to 15 minutes and is completely voluntary. All types of producers are encouraged to participate, including both those with and without cover crop experience. Survey findings will be shared through presentations, publications in peer-reviewed literature, and farm media outlets. If you have any questions, please contact Etienne Sutton at etiennesutton@missouri.edu.  
Follow this link to complete the survey: https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8oJnvCLDdrNHiKi 
 
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more 
Newly featured this issue 
The Ecological Research Institute's Monitoring and Managing Ash (MaMA) program enables detection of lingering ash, i.e., trees whose persistent health in high mortality areas indicates likely substantial levels of heritable EAB resistance. Material collected from these trees is being used to selectively breed highly resistant native ash for conservation and restoration. In this presentation, ERI's Director, Jonathan Rosenthal, who developed and leads the MaMA program along with ERI's Senior Scientist, Radka Wildova, will provide a progress update including on the scion collection season that just ended, in which material was harvested from multiple lingering ash of all three widespread native ash species to enable grafted replicates to be grown at two breeding centers in New York. 
Join us for the next monthly Statewide PRISM Webinar on Wednesday, February 25th, from 11am-noon. 
 
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive planthopper native to Asia, has rapidly spread across the northeastern United States, threatening agriculture, forestry, and residential landscapes. Feeding on more than seventy plant species, including grapevines, maples, and fruit trees, it weakens plants and produces sticky honeydew that fosters mold growth and attracts nuisance insects. This webinar will cover identification at all life stages, the insect’s life cycle and host preferences, and the factors behind its swift spread. Participants will learn about its current distribution, the damage it causes, and available tools for monitoring and management, equipping growers, landowners, and residents in quarantined areas with the knowledge to take effective action. 
April 3, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:15 PM ET) 
Register By: April 2, 2026   
This event is free of charge. 
 
Knotweed spreads primarily through the dispersal of rhizomes and broken plant fragments, a process facilitated by both human activity and extreme weather events. Under climate change, extreme rainfall and flooding events become more frequent and severe. Understanding how these disturbances influence knotweed dispersal is critical for prevention, early detection, and effective management. 
Feb 24, 2026 12:00 PM in EST 
 
Resilient Long Island is a symposium in which community members, researchers, and professionals are invited to learn how to foster resilient ecological communities, with topics on native plants and invasive species. Expect three action-packed days of presentations, an interactive workshop, a happy hour poster session, and more! Use code butterflyweed for 20% off Friday tickets! https://liisma.org/resilient-2026/ 
  • Thursday, March 19 - Poster Session Sisters of St. Joseph Campus in Brentwood 
  • Friday, March 20 - Symposium at Hofstra University 
  • Saturday, March 21 - Workshop at Hempstead Plains
Continuing Education Credits: NYSDEC Pesticide, LACES, ISA, SAF (CNLP pending)  
Previously featured 
USDA Cooperative Research Forum on Invasive Species 
Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, February 24-Thursday, February 26; 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 
Hosted by NAISMA in partnership with USDA agencies, this national forum will bring together researchers and invasive species professionals from across the country to strengthen collaboration and advance applied research on invasive species challenges. Building on the expanded focus of the Cooperative Research Forum, the event will address a wide range of invasive insects, diseases and weeds affecting forest and urban trees, including the Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, spotted lanternfly and others. Learn more and register. 
 
February 24, 2026  *  9:30 am - 1:30 pm 
Climate change is a concern across the Commonwealth. While many communities prepare by discussing improvements to infrastructure and disaster preparedness, managed and natural landscapes will demand attention too. We will highlight some of the manifestations of climate change, plant responses to those changes in trees and shrubs. and the interplay with insects (including pests). 
TOPICS 
  • Insect Responses to Climate Change  
    Dr. Mariana Abarca, Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, Smith College 
  • Climate Change and New England Forests  
    Dr. Pamela Templer, Distinguished Professor and Chair of Biology, Boston University 
  • Direct and Indirect Responses of Ornamental Insect Pests to Climate Change and Management Implications  
    Dr. Steven Frank, Professor and Extension Specialist, Entomology & Plant Pathology, NC State Extension 
 
Monday, February 23 
3 p.m. - 4 p.m. 
Speaker: Allison (Allie) Gardner, Associate Professor of Arthropod Vector Biology, University of Maine 
All talks are free and open to the public. Talks are held virtually via Zoom and in-person at the Mitchell Center, 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono. Refreshments will be served. For virtual attendance, complete the registration form to receive Zoom connection information. 
During the early 21st century, the number of outbreaks of infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans has grown explosively worldwide. These emerging zoonotic diseases are integrated into landscapes managed by people and amplified in complex cycles in which pathogen transmission is intertwined with ecosystem ecology and human behavior. Many management decisions at the human-wildlife-environmental health nexus are made under conditions of both risk (i.e., potential for negative outcomes) and uncertainty (due to imperfect, evolving scientific knowledge). This talk will explore the case study of tick-borne disease management in North America, which is high-risk due to the health threat posed by disease and high-uncertainty due to lack of data and/or expert consensus about the most effective control tactics. 
Allison (Allie) Gardner is an Associate Professor at the University of Maine studying the ecology and management of tick-borne and mosquito-borne disease. Allie has worked in disease systems including Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus and has extensive experience collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams, community scientists, and federal and state agency partners. She has served as an Entomological Society of America Science Policy Fellow, Chair of the “Biology, Ecology, and Management of Emerging Disease Vectors” USDA Multi State Hatch project, and a founding member of the New England Regional Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease. 
 
The Cornell Turf Show is a free weekly webinar where we cover golf, sports turf, and lawn/landscape management in 30 minutes. We cover the latest weather trends, disease and insect pressure, fertility strategies, and practical management insights you can use right away. Expect timely turf topics for Northeast golf course, sports turf, and lawn managers — featuring Cornell experts and industry guests. Season 7 kicks off Friday, Feb. 20 – Speaker TBD. The season will run till May 22, 2026. 
The show airs live every Friday from 10–10:30 a.m. EST. For more information, visit Cornell Turf Show Returns for Season Seven. To register directly, visit The Cornell Turf Show. 
 
The University of Rhode Island’s Cooperative Extension is hosting its second annual Winter Agriculture Webinar Series. The series is free and will be offered each Thursday in February from noon to 1 p.m., via Zoom. URI’s Cooperative Extension Winter Agricultural Webinar Series brings together experts from across the country to share knowledge on topics relevant to commercial fruit and vegetable growers. The program is catered to farmers but welcomes backyard gardeners as well. 
 
Feb. 26 – Lincoln Fishman, Growing Vegetables in Living Mulch. Fishman is director of Momentum Ag in western Massachusetts, which helps farmers “grow knowledge,” by coordinating and funding farmer-led research into climate-smart agricultural techniques and funding farmer-to-farmer adoption of these techniques. Momentum is running trials on cash crop production in perennial clover living mulch. 
 
Joan Casanelles Abella, Technical University of Munich 
Land-use changes, like agricultural intensification and urbanization, have contributed to the decline of insects, resulting in complex and novel foraging landscapes, which are compounded by changing climates. Insect conservation efforts cannot be limited to natural and semi-natural ecosystems and there is growing interest in improving habitats for insects in human-dominated environments. Historically, research has focused on how land-use change—often measured by plant diversity or landscape heterogeneity—affects the abundance and species richness of specific insect groups, such as pollinators. However, to gain deeper insights into how insects cope with and potentially thrive in human-dominated ecosystems, it is important to examine individual and population-level metrics, particularly those focusing on functional traits that reveal how species respond to these landscapes. 
February 25, 2026. 11:15 am - 12:15 pm ET 
 
Gain a deeper understanding of integrated pest management (IPM) in this four-part webinar series led by experts at Penn. State University who will share practical strategies for implementing sustainable pest control across diverse settings. Each session explores a key aspect of IPM—from foundational principles and pest monitoring techniques to identifying common pests and applying IPM practices in real-world scenarios. 
Registration: https://extension.psu.edu/ipm-essentials-tools-tactics-and-techniques 
When: Tuesdays. March 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:15 PM ET) 
Registration fee: $20.00 
 
The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized. DEC and ISA credits approved. 
Date: 4/20/26, 4/22/26, 4/24/26, 4/27/26, 4/29/26, 5/1/26 
Time: 9am to 3:30pm 
Fee: Landscapers and Industry: $1,295, Municipality or County Employee: $1,050 
  
Ticks pose rising risks to equine health, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, making proactive awareness essential. This webinar examines why ticks increasingly target horses, the dangers they present, and effective prevention strategies. Through clear guidance and practical steps, horse owners will learn how to safeguard their animals and reduce tick-related threats. 
March 20, 2026 
(12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET) 
Register By: March 20, 2026   
This event is free of charge.  
 
The Bugwood Summit 
As part of its 30th anniversary year, Bugwood will host a virtual Bugwood Summit on April 16 at 2:00 p.m. ET. The Summit will highlight recent enhancements across Bugwood Tools, including Bugwood Images, EDDMapS, Wild Spotter, and the Connect platform. Attendees will get a look at how these tools are being refined to improve usability, collaboration, and impact tracking. Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to save a seat and join the conversation about what’s next for Bugwood. Visit this link to register. 
  
Webinars are hosted by the North Central IPM Center and are held virtually the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm Eastern/12:00 pm Central time. These virtual webinars are delivered via Zoom. 
Upcoming Topics 
  • March 18, 2026: Pesticide Risk Tool: Understanding risk and measuring impact 
  • April 15, 2026: Tick Tech: Predictive Models and Bot-Assisted Management 
  • May 20, 2026: RNAi for varroa mite management 
  
Join us at noon on the third Thursday of every month to learn about pest identification, prevention, and management around the home, garden, and landscape. This series is free and open to the public but advance registration is required. 
Topics and speakers are subject to change. 
 
March 19, 2026 – The Secret Life of Biopesticides 
A simple, practical introduction to biopesticides. Discover what they are, how they’re discovered, and how they work. Then learn where to find them, and when and how to use them effectively in a home garden as part of a sustainable pest management approach. 
  
April 16, 2026 – Spring Cleaning: Where Indoor Pests Could Be Hiding 
Are you thinking about spring cleaning and how to tackle that pile of junk in the corner or clean out the pantry? Well, pests indoors aren’t always found where you expect. This webinar will go over the common pantry and indoor pests, and also some weird places you might encounter pests that you may not have noticed.  
  
May 21, 2026 - Test your Pest ID Knowledge 
Join us for this fun and interactive session where we will “quiz” attendees on look-alike pests, what’s causing plant damage, good bug vs. bad bug, weed ID, and more. 
  
June 18, 2026 - When Composting Goes Rotten 
Decomposition is happening around us all the time. Sometimes, the management of our compost piles gets complicated and we encounter pests and problems that challenge us! Learn the common mishaps to avoid when composting, as well as how to manage pests when they arrive.  
  
Join Cornell Integrated Pest Management at Cornell University for our monthly seminar series designed to increase awareness of new research and techniques that advance Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and its adoption in all types of pest management settings. 
Spring 2026 Seminar Schedule 
 
 
Kiran Gadhave 
   
  
Each month, experts will share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We’ll end with an IPM Minute and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. 
When: Noon until 12:30 p.m. ET on the first Friday of each month. 
Register to attend our events live on Zoom. You will receive a Zoom link the week of the event. The 2026 schedule is available below and on the registration form.  
  
Employment Opportunities 
Previously featured 
The School of Science at Penn State Behrend is seeking applications for an Associate Professor or Professor of Plant Biology who will also serve as Director of the Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center (LERGREC), beginning June 2026. This jointly appointed faculty member—affiliated with both the Biology Department at Penn State Behrend and the College of Agricultural Sciences at University Park—will contribute to the core biology curriculum while teaching courses in plant biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, and genetics. The successful candidate will maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program; mentor undergraduate and graduate students; and bring leadership experience appropriate for an advanced faculty appointment. As Director, they will guide LERGREC’s strategic vision and daily operations, foster collaborations with growers and industry partners, oversee research and extension activities, and advance the Center’s impact across grape and related agricultural systems. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Phytopathology, Viticulture, or a related field and have a strong record of scholarship, funding success, team leadership, and at least eight years of research and teaching experience. 
 
NYNHP works with the NYS DEC Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health to promote, review, and manage New York's Invasive Species Database, iMapInvasives (iMap), as well as related invasive species datasets. NYNHP also develops tools for collecting and analyzing these datasets. Many individuals and organizations across the state utilize iMapInvasives and related tools, including NYS agency staff, conservation organizations, educators, and volunteers. 
The Invasive Species Data Assistant works within the NYNHP Invasive Species Database Program to help manage datasets and field data collection tools relating to invasive species survey and management. They will also provide technical assistance and training to users and assist with communications with partners and the public. 
 
2026 Seasonal Positions - WNY PRISM 
Gain hands-on experience in invasive species management while making an impact this summer! Open positions include: 
  • Education and Outreach Assistant: assist with events, workshops and trainings, manage social media, prepare newsletters and educational materials, and communicate with volunteers, partners and the public. 
  • Invasive Species Management Assistants: conduct invasive species surveys and assessments, assist with invasive species removal and habitat restoration, and provide project reports. 
  • Watercraft Inspection Steward/Environmental Educators: interact with the public at boat launches, perform boat inspections and remove aquatic invasive species, provide public education, and assist with invasive species survey and removal projects. 
Application deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026. Boat Steward applications will be accepted until all positions are filled; application review starts on March 2. Learn more and apply here. 
 
Summer Internships - Audubon Community Nature Center Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) is searching for interns to join their team this summer! Open positions include: 
  • Nature Education Interns: provide nature education and play-based programming for school field trips and summer camps to elementary-aged children under the supervision of ACNC’s Education team. 
  • Seasonal Invasive Species Management Interns: help recruit volunteers and oversee water chestnut hand-pulls/ treatments within the ACNC property. May also remove additional aquatic and land-based invasive species. 
Application deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026. Learn more and apply here. 
 
The Conservation@Home Specialist will support and implement The Conservation Foundation’s (TCF) Conservation@Home program and contribute to the overall success of its associated Conservation in Our Community, Conservation@School, and Conservation @ Work programs. TCF’s mission is to improve the health of our communities by preserving and restoring natural areas and open space, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment. This mission is currently achieved through our land and water preservation programs along with an array of community-based conservation efforts, including its nearly 20+ year history of leading the regional Conservation @ Home program. The organization’s current strategic plan aims to “Be more inclusive, impactful, and relevant to people and communities by growing and adapting our conservation programs to local needs” and this role will help expand Conservation @ Home to maximize its impact for TCF’s mission and local communities. 
 
Part-Time Job Description 
The Marketing & Communication Specialist will support the Green Earth Harvest (GEH) program of The Conservation Foundation. The GEH program operates a certified organic farm, at the 60-acre McDonald Farm in southeast Naperville, serving our community through seasonal CSA/farmshare subscriptions, a weekly farm stand, a May plant sale, and partnerships that help deliver farm-fresh food to local food pantries. We believe healthy soil grows healthy food, healthy people, and ultimately, healthy communities. 
 
The position is located within Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Farm to School Program Coordinator will play a key supportive role in advancing statewide efforts to connect New York farms with schools. Working closely with the Program Director, as well as other program staff and partners, this position will assist with the coordination, communication, and implementation of core Farm to School initiatives, including programs and resources led by the Cornell Farm to School Team. The Coordinator will help sustain relationships among schools, producers, and partners; support communication and resource-sharing activities; assist in the management of social media and outreach; and assist with events that benefit stakeholders and foster the continued growth of the Farm to School program. 
 
Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District 
The Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications for two positions:  
 
Conservation District Water Quality Technician 
Location: Cattaraugus County SWCD Office, 8 Martha Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731 
Hours: Full-time appointment (40 hours/week) 
  
Conservation District Environmental Specialist 
Location: Cattaraugus County SWCD Office, 8 Martha Street, Ellicottville, NY 14731 
Hours: Full-time appointment (40 hours/week) 
 
Join the ESF-NYS OPRHP Watercraft Inspection Steward Program this summer: now hiring 20 Watercraft Inspection Steward / Environmental Educator positions (four are within the WNY PRISM region), and two Lead Boat Steward positions. These are full-time seasonal positions working by the water and making a difference in invasive species spread prevention! 
  • Watercraft Inspection Stewards (20 positions across the Finger Lakes, WNY region, and Thousand Islands) – excellent experience in data collection, aquatic plant/animal ID, public outreach and fieldwork. Pay is $20.13/hr. 
  • Lead Boat Stewards (two positions based out of SUNY ESF in Syracuse) – supervisory role, well-suited for recent graduates. Pay is $23.48/hr. 
 
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Cortland, New York  
As the Temporary Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician, you will contribute field experience and regional knowledge to monitoring site prioritization effort. Conduct surveys for submerged aquatic vegetation using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)/underwater drone or snorkeling with a main focus on detection of hydrilla. Assist with general calibration and maintenance of pesticide application equipment and other duties. 
 
Educator II, Sustainable Turf & Landscapes 
UMass Extension is excited to be hiring an Extension Educator II for Sustainable Turf & Landscapes to work in UMass Extension’s Commercial Horticulture group.  This position will support development and implementation of educational resources and programming and participate in delivery of research-based information to meet stakeholder needs.  The sustainability and viability of managed spaces will be central to this role, within a framework of economic, human, and environmental health and enhancement. 
  
This position serves as the chief administrative officer for Cooperative Extension and supports and implements the land-grant mission of The University of Delaware. The individual is responsible for the leadership and statewide coordination of programs including agriculture, horticulture, 4-H, nutrition, consumer food safety, and health and wellness. 
Complete listing of the position can be found at https://careers.udel.edu/cw/en-us/job/502610/associate-dean-and-director-cooperative-extension-college-of-agriculture-and-natural-resources.  This link also lists the required application materials.  Applications submitted by January 31, 2026 will receive priority review, 
Any inquiries or nominations can be directed to Greg Shriver, search committee chair, via email at gshriver@udel.edu. 
  
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. This position requires an experienced scientist to study the ecology of predator prey interactions and how to manipulate insect semiochemicals to protect plants in the Department of Entomology. This person will research biological control, including interactions mediated by a predatory stink bug and the prey itself to develop methods to control Colorado potato beetle. This position will combine field and lab experiments of insect behavior, movement, abundance, non-consumptive effects of predators, and plant induced resistance to investigate grower-friendly application methods that protect plants.  
  
Funding Opportunities 
Newly featured this issue 
This program area priority is designed to rapidly deploy strategies and fill knowledge and information gaps to protect the Nation’s food and agricultural supply chains—and the people who support and rely on them—during and after the emergence or re-emergence of pests and diseases associated with animal production systems and/or the emergence or re-emergence of invasive diseases, insects, and weeds associated with plant production systems and/or toxins affecting the health of either plant or animal production systems. 
All applications must directly address 1) effects associated with the emergence or re-emergence of pests and/or disease in animal and/or plant production systems or within the food supply; and 2) one or more of the following emphasis areas:  
  • One Health 
  • Plant/Animal Health 
  • Ecosystem Health  
This priority area seeks applications that focus on critical and urgent development of knowledge and/or solutions in rapid response to pest/disease emergence/re-emergence impacts on the food and agricultural systems and/or supply chains. Because rapid response is at the core of this program, applicants must include in their project narrative a statement about the timing, relevance, and impact of the emergence or re-emergence incident to which their proposed project responds. 
Grant Types: Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard): Applications are submitted within 180 days of effects associated with the emergence or re-emergence of pests and/or disease in animal, food, and/or plant production systems, and/or environmental health and productivity within the nation or a specific region, state, area, or industry.  
Project types:   
  • Research 
  • Extension 
  • Integrated (research and Extension/outreach)  
The grant duration is 12-24 months for Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard) projects. The maximum award amount, including indirect costs, is $500,000.  
For more information and additional resources, including guidance on grant and project types, proposal format, and other details, see AFRI's NOFO Resources.   
 
Previously featured 
Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative's Small Grant Program 
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology released its annual funding opportunity for land trust initiatives that support bird habitat conservation on private and protected lands. The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative’s small grant program funds activities such as strategic planning, outreach, habitat management and stewardship, bird monitoring, eBird use, capacity building, and land or easement prioritization. Proposal deadline: March 1, 2026. More information is available on the Cornell Lab website.  
 
Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance Water Quality Improvement Projects  
The Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance (LEWPA) has released its request for proposals (RFP) for water quality improvement projects in Erie County. If you have an idea for a small-scale watershed project or for a project that needs seed money to determine feasibility, this grant is for you! Potential projects include stormwater management, riparian stabilizations and habitat work, outreach and education, and more. Visit the LEWPA website for additional information and view the RFP. Proposal deadline: March 6, 2026. 
 
Climate Smart Communities Initiative Grant (CSCI) 
CSCI is accepting applications for grants to help communities accelerate their climate resilience plans and projects. The grants can help communities at any step in the planning process, and include funding, as well as training and technical support. Funds can be used over a twelve-month period to advance activities ranging from risk assessments and community engagement to project prioritization and implementation. Application deadline: March 12, 2026. For more details, visit climatesmartcommunity.org/funding.  
 
New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program 
Funding is available for projects that will implement the goals of New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda and address actions specifically identified in locally supported water quality, natural resources, or sustainable land use plans. Application deadline: March 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.; instructions and application materials are available at NY Sea Grant Small Grants Program website. Click here for information on New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda. 
 
Open Space Conservation Grant Program - Deadline Extended 
This Bond Act-funded program supports land acquisition projects in New York State that protect the environment, preserve biodiversity and increase equitable access to open space. Municipalities, not-for-profits, and Indian Nations or Tribe may submit bids for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $3,500,000 for each project. No match is required. Bid deadline: 3:00 p.m. on April 15, 2026. Bids must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS) for grants. Visit DEC’s website for more details. 
 
Approximately $500,000 is available through the Maine Healthy Soils Program’s Soil Health Implementation Grant, with funding appropriated by the Maine Legislature. Awards of up to $65,000 will help farmers overcome barriers to improving soil health and integrating best practices into day-to-day management. 
Funds may support projects such as equipment upgrades, improved management practices, and increased labor access. 
Application deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) 
A virtual Information Session will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Registration details are available on the program website. All written questions must be submitted online by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Written summaries of the Information Session and responses to submitted questions will be posted on the program website by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Only responses issued in writing on the website will be considered binding. 
Eligibility requirements include: 
  • Owning and/or operating a farm located in Maine 
  • Producing agricultural products with a gross annual value of at least $2,000, intended for sale or to support community food access 
  • Access to at least one acre of farmable land 
  • Enrollment in the Maine Healthy Soils Program email updates 
  • Commitment to soil health testing and management planning if awarded funds 
  • Not having received a Soil Health Implementation Grant within the last three funding cycles 
Application materials, including the Request for Applications (RFA), workbook, and budget template, are available on the Maine Healthy Soils Program webpage. 
 
DACF also announced the opening of the Maine Specialty Crop Minor Equipment Grant, designed to help commercial farms enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop production through strategic equipment purchases. 
DACF anticipates awarding up to $290,000 through this opportunity, with individual awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. 
Application deadline: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time 
Online Information Sessions (via Zoom): 
Eligibility requirements include: 
  • Owning and operating a commercial farm headquartered in Maine 
  • Growing and harvesting at least one specialty crop in Maine 
  • Not having received funding from DACF’s Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program (AIIP) or the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program 
For the purposes of this grant, minor equipment is defined as tangible, nonexpendable business property with a useful life of more than one year, an acquisition cost of $2,000 or more per unit, and a cost of less than $10,000. 
Applicants are encouraged to review the Request for Applications and all related materials on the Specialty Crop Block Grant website before applying.  
 
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative: 
Strengthening Agricultural Systems 
USDA NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Strengthening Agricultural Systems Notice of Funding Opportunity aims to help transform the U.S. food and agricultural system to increase agricultural production while enhancing farmer prosperity. Achieving this goal will require transdisciplinary approaches to address current and future food and agricultural challenges within the context of the economic viability of farm operations, quality of life for farmers and society as a whole, and the most efficient use of resources.  
NIFA is soliciting applications under two Program Area Priorities: 

Strengthening Agricultural Systems (A9201) 

  • New Uses and Expanding Markets for Agriculture and Forestry Products 

  • Solutions to Pests and Diseases of Plants or Animals 

  • Combating Food and Diet-Related Chronic Diseases 

Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Food and Agricultural Sciences (A9231) 

Deadline 

Letter of Intent: Feb. 26, 2026 
Application: 

  • March 26, 2026 (A9201) 

  • April 23, 2026 (A9231) 

Anticipated Program Funding 

$140,000,000 

  
The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level. These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast.  
This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.  
By law, projects that Northeast SARE funds must help improve farming in at least one of the following 
ways: 
1. Maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil; 
2. Conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat; 
3. Maintain and enhance the quality of surface and ground water; 
4. Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food and farm system; 
5. Promote the wellbeing of animals; and 
6. Increase employment opportunities in agriculture.  
Grant amount and total allocation. 
There is no cap on total grant requests, however, requests typically fall between $50,000 and $250,000. A total of $3,300,000 has been allocated to fund projects this cycle.  
Proposal Due Date: Monday, February 23, 2026, 5:00 pm ET 
Proposals must be submitted online at: projects.sare.org 
  
Sabbatical Research & Education:  Western SARE Sabbatical Grants provide an opportunity for faculty around the world to partner with farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and researchers of the Western U.S. region for conducting research, education, and Extension activities. 
Deadline March 5, 2026 
 
Graduate Student Research & Education:  This grant program involves full-time graduate students enrolled in an accredited university of Western U.S., their academic advisor and at least one producer implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. Projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social. 
Deadline March 5, 2026