IPM News and Events Roundup 03/13/2026
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.
Connect with the Southern IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Center Impacts | Evaluation Resources | Signature Programs | IPM Data | IPM Hour| Priorities
- SERA3 2026 IPM Priorities
- Grant Report: Incorporating allelopathic cover crops, soil steaming, and biochar herbicide protection pods (HPPs) for integrated weed management and improved soil health in tomato.
- Friends of IPM 2026: IPM Communicator Dr. Sriyanka Lahiri, University of Florida
- Weekly IPM Roundup is BACK!
- 2026 Funded Grant Projects
- IPM Hour Webinar Series Returns in April
- New Executive Director Named at IR-4
-
Bugwood Summit
Connect with the North Central IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Center Impacts | Pest Alerts | Regional Priorities | IPM Data | Podcasts
February 2026 North Central IPM Issue
Check it out to access:
- New World Screwworm Resources,
- A new tool for detecting Herbicide Resistance
-
Precision agriculture, Smart Spray Calculator
Connect with the Western IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Impact Assessment | Priorities | Signature Programs | IPM Data | PMSPs and Crop Profiles
The Western Front Newsletter of the Western Integrated Pest Management Center
- Announcement of Western IPM Center Grant Recipients
- Promising New Biocontrol Option for Controlling Wheat Stem Sawfly
-
New Spanish-Language Resources Published
Government Agency News
Discovering The Latest Innovations in Agriculture
New Pesticides Could Better Control Mite Disease in Honey Bees
The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a parasite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and is considered one of the species’ most serious threats, inflicting more damage and higher economic costs than all other bee keeping diseases. Varroa mites harbor numerous viruses and feed on honey bee adults and pupae, causing weakened immune systems, decreased body weight, and a shortened lifespan. The external wounds caused by repeated feeding can become infected with bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Research in the news
Understanding and managing introduction pathways into protected areas in a changing climate (link.springer.com)
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 calls for the conservation of 30% of the world’s ecosystems, focusing on protecting areas vital to biodiversity, identifying and managing invasive species introduction pathways, and minimizing the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. While protected areas (PAs) have historically limited the introduction, establishment, and spread of non-native species, climate change is likely to increase their susceptibility to invasion. Yet we know little about how pathways may shift in the future, making it difficult for managers to plan appropriately. This paper explores how climate change may affect primary and secondary pathways of introduction and presents an adaptive management approach to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts.
Early hominin arrival in Southeast Asia triggered the evolution of major human malaria vectors (nature.com)
Some species of the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes in Southeast Asia are highly anthropophilic and efficient vectors of human malaria parasites, while others primarily feed on non-human primates (NHP) and transmit NHP malaria parasites. The evolutionary history of this group, particularly the origin of anthropophily, was studied using phylogenomic analysis of 2,657 high-confidence nuclear single-copy orthologous genes and 13 mitochondrial protein coding genes from 40 individuals of 11 species. Molecular dating and ancestral state reconstruction revealed that monkey-feeding is ancestral with speciation of monkey-feeding species dating to the Pliocene within Sundaland (Malay peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra and Java) which was covered in tropical rain forests during this period. Although less parsimonious alternatives cannot be excluded, molecular dating, ancestral state reconstruction and reticulation analysis indicated that anthropophily most likely evolved once, involving adaptive introgression, in the early Pleistocene in Sundaland, giving rise to multiple descendent anthropophilic species.
Repeated convergent evolution of bradykinin mimics as defensive toxins (science.org)
Bradykinin is a peptide hormone that causes pain and vasodilation in mammals during wound response. Although bradykinin arose in early vertebrates, similar or identical molecules exist in venoms and toxins in certain wasps and frogs. Shi et al. looked across representative species from the orders Hymenoptera and Anura to determine these genes’ evolutionary origin. They found that these molecules arose independently from those found in mammals, including those in the frog species, which maintain their own endogenous bradykinin that differs from the one used in their toxins. The authors posit that these venoms and toxins convergently evolved their similarity to bradykinin due to predation pressure from mammals. —Corinne Simonti
Limited thermal tolerance in tropical insects and its genomic signature (nature.com)
Insects make up the majority of all animal species, with 70% occurring in the tropics1, yet the impacts of warming on tropical insects remain highly uncertain2. This stems from sparse, taxonomically biased data on thermal tolerance of tropical insects and an incomplete understanding of the underlying physiological mechanisms3. Here we compared environmental temperatures with field-measured upper and lower thermal tolerance limits of around 2,300 insect species along Afrotropical and Neotropical elevational gradients and identified genomic signatures of thermal tolerance across the insect tree of life. We show that thermal tolerances do not proportionally track environmental temperatures but approach an asymptote in tropical lowlands.
Recluse spiders (Araneae: Sicariidae): contesting myths on distribution, bite behavior, and medical risk in Florida (academic.oup.com)
Recluse spiders are arachnids of potential medical significant due to their necrotic venom. However, in areas populated by the brown recluse, Loxosceles reclusa, bites and necrosis are rare. In Florida, USA, public media reports and medical case studies have propagated three misconceptions about recluse spiders: breeding populations are widespread in Florida, USA; recluse spiders readily bite when encountered; and verified recluse spider bites inevitably produce necrotic wounds. Here, in onsite investigations of 220 Florida properties with alleged infestations of recluse spiders reported to the USDA or the Florida Brown Recluse Project, we found breeding populations of the invasive Mediterranean recluse (L. rufescens) at only 19 sites.
News
Tiny Insect, Big Questions: Is the World’s Smallest Dragonfly Splitting Into Two Species? (entomologytoday.org)
Dragonflies are known for their size. Some motor through life in robust bodies with such fierce flying power that an iconic entomology textbook recommends “a gun loaded with dust shot” as a practical tool for collecting them.
But the Odonata order is diverse, and no species proves that quite like Nannophya pygmaea, sometimes known as the scarlet pygmy dragonfly. With a wingspan of just 20 millimeters—about the diameter of a penny—these are the smallest dragonflies known to science. And they’re weak flyers, inhabiting wet habitats along the Pacific coast of eastern Asia and nearby islands as distinct populations that aren’t likely to encounter each other.
A Grower’s Guide to On-Farm Trials (onfloriculture.com)
Now that it’s halfway through spring bedding plant season, you may be considering changing some of your current IPM or production practices for next year that just aren’t working as well as they could. Conducting on-farm trials is an easy way to evaluate how well a new product, process or technology will work in your operation.
Before making any large-scale changes, it is important to test things on a small scale first. Read on to learn how you would go implementing a small on-farm trial to get you results that are meaningful.
Vector Guard: An App for Real-Time, Local Guidance on Arthropod-Borne Disease Risk (entomologytoday.org)
At Entomology 2025 in November, ESA hosted the Antlion Pit, an innovation competition for entomology-related products and services. Five teams were selected to compete out, with “Vector Guard” earning 1st Place and a $5,000 prize to invest in advancing its product, a mobile app that gives users real-time, hyperlocal risk information about disease-carrying insects and arachnids.
Vector Guard was created by Ellie Fausett, MPH, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution at the University of California, San Diego. She works in the lab of David Holway, Ph.D., where her research focuses on ant behavior. She earned a master of public health degree in environmental health at Emory University and has gained experience developing educational material on zoonotic diseases with the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
Watch for Botrytis
Botrytis Management
Ambrosia Beetles
AB Management
SLF Quarantine in OH
What a cold winter means for ticks and mosquitoes (popsci.com)
With days to go until the official first day of spring, it was a tale of two winters in the continental United States. Colorado’s mountains had record low snow levels, while Salt Lake City and Phoenix were among the cities who had their highest winter temperatures on record. Meanwhile, those in the east were frozen under weeks of sub freezing temperatures, one major blizzard, and several other winter storms.
As warmer days arrive, sidewalk salt will soon be replaced by bug spray. Bugs like ticks and mosquitoes that have spent the season hunkering down underneath leaf litter and snowpack or underground in the soil will begin to emerge. But how will bitter cold and snowy days impact the insects and arachnids that are more commonly associated with the lazy, hazy days of summer?
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.
Cover Crop Breeding Survey - Your Input Welcome!
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
From Droppings to Doorsteps: The Public Health Impact of Flies and Roaches
Unwanted pests aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a serious public health concern. Flies and cockroaches can spread dangerous pathogens from their activities and movements, impacting homes, food businesses, medical buildings, and communities. Join this one‑hour webinar to explore the critical species of public health importance, learn practical strategies for integrated pest management (IPM), and discover how to support healthier environments through prevention and communication.
Tuesday March 17, 2026
3:00pm ET
Activities and Findings of the Delaware State Tick Program presented by Dr. Ashley Kennedy
The Delaware state tick program began in 2019 with a three-fold aim: conducting surveillance for ticks and associated pathogens, educating the public about tick-associated risks, and investigating tick management strategies. This presentation will highlight the various methods the program has employed to address these objectives and share the major findings from these efforts, with emphasis on overcoming the challenges of managing a statewide program with limited resources.
Date & Time
Mar 18, 2026 02:00 PM in EST
Banishing Pests from Multi-Unit Apartment Buildings: A Primer for Property Managers
A three-year collaboration between scientists, property managers, nonprofits and government agencies has produced a new bundle of integrated pest management resources specifically for managers of multi-unit apartment buildings. Dr. Chris Geiger, former San Francisco IPM Program Manager, will present the basics of IPM for property managers and introduce the audience to these new resources, which include video trainings, templates, policies, posters and other materials. 
Who should attend: Property managers of multi-unit housing
March 26, 2026
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Cost: Free
Join a GROW Farmer Forum on Using Cover Crop Mixes for Weed Suppression (growiwm.org)
GROW will be hosting a Farmer Forum on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. EDT / 10 a.m. CDT. The forum’s farmer panel and moderator will discuss their experience using cover crop mixes to suppress weeds and achieve other cropping goals.
Listen in and bring your questions as the farmer panel from Illinois and Virginia discuss their long-time experience selecting, seeding, managing and terminating cover crop mixes, with weed management in mind. CCA CEU credits will be available.
Biting Pests: A Pet Owner's Guide
Learn how fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can impact the health of your pets in this educational webinar designed for pet owners. Participants will gain a clear understanding of vector-borne diseases that affect dogs and cats, including how these illnesses are transmitted, the most common diseases associated with each vector, and practical steps that can be taken to reduce risk and support pet health.
This event is being offered at no charge to participants.
Space is limited.
When: April 1, 2026
(12:00 PM-1:00 PM ET)
Previously featured
UNH Cooperative Extension 2026 Webinar Series for Greenhouse, Nursery & Garden Center Professionals.
Join UNH Cooperative Extension and other experts to sharpen and refresh plant production skills. These monthly webinars on a variety of topics are intended to provide practical training for greenhouse, nursery and garden center professionals, although all are welcome to attend.
One New England pesticide applicator recertification credit has been applied for each event. Each webinar costs $10.
Topics include:
- March 31 Sanitation
- April 28 Spider mites
- June 30 Weed management
- July 28 Broad mites and cyclamen mites
- Aug 25 Botrytis
- Sept 29 Growth regulation
- Oct 27 PGR applications
- Nov 24 Root rot
- Dec 15 Pesticide labels
Register for as few or as many as you like. See the whole lineup, get more details and register here: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2026/01/2026-webinar-series-greenhouse-nursery-garden-center-professionals
The Southern IPM Hour presents research, issues, and programs in Integrated Pest Management from the Southern Region of the United States. The IPM Hour typically takes place on the first Wednesday of the month at 1pm Eastern, but some sessions are special sessions at different days and times.
PIs: Paret Mathews and Abdul Kader Jailani Amirudeen
April 1, 2026
Keep Moving Forward with Saffron
Saffron, the stigmas of a fall-blooming crocus flower, is the most expensive spice and medicinal herb in the world. It is now grown in many areas of North America by small, diversified farmers and could strengthen sustainable agriculture. Are you thinking of growing it for the first time? Have you been growing it for several years? The North American Center for Saffron Research and Development at the University of Vermont (UVM) and Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania are hosting the 10th annual workshop on Saffron on Thursday April 2, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time. The event will be held online and recorded for all registrants. There are presentations for both beginning and experienced growers.
Growers and researchers from the US and beyond will share their knowledge about growing, fertilization, quality testing, genetics and of course selling this precious crop. Registration is $70. To learn more about the workshop and register, go to:
https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=874061&
Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Two-Spotted Cotton Leafhopper
The two-spotted cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) is an emerging insect pest with the potential to impact agricultural and specialty crop systems. This webinar will explore its origin and introduction, current distribution and spread in the United States, identification features, biology, management considerations, and recent research to support early detection and informed decision-making.
When: April 17, 2026 (1:00 PM-2:15 PM ET)
Register By: April 16, 2026
This event is free of charge.
Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Spotted Lanternfly
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.
Resilient Long Island Symposium - Register Now!
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)
IPM Essentials: Tools, Tactics, and Techniques
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 17, 24, and 31, 2026 (12:00 PM-1:15 PM ET)
Registration fee: $20.00
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 on 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
Welcome to UC IPM's Urban & Community Webinar Series!
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
March 18—Manure matters: Dung ecology and pasture insect management Bryony Sands
April 22—Bio-Innovation vs. Biological Chaos: CRISPR, AI & RNAi for Vector–Virus Control
Kiran Gadhave
What’s Bugging You First Friday
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.
April 3: Mole control | Feeding Friendly Insects: delay garden cleanup
May 1: Jumping worm management | Feeding Friendly Insects: look for seedlings
June 5: Protecting pollinators in urban areas | Say NO! to bug zappers
July 3: Cicadas & cicada-killer wasps | Feeding Friendly Insects: weed management (pre-recorded video only)
August 7: Managing Spotted Lanternfly at Home
September 4: Mosquitoes are still active | Is that a bee?
October 2: Fall clean-up for your flower and vegetable beds | Leaf piles and ticks
November 6: Emerald Ash Borer Biocontrol Update
December 4: Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Biocontrol Update
Employment Opportunities
Newly featured this issue
This position:
- Manages the New Jersey Pesticide Safety Education Program by providing pesticide and regulatory information to a variety of audiences, including farmers, landscapers, pest management professionals, master gardeners, and the public.
- Develops, delivers, and distributes PowerPoint presentations, NJAES factsheets and bulletins, training manuals, and websites under the auspices of the Rutgers Pest Management Office website.
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Creates material on pesticide safety and regulations for grower production recommendation guides.
Junior Forest Technician Crew Leader
The National Audubon Society is looking to employ a dedicated Crew Leader to supervise the activities of our Junior Forest Technician (JFT) program. The Crew Leader’s responsibilities include managing a team of five or more high school agriscience students, supervising daily work in the field and planning activities with the Land Manager. To be successful as a Crew Leader you should demonstrate strong leadership and management skills and have experience in the field of natural resources and environmental sciences.
The JFT program at the Bent of the River Audubon Center reinforces and enhances technical high school curriculum with real-world applications in the forest conservation field. Students pursue forestry-related curriculum at school, and then complete direct forest conservation work with Audubon as part of their school Student Agricultural Experience (SAE) work requirement. Students complete much of the SAE experience with Audubon in the summer months with opportunities throughout the year for JFT’s to meet, work with, and be guided by their Audubon mentors, both in the field and through enhanced classroom curriculum materials.
The Bent of the River Audubon Center (BOTR) is looking for students interested in fulfilling their SAE hours through the Environmental Sciences and Conservation fields.
The Junior Forest Technician (JFT) program at the Bent of the River Audubon Center reinforces and enhances technical high school curriculum with real-world applications in the forest conservation field. Students pursue forestry-related curriculum at school, and then complete direct forest conservation work with Audubon as part of their school Student Agricultural Experience (SAE) work requirement. Students complete much of the SAE experience with Audubon in the summer months with opportunities throughout the year for JFT’s to meet, work with, and be guided by their Audubon mentors, both in the field and through enhanced classroom curriculum materials.
Salt Marsh Stewards Coordinator
The National Audubon Society is seeking one Seasonal Salt Marsh Stewards Coordinator to support our New York Coastal Resilience program on Long Island, NY. In 2026, Audubon will launch Year 2 of the NY Salt Marsh Stewards Program, a partnership with SUNY Farmingdale State College’s Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP) that engages 5-9 high school students from Title I schools in hands-on conservation and environmental stewardship.
Previously featured
As the Temporary Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician, you will perform manual aquatic invasive plant removals in collaboration with local stakeholder groups, conduct detailed field surveys of fish, aquatic plants and invertebrates and additional biotic/abiotic factors as assigned following standardized methodology and other duties.
Intern, Community Conservation Programs
The Intern, Community Conservation Programs position will assist staff with bird conservation, habitat enhancement, and conservation science activities and events at Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC), and the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. The role includes engaging community groups, working with volunteers, enhancing various habitats, assisting staff with conservation science projects, and education programs. Most of the activities take place either at the MAC, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation areas, and US Fish and Wildlife Service properties, and reach a range of ages from two to adult. Strong candidates will take a thoughtful approach to bird conservation and public empowerment. While the focus is on the MAC’s conservation projects, the Intern, Community Conservation Programs also provides help with MAC management including animal care, staffing the front desk, and greeting visitors.
VCE seeks an experienced director of development to help fulfill our mission to advance wildlife conservation in the Northeast and internationally through scientific research and community engagement. This position presents an opportunity to lead a growing development program at a respected organization with a passionate staff and committed donor base. The successful candidate will manage a strategic, relationship-based fundraising program with a focus on expanding major gifts, growing the annual fund, and ramping up our planned giving program. A regular presence in the office is required. This position offers health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits plus generous paid time off.
The Department of Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland (UMD), College Park, invites applications and nominations for a tenure track position as Professor and Chair. The University of Maryland, College Park is one of the nation’s top 20 public research universities with a world-class reputation for academics, research, and community involvement. It is a Land Grant institution and Flagship University within the University System of Maryland, with over 2,500 faculty members. Current enrollment is approximately 27,000 undergraduate and 11,000 graduate students. The 1,300-acre campus is located in the Baltimore- Washington, D.C. corridor. The campus has metro rail access to excellent research libraries, national and international research institutions, government, international organizations, national archives, non-profit agencies, and significant cultural landmarks.
Best consideration will be given to applications received by March 21, 2026
Careers in Environmental Conservation
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation offers career opportunities in many fields related to environmental protection and natural resource management. The following are some of our occupational groupings and titles with links to a brief duties description, statement of minimum qualifications, and other pertinent information.
CALS- Program/Extension Aide IV- Farm to School Program Coordinator (Cornell Cooperative Extension)
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.
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.
Closing on: Apr 26 2026
Funding Opportunities
Newly featured this issue
2026 OREI – Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that was published March 11, 2026, with the application deadlines of Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Please note that this year OREI was published as a suite of three NOFOs.
NIFA Funding Opportunity Page: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/organic-agriculture-research-extension-initiative
Grants.gov Pages:
https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361441
https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361443
https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361444
Technical Assistance Webinars will be organized later to provide an overview of the programs and discuss details included in the RFAs. Webinar links will be added to the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative Funding Opportunity page. Please check the page for updates.
Previously featured
Partnership Grant Program 2026 Call for Proposals
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers, nonprofit staff, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
By law, projects that Northeast SARE funds must help improve farming in at least one of the following
ways:
- Maintain and enhance the quality and productivity of the soil;
- Conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat;
- Maintain and enhance the quality of surface and ground water;
- Protect the health and safety of persons involved in the food and farm system;
- Promote the well-being of animals; and
- Increase employment opportunities in agriculture.
These goals come from the federal legislation that guides all Northeast SARE grants. Every proposal must show how it supports one or more of these priorities. Reviewers will use this list when scoring proposals, and projects that don’t align with these priorities may not be funded.
Proposal Due Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 5:00 pm ET
Proposals must be submitted online at: projects.sare.org
Southern SARE 2026 Graduate Student Grant Call for Pre-proposals Now Open
The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) program has released the 2026 Call for Proposals for Graduate Student Grants.
Southern SARE Graduate Student Grants are open to Master’s and PhD students, enrolled at accredited institutions across the Southern region, who are interested in exploring areas of sustainable agriculture through quantitative and qualitative research projects.
Funding amount for grant projects is $22,000 for two-year projects.
Proposal submission deadline is May 8, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon) EST. Download the Call for Proposals and carefully read the proposal application instructions. All of the guidelines, program goals, review criteria, and the submission process to apply for a Southern SARE Graduate Student Grant can be found within the Call for Proposals.
Southern SARE Graduate Student Grants are very competitive. To be considered for funding, proposals must demonstrate a direct relationship between the approach and methods used in the project and the relevance to sustainable agriculture. Research projects must cover issues related to improving the profitability of farmers/ranchers in the Southern region; sustaining and improving the environmental quality and natural resources base on which agriculture depends; or enhancing the quality of life for farmers and ranchers and the communities they support.
Grant awards are announced in August with the project start date of funded projects beginning September 1st.
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.
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.
Maine Specialty Crop Minor Equipment Grant
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.