IPM News and Events Roundup 03/27/2026
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.
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.
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.
Connect with the Southern IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Center Impacts | Evaluation Resources | Signature Programs | IPM Data | IPM Hour| Priorities
Previously featured
- 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
Newly featured
Topics include:
- Resources and webinars to prepare for next season
- Dicamba registration and new spray application rules
- 2 USDA NIFA funding opportunities
Connect with the Western IPM Center
YouTube | Newsletter | Impact Assessment | Priorities | Signature Programs | IPM Data | PMSPs and Crop Profiles
Newly featured
News from the Western SARE
In This Issue
Grant News / Find Project Results / Building Geodesic Domes /
Cover Crop Survey / Montana Agritourism/ New Podcast Episode/
Enterprise Budgeting/Simply Sustainable Magazine
Previously featured
- Announcement of Western IPM Center Grant Recipients
- Promising New Biocontrol Option for Controlling Wheat Stem Sawfly
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New Spanish-Language Resources Published
Government Agency News
Faster Math = Better Growth: How AI is Bringing Farmers New Insight on Soil Dynamics
Phillip Owens is a research soil scientist and the research leader of the Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center in Booneville, AR. His research focuses on the interactions between soil, water, and nutrient interactions over large areas of land.
Proposed Changes to the National List for Organic Crops and Livestock
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The National List is a section of the USDA organic regulations that identifies synthetic substances that are allowed, and natural substances that are prohibited, in organic production and handling.
A complete description of the proposed amendments to the National List is available in the Federal Register proposed rule.
USDA welcomes comments on the proposed changes published in the
Federal Register. The public comment period will close 60 days after publication. Docket Number: AMS-NOP-22-0029; NOP-22-02
USDA Deregulates Corn Engineered for Insect Resistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is deregulating Bayer CropScience LP MON 95275 corn. This corn variety was developed using genetic engineering to resist feeding damage caused by corn rootworm pests. After a thorough review, APHIS has determined that the modified corn is unlikely to pose a greater plant pest risk than the unmodified comparator and therefore is no longer subject to our regulation governing the introduction of certain organisms developed using genetic engineering.
Research in the news
Multi-physics finite state fully coupled modeling of mechanism-free induced-strain actuated ornithopters (sciencedirect.com)
Highlights
- A state-space electromechanical-aeroelastic model is developed for mechanism-free ornithopters.
- The structural and fluid domains are modeled by the Rayleigh-Ritz method and empirical state space Theodorsen function, respectively.
- The coupling effects are discussed, including (1) fluid-structure interaction, (2) wing-body interaction, (3) wing bend-twist coupling, and (4) electromechanical coupling.
- A gliding flapping flight considering pitch, heave, and surge motions is demonstrated based on the proposed model.
Tunable low-rate genomic recombination with Cre-lox in Escherichia coli: a versatile tool for anoxic environmental biosensing and synthetic biology (journals.asm.org)
The ability to induce heritable genomic changes in response to environmental cues is valuable for environmental biosensing, for experimentally probing microbial ecology and evolution, and for synthetic biology applications. Site-specific recombinases provide a route to genetic memory via targeted DNA modifications, but their high specificity and efficiency are offset by leaky expression and limited tunability in prokaryotes. We developed a tightly regulated, titratable Cre recombinase system for Escherichia coli that achieves low recombination rates and minimal basal activity. Implemented on both plasmids and the chromosome, the latter showed superior retention of genetic memory across generations. These features make the system broadly useful for environmental biosensing and other applications. To demonstrate applicability to environmental biosensing, we developed a whole-cell recombination-based biosensor for arsenite, a toxic and ubiquitous pollutant that is primarily mobilized in anoxic environments, such as flooded soils, sediments, and aquifers. However, existing arsenite whole-cell biosensors face limitations in sensitivity and workflow in anaerobic settings.
Eco-Efficiency in Arizona Cotton: Successful, Safer IPM (repository.arizona.edu)
This publication highlights Arizona cotton’s remarkable progress in integrating eco-efficiency into pest management. By quantifying productivity relative to environmental impact, eco-efficiency serves as a powerful tool to track and communicate improvements in both economic returns and ecological stewardship. Over the past 30 years, Arizona cotton growers have achieved up to 1,000-fold increases in eco-efficiency by adopting selective insecticides, biotechnology, and targeted IPM strategies. This resource introduces the concept, its calculation, and its relevance to stakeholders, offering a clear framework for understanding and promoting sustainable cotton production. Arizona cotton’s story—one of transformation through stewardship, selectivity, and sustainability—reminds us that we are all storytellers, and by sharing this journey of eco-efficiency and progress, we help preserve its legacy and inspire a more sustainable future.
A novel approach to determine mosquito trap placement for West Nile virus surveillance (academic.oup.com)
The rapid spread of West Nile virus (WNV) is a growing concern. With no vaccines or specific medications available, prevention through mosquito control is the only solution to curb the spread. Mosquito traps, used to detect viral presence in mosquito populations, are essential tools for WNV surveillance. But how do we decide where to place a mosquito trap? And what makes a good trap location, anyway? We present a robust statistical approach to determine a mosquito trap’s ability to predict human WNV cases in the Chicago metropolitan area and its suburbs. We then use this value to detect the landscape, demographic, and socioeconomic factors associated with a mosquito trap’s predictive ability. This approach enables resource-limited mosquito control programs to identify better trap locations while reducing trap numbers to increase trap-based surveillance efficiency. The approach can also be applied to a wide range of different environmental surveillance programs.
“We live in an agricultural death zone”: A post-growth approach for ensuring farmer and lake livelihoods in the Great Salt Lake Basin (sciencedirect.com)
Highlights
- Participant farmers feel scapegoated by discourse around Great Salt Lake's desiccation.
- Participant farmers perceive Utah's developmental and economic growth as a threat.
- Few proposed land transitions seem sensible and impactful on lake levels for participant farmers.
- Relationships with ecology include but exceed concern for only Great Salt Lake.
- Insolvency, ecological externalities, and loss of purpose concern participant farmers most.
News
Specialty Crops, IPM, and NRCS Conservation Programs (ipminstitute.org)
How Can NRCS Programs Work for You via IPM?
This educational video, created by North Carolina State University (NCSU) Center for IPM, will cover what IPM is, how it is used in specialty crops, and how it can be part of a federally supported conservation program.
Using examples from specialty crop production, New Hampshire IPM state coordinator Dr. Amber Vinchesi-Vahl and IPM Extension expert Jeremy Delisle will discuss how they have integrated IPM into conservation practices and plans, as well as how their producers have benefited from NRCS conservation programs. Dr. Thomas Lynch, an IPM extension agent at NCSU, will explain the basics of IPM and the NCRS PAMS system.
New Research Links Honey Bee Swarms to the Spread of an Invasive Mite (entomologytoday.org)
The global beekeeping industry faces a significant new emerging threat: the ectoparasitic mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae. Originally found only in parts of Asia, this invasive pest has recently expanded its reach into Eastern Europe, sparking concern from scientists and beekeepers alike.
The giant honey bees Apis dorsata and Apis laboriosa are the Tropilaelaps mite’s natural hosts and are commonly found across South and Southeast Asia. But somewhere along the line, the mite latched onto western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Researchers are investigating how the mite managed this, since Apis mellifera is kept by beekeepers worldwide, and the parasite now has immense potential to greatly expand its reach. Tropilaelaps mites have already begun that process by showing up in the southwestern regions of Russia, as well as in Georgia. Understanding how these pests spread is essential for predicting and, hopefully, interrupting their ecological impact.
Shared mechanisms for adaptive white coloration in bees and butterflies (pollinators.psu.edu)
In a recently published paper, the research team led by the Hines Lab explore the genetic mechanisms by which bees in Anatolia repeatedly evolve a distinctive white color pattern.
In eastern parts of Anatolia, multiple bumble bee species genetically shift their yellow color to white to resemble one another. This is a classic example of mimicry, where species converge on the same appearance for protection from predators. These white colors could also confer an advantage to facilitate cooling in this hot and dry region. Each of these color shifts represent replicates useful to address the different genetic paths to the same trait.
How do you feel about bioengineered pest control to protect citrus trees? (ucanr.edu)
UC scientists seek consumers to weigh in on new method of controlling Asian citrus psyllids
To understand consumers’ attitudes toward a bio-engineered crop pesticide, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources researchers are asking for volunteers to participate in focus groups in Riverside, Oakland and Fresno.
Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, is a naturally occurring bacterium being tested to control the spread of Asian citrus psyllid, the insect that spreads the disease huanglongbing to citrus trees. Both the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing have been found in Southern California backyard citrus trees and threaten to spread throughout the state.
Biocontrol and integrated pest management amidst increasing aphid pressure (hortidaily.com)
As aphid pressure continues to build in leafy crops such as lettuce and brassicas, IBMA España is calling for a stronger focus on biological control strategies within integrated pest management programs.
The association acknowledges growing concern across the sector, particularly in light of the withdrawal of key active substances. One example is spirotetramat, phased out under Regulation (EU) 2022/489, a move that had been anticipated but is now clearly impacting growers' available tools.
Pfizer and Valneva Announce Lyme Disease Vaccine Candidate Demonstrates Strong Efficacy in Phase 3 VALOR Trial (pfizer.com)
- Vaccine candidate PF-07307405 (LB6V) demonstrated more than 70% efficacy in preventing Lyme disease in individuals aged five years and above
- The investigational vaccine candidate was well tolerated with no safety concerns identified at time of analysis
- Overall, results strengthen confidence in the vaccine candidate and Pfizer is planning submissions to regulatory authorities
Pest Talks (Grower Talks)
Phytotoxicity Alerts
Phytotoxicity Causes
Invasive Pest Webinars
Weed Webinar
New Training Courses
Pesticide resistance in farming: Why crop protection strategies are shifting (farmersguardian.com)
With the pipeline of new chemistry slowing, protecting existing products is critical, as experts warn that resistance is on the rise and urge growers to strengthen IPM strategies.
The ABCs of IPM: Keys to safe, sustainable gardening (benningtonbanner.com)
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a holistic approach that gardeners can use to reduce pesticides when managing insects, diseases and weeds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines IPM as “a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.” For gardeners, this means using multiple strategies to either avoid pests or keep their numbers below damaging levels. IPM also recognizes the need for some tolerance. Because they are living things that adapt, it is rarely possible (or advisable) to eliminate pests entirely.
32 incredible wildlife images from the Nature Photography Contest (popsci.com)
“The photograph goes beyond wildlife photography to become a powerful visual statement on deforestation and habitat loss. It reflects the consequences of human activity while reminding us of our shared responsibility toward the species that inhabit our planet,” a press release said of Vijayan’s image.
The competition awarded prizes across 10 categories: Birds, Environmental Impact, Funny Nature, Macrophotography, Natural Landscape, Night World, Plant Life, Sharing the Planet, Underwater, and Wildlife.
Scientists engineer E. coli to monitor arsenic (news.cornell.edu)
Cornell scientists have engineered E. coli to act as a sensitive biosensor for monitoring environmental arsenic, a toxic pollutant most notably found in rice paddies in Southeast Asia.
A new study provides a proof of principle for a potentially cheap living sensor that can record even transient arsenic exposure under anaerobic conditions, preserve this information in the genome and allow delayed readout later in the open air of the lab.
UVM Extension: Keys to safe, sustainable gardening (rutlandherald.com)
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a holistic approach gardeners can use to reduce pesticides when managing insects, diseases and weeds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines IPM as “a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.” For gardeners, this means using multiple strategies to either avoid pests or keep their numbers below damaging levels. IPM also recognizes the need for some tolerance. Because they are living things that adapt, it is rarely possible (or advisable) to eliminate pests entirely.
Resource Available for Integrated Pest Management (sustainabloom.org)
Sustainabloom has called upon the expertise of researchers to help growers learn to implement IPM effectively in their practices. Through a detailed guide and supplemental resources, researchers Amanda Solliday and Dr. Melinda Knuth of the Department of Horticultural Sciences at North Carolina State University not only provide valuable guidance about IPM to growers but also explain how an effective strategy can lead to improved product quality and a more sustainable-friendly methodology for all industry professionals.
Biological Seed Treatments: The Big Picture (soybeanscienceforsuccess.org)
From major companies to start-ups, countless ag input businesses are betting on biologicals. Their research and development investments have rapidly expanded the availability of products with biological active ingredients, like bacteria, fungi, plant extracts or algae extracts. Often they are applied as seed treatments, which has proven to be an effective way to deliver many of these new options.
Do these products deliver a return on investment in soybeans?
General Announcements
Newly featured
The IPM Institute of North America is pleased to announce the promotion of Baillie Stein to Project Manager II, recognizing his growing leadership and contributions to several key sustainability initiatives across the agricultural supply chain.
Stein leads projects that help major food companies and agricultural supply chains reduce pesticide risk and accelerate the adoption of more sustainable practices. Working across both field-level research and corporate supply chains, his portfolio demonstrates the Institute’s ability to connect science with business strategy. Through a Walmart Foundation-funded project, he is analyzing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) adoption in major U.S. row crops and identifying opportunities to scale uptake through farmer advisor networks. Findings will be published in a white paper later this year. That same systems-level thinking informs his work with B&G Foods, where a multi-crop pesticide risk assessment across 20 commodities helped the company identify mitigation strategies to protect consumers, farm workers, pollinators, and the environment, and strengthen pesticide risk management across its brands.
Previously featured
NCR-SARE Administrative Council Application
The North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) is seeking nominees for a seat on its Administrative Council (AC):
- One state Department of Agriculture representative
NCR-SARE Administrative Council members must live and work in one of the 12 states that make up the North Central SARE region. Those states are IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI.
To apply for a seat on the NCR-SARE Administrative Council, submit the following information using our online form at: https://tinyurl.com/SAREACform. Applications are due by 4pm central on March 31, 2026.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured
Save the date!
Toolbox webinar’s returning April 6th, 2026.
Topic: Novel Weed Management Technologies
Watch for registration link and more information in next week’s Roundup.
Challenges in Conventional Crop Protection: Can biocontrol provide a viable alternative?
Prof. Felix Wäckers has over 30 years of experience in the field of insect–plant interactions, having held academic and research positions across leading international institutions. His career includes roles as Full Professor and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture at Lancaster University, Researcher with the Dutch Academy of Sciences at Wageningen University and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Assistant Professor at ETH Zürich, and Researcher at the USDA-ARS.
Since 2009, he has been Director of R&D at Biobest Group, a global leader in biological pollination and crop protection solutions. His research focuses on the interactions between crops, beneficial arthropods, and the surrounding semi-natural landscape, with a particular emphasis on optimising pollination and biological control.
At Biobest, Prof. Wäckers has led the development of innovative approaches to sustainable crop production, including new pollinator systems and advanced biocontrol strategies for both protected and open-field crops. He has published over 240 peer-reviewed articles and is co-author of a book on Agro-Ecosystem Ecology (Cambridge University Press). He has also coordinated and contributed to numerous large-scale international research projects.
Monday, April 13th, 4pm to 5pm (UK time) - in Microsoft Teams. (4:00 pm in the UK is 11 AM Eastern Daylight time on April 14)
To attend please register above and a Teams link will be forwarded prior to the event.
2026 Rutgers' NJ Caneberry Webinar
Join us April 8th at 1 PM for a virtual webinar hosted by Rutgers University focused on caneberry production including site establishment, early season management, insect and disease identification, and effective weed control strategies. The program features leading County Agents & Extension Specialists to provide research-based, practical guidance for agricultural stakeholders.
Register here (registration free but required): https://rutgers.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YsD_VHPRQIKHNTKR0JEOTg#/registration
Previously featured
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)
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.
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 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
- 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.
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
- 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
Previously featured
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.
-
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.
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.
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.
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
Research & Education 2026 Call for Pre-Proposals
Western SARE, one of four regional SARE programs, is hosted by Montana State
University and is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
This grant program involves scientists, agricultural producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to advance sustainable agriculture at local and regional levels. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture - environmental, economic, and social - and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be documented in scholarly journals and disseminated throughout teaching and educational outreach activities with students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Submission of Research and Education proposals is limited to applicants who submitted a successful pre-Proposal. Research and Education pre-proposals will be reviewed according to the criteria included in the Call for Pre-proposals. Applicants of successful submissions will be notified prior to the full-proposal competition and be invited to submit a full proposal for this program.
Proposals are due May 1, 2026
Previously featured
USDA NIFA's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) program funds projects that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education, and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole-farm planning by delivering practical research-based information.
Three Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) are now available under OREI – each with its own application:
- OREI Planning Projects for Assistance in Development of Future OREI Proposals Requiring Multiregional or Regional Coordination
- OREI Research Projects with Extension and/or Education Components
- OREI Workshop Projects
Access the NOFOs from the OREI Program page.
Deadline: May 14, 2026
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.
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
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.