IPM News and Events Roundup 04/03/26
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
Previously 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
The Western Front Newsletter of the Western Integrated Pest Management Center
- Consumer Sentiment Weighed Before Bioengineered Pest Control Developed
- USDA Implements SciENcv Requirement for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support Forms
Government Agency News
Research Focus:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and National Institutes for Health (NIH) will develop a research and evaluation framework for cumulative exposure across chemical classes in the food supply. This research will focus on using and developing New Approach Methodologies to overcome prior barriers to fully understanding human health and environmental risks of chemical contaminants, and addressing these risks for even greater food security and safety.
$200 million from the Department of Health and Human Services
- $100 million grand prize challenge from NIH for researchers to identify creative solutions for evaluating the exposure, diagnosis, and treatments of cumulative chemical exposures on individual health.
- $100 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to identify new and innovative and cost-effective technologies that reduce reliance on chemical crop protection tools in order to improve human health, including the health of farmers, such as electrothermal and electrical weeding technologies, robotic weeding systems, precision mechanical weed control, thermal weed control, biological and non-toxic herbicides, mulching systems, and integrated systems.
In A Nutshell: Microwave Sensors Monitor Peanut Moisture and Other Attributes in Real-Time
ARS researchers are modernizing the multibillion-dollar peanut industry by developing microwave-based sensors that quickly capture and accurately measure multiple quality attributes of unshelled peanuts. This technology will help the U.S. peanut industry achieve significant savings in time and money when grading peanuts for quality.
The research was spearheaded by Research Electronics Engineer Samir Trabelsi, former Research Agricultural Engineer Stuart Nelson, and Research Agricultural Engineer Micah Lewis from the U.S. National Poultry Research Center’s Quality and Safety Assessment Research Unit in Athens, GA.
Dimethylpolysiloxane in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of methyl end-capped polydimethylsiloxane (CAS Reg. No 63148-62-9); also known as dimethylpolysiloxane when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation under 40 CFR 180.960. Momentive Performance Materials, Inc submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of methyl end-capped polydimethylsiloxane on food or feed commodities when used in accordance with these exemptions.
This proposed rule would amend the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) organic regulations related to organic crop and livestock production. The proposed rule would provide additional tools to organic producers, allowing carbon dioxide in organic crop production and meloxicam as a pain treatment in organic livestock production. Additionally, this rulemaking would remove overly burdensome restrictions for methionine, an amino acid, in organic poultry feed and would affirm that sodium nitrate may be used as a fertilizer in organic crop production, with certain conditions to protect soil quality.
This document announces the Agency’s receipt of and solicits comment on an application from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to register a new pesticide product containing an unregistered pesticide, NovoFly male-only genetically engineered (GE) New World screwworm (NWS) in USDA’s Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs. Additionally, the Agency received a Section 18 quarantine emergency exemption application requesting use of the same pesticide to maintain broad suppression of and help prevent the pest from moving further northward from Mexico toward the United States. The Agency is providing this notice in accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Due to the urgent nature of the emergency, the limited time available to authorize the Section 18 quarantine emergency exemption request, and the related FIFRA Section 3 product registration application under review for the same use, EPA is waiving the comment period associated with the emergency exemption request, but is soliciting public comment in conjunction with the application for Section 3 product registration of NovoFly.
Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations (From July 31, 2025, Notice)
This notice announces EPA's order for the cancellations, voluntarily requested by the registrant and accepted by the Agency, of the products listed in Table 1 of Unit II, pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This cancellation order follows a July 31, 2025, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests from the registrant listed in Table 2 of Unit II, to voluntarily cancel these product registrations. In the July 31, 2025, notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellations, unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 180-day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests, or unless the registrant withdrew their requests. The registrant did not withdraw their requests. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellations. Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions.
Research in the news
Structural innovation in the evolution of plant chemical defense (pnas.org)
This work provides the strongest empirical test to date of how structural innovation in plant metabolism creates an evolutionary axis of novel defensive bioactivity and ecological opportunity. In this case, biosynthetic modifications to cardenolide toxins introduce new functional groups, adding a nitrogen and sulfur (N,S) heterocycle, thereby modifying the existing chemical scaffolds. We show that these plant toxins evolved through repeated gains of novel structural attributes, challenging models of directional evolutionary escalation. In milkweeds, the independent evolution of N,S-cardenolides illustrates how structural innovation can restore potency against adapted herbivores such as monarch butterflies. The evolution of structural innovation in chemical toxins thus offers a general mechanism by which defenses diversify, gaining or regaining potency, under natural selection by herbivores.
Acoustic-driven surface cleaning with millimeter-sized bubbles at translational resonance (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
Traditional methods for cleaning agricultural surfaces often rely on strategies involving harsh chemical agents,1 potentially abrasive processes,2, 3 or energy-intensive techniques.4 Bubble cleaning holds significant promise across various applications, including wastewater treatment,5, 6 antifouling,7 and various methods of surface cleaning.8 Many methods of surface cleaning utilize ultrasonic frequencies to induce bubble cavitation.9, 10 In such conditions, vapor bubbles collapse violently to detach adhered contaminants, while gas bubbles oscillate and migrate to remove weakly adhered material.11 Cavitation and shape oscillations at ultrasonic frequencies can enhance cleaning by generating strong shear forces and microflows, but these effects can also damage sensitive surfaces or promote microbial growth through turbulent flow.12-15 In cleaning agricultural surfaces, cavitation can enhance the detachment of bacteria responsible for foodborne illnesses, such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella newport.16 Yet, the same ultrasonic conditions can also promote microbial growth and biofilm formation under certain environments.17-21 Cavitation produces intense, erosive forces that can degrade sensitive surfaces.22-24 Beyond its abrasive capabilities, cavitation introduces localized turbulence and microstreaming, which can increase biofilm formation by enhancing nutrient and oxygen transport to biofilms.25
News
Growing Vegetables in Northern New England High Tunnels
High and Dry is a collaborative effort between the University of Vermont (UVM), the University of New Hampshire (UNH), and others to support high tunnel growers — especially new ones who are still gaining experience with this technology. Our goal is to provide information and resources to help your high tunnel crops thrive! There is loads of great information to explore in previous issues — search the archives here.
In this issue we review ROOT KNOT NEMATODES. What are the symptoms of infection and management strategies for share tips on growing peppers and eggplants and trellising tomatoes in high tunnels.
We share results from the 2025 survey that shows growers are making steady progress with IPM adoption, and it is paying off with increased crop yields and revenues.
Learn how to get started with using disease resistant seeds. Heather Bryant, a grower and Extension expert gives her suggestions.
Cheryl Sullivan shares her latest research findings on alyssum habitat hedges and explains how to use them.
SOIL SAMPLING! Now’s the time to get that essential task done, and Becky Maden from UVM explains how and why it is worth the effort.
Battle of the Bots: AI Takes on Weed Management Questions (growiwm.org)
Proponents of AI-powered chatbots promise they are there to lighten the mental load for humans, so we put them to the test: How well could they handle the onslaught of typical farmer questions fielded by an Extension weed specialist or agent on a weekly basis?
We tested three of the most popular “corporate” large language models – ChatGPT, DeepSeek and Google Gemini – but also threw a smaller bot in the mix named ExtensionBot. Developed by the Extension Foundation, this non-profit bot aims to pull all its material from Cooperative Extension institutions. (Read more about our first review of it here).
Greenhouse insect and disease management recommendations (e-gro.org)
Michigan State University Extension has updated their insect and disease management recommendation guides. These documents are updated yearly to reflect the efficacy of pesticides as Michigan State University (MSU) Extension specialists and their nationwide colleagues perform research trials
evaluating the products against common greenhouse insects, mites or diseases.
Predatory Beetles Released in Cooperstown to Fight Invasive Pest (wktv.com)
Conservation groups released hundreds of predatory beetles in Cooperstown to help protect local hemlock trees from a damaging invasive insect.
The Otsego County Conservation Association along with Mohican Farm/The Clark Foundation released 236 Laricobius nigrinus beetles at Fairy Spring Park on Thursday.
The beetles were sent by the New York State Hemlock Initiative, which is based at Cornell University and researches ways to control hemlock woolly adelgid.
Hemlock woolly adelgid is a tiny insect that can kill healthy trees in as little as 10 years, according to OCCA.
Chemical Control of Weeds for Greenhouse Ornamental Production (e-gro.org)
Weeds are among the most damaging pests to crops in greenhouse and container production systems. Intensive fertilization and the controlled environment in greenhouses favor the development and
proliferation of weeds. Weeds not only infest the containers and nursery trays but also spread
across benches and greenhouse floors.
‘White plague’ is on the rise in the US — it’s deadlier than COVID and becoming antibiotic-resistant (nypost.com)
One of humanity’s oldest and deadliest killers is staging a modern-day comeback.
The so-called “white plague” reclaimed its title as the world’s deadliest infectious disease in 2023 after being briefly overtaken by COVID-19 during the first three years of the pandemic.
And the US isn’t immune. While the country still has one of the lowest rates globally, cases have been climbing steadily since 2020 — reversing three decades of decline.
Scientists have identified major global hotspots for avian flu (earth.com)
Scientists have identified global hotspots for avian flu where dense populations of people, cattle, and poultry overlap within a small share of the Earth’s land.
These concentrated zones reshape where the virus is most likely to spread, persist, and cross between species.
Survey
Newly featured
Virginia Greenhouse Research Needs Assessment
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech wants to hear from professionals within the Virginia greenhouse industry to gather insights that will help shape future research and development efforts.
The “Greenhouse Industry Research Needs Assessment” survey should take 15 minutes or less and will be open until April 30, 2026. The survey aims to identify the most pressing research needs within the industry, enabling the team to better address the challenges and opportunities facing greenhouse growers and stakeholders in Virginia. Feedback is important for guiding future initiatives and improving practices within the sector.
Penn State Extension Seeks Input on Pesticide Education Programming
Your input helps Penn State Extension plan pesticide education programming that fits your needs. This survey only takes about 5 minutes to complete.
As a thank you, those who complete the survey will receive 15% off a Penn State online recertification course. This offer can be used in conjunction with other Penn State Extension discounts where applicable.
General Announcements
Newly featured
13th US Symposium on Harmful Algae
Submission Deadline: Friday, May 8
Researchers and scientists from academia, industry, and government are invited to submit an abstract for consideration as a talk or poster presentation on emerging topics and cutting-edge research in all/any areas of HABs science.
Presentation Topics
We have prepared a broad list of session topics as a guide to help abstract submitters identify the applicable topic, including:
- bloom dynamics
- modeling and forecasting
- monitoring and management
- prevention and mitigation strategies
- emerging technologies
- community engagement
- genomics
- toxicology and toxinology
- environmental and human/animal health
Please do not feel limited to these areas. We want to capture emerging topics and new ideas whenever possible.
Interested in presenting at the symposium? Visit the Call for Abstracts page on our website for full details on how to prepare and submit your abstract.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, May 8, 2026
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
From Conventional to Connected: Integrating Emerging Technologies into Weed Management Systems
Join us for From Conventional to Connected: Integrating Emerging Technologies into Weed Management Systems, a forward-looking toolbox webinar exploring how innovation is reshaping weed control. Featuring weed science experts Thierry Besançon (Rutgers University) and Lynn Sosnoskie (Cornell University), this session will highlight practical strategies for integrating cutting-edge tools—like autonomous robots, AI-guided systems, and precision spraying—into specialty crop production.
Whether you're a grower, advisor, or ag professional, discover how to combine traditional approaches with emerging technologies to tackle herbicide resistance and improve efficiency in modern weed management.
April 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. EDT
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.
PI: Kris Giles
May 6, 2026
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is increasingly critical to addressing evolving pest pressures in U.S. agriculture, from resistance management to emerging threats that threaten farmer livelihoods. As a science-based approach, IPM integrates biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to reduce economic, environmental and health risks, but adoption remains uneven due to limited awareness, uncertain return on investment and high transaction costs. Advancing IPM will require stronger innovation, improved valuation of its benefits and deeper collaboration across producers, advisers, researchers, conservationists and industry partners. This webinar series is designed to surface those opportunities, strengthen connections across sectors and accelerate adoption of IPM solutions.
This session will highlight leadership perspectives on how IPM can support resilient, economically viable and environmentally sound agricultural systems. It is the first in a three-part series convened by FFAR and the IPM Alliance to inform stakeholders, build momentum and foster dialogue across agriculture, conservation, policy and supply chain communities.
April 3, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT / Virtual
From the Field to the Clinic: Recognizing Pesticide-Related Illness in Children
Pesticide exposure is a common concern in agricultural and rural communities, and children are particularly susceptible to its health effects.
This accredited CME/CNE webinar is designed to help clinicians strengthen their ability to recognize and manage pesticide-related illness in pediatric patients. In this webinar, we will review the acute and chronic health effects of pesticide exposure in children and adolescents, common exposure routes, and current evidence linking early-life exposure to developmental and health outcomes.
Through case studies, we will highlight exposure scenarios and clinical presentations frequently encountered in farmworker communities. We will also introduce participants to the Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, 6th edition, and provide patient education materials to support clinical decision making and prevention strategies.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
12 PM PT / 1:00 PM MT / 2 PM CT / 3 PM ET & AT
School IPM—Training and Events
Mandatory Training for IPM Coordinator
- Within one month of appointment complete Initial Training Module (PDF) AND
- Within 12 months of appointment complete the Comprehensive IPM Training (see table below) AND
- Earn 1 hour of Continuing Education credit per year. To earn CE credits:
- Attend 1 hr or more of a Comprehensive IPM Workshop OR
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Participate Complete 1 or more hours of training on any topic related to environmental health, pest prevention and management, or building and grounds maintenance offered by a reliable organization such as the recorded webinars, presentations, and videos listed below. Keep a record of your participation in your Pest Management Activity Log (DOCX).
The emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis) has devastated ash tree populations across North America, leaving lasting ecological and management challenges. This webinar will examine the current status of EAB and consider whether the pest is truly “gone,” while highlighting what we know about surviving ash and fringetree populations. Participants will also gain insight into the hazards posed by dead and falling ash trees, management strategies for landowners and communities, and the latest research on ash regeneration and EAB persistence, valuable knowledge for those concerned with forest health and resilience.
May 8, 2026
(1:00 PM-2:15 PM ET)
Register By: May 7, 2026
Previously featured
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 optimizing 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
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:
- 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
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.
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.
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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.
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
Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP)
USDA NIFA's Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP) enables the Cooperative Extension System to develop, implement, and support innovative, education-based approaches that address disaster preparedness and specific responses related to disasters or disaster threats. Through this program, NIFA funds projects that deliver applied Extension programs serving public needs in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, community and economic development, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H and youth development.
One Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is now available under SLSNCGP:
-
SLSNCGP Special Needs Projects
Estimated Total Program Funding
$459,564
Deadline
June 1, 2026
Eligibility
1862 Land-grant Universities
Applications may be submitted with the approval of Extension Directors of 1862 Land-grant Universities in the 50 states, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Previously 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
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.