IPM News and Events Roundup 04/10/26
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
Previously 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
Evaluating a 'Soft Pesticide' Program for Wine Grapes with Andy Fles (youtube.com)
In Michigan, Andy Fles at Shady Lane Cellars has been working to compare the efficacy of a soft chemistry spray program to that of a conventional synthetic program in rot susceptible vineyards. Learn about this SARE project here: https://projects.sare.org/sare_projec...
Stay Safe: Step Up Your Biosecurity
African swine fever is a deadly pig disease that spreads rapidly and affects domestic and wild swine. While not a threat to human health, the virus could devastate America’s swine, pork industry, and food supply. Whatever pigs mean to you—your livelihood or a pet—we’re all in it together. Protect our swine and keep the disease out of the United States.
USDA Releases Updated New World Screwworm Response Playbook
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing the updated New World Screwworm (NWS) Response Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to support coordinated, science-based action should NWS be detected in the United States.
“USDA continues to execute Secretary Rollins’ five-pronged plan to keep NWS out of the United States,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Dudley Hoskins. “While we are aggressively safeguarding American agriculture and working with Mexico to prevent further northward spread, we must also ensure that our domestic response plans are ready for immediate activation. Strong coordination with states, producers, veterinarians, sportsmen, and other partners is essential to achieving that goal.”
Improving Yields for Cotton Growers
ARS researchers in New Orleans, LA, have found a new way to enrich soils and boost cotton yields – with sugar. Specifically, the biochar, or burned residue of sugarcane byproducts from sugar mills, turns out to be rich in carbon and very beneficial to plants in fields where it is applied.
Cotton fields treated with biochar saw up to a 22% increase in lint yield, and up to 13% increase in cotton seed yield after 3 years.
One Plant’s Pest is Another Plant’s Benefactor
When it comes to the insects known as earwigs, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that they are pests of stone fruits, such as peaches and cherries. The good news, however, is that for pome fruits, such as apples and pears, earwigs are voracious natural enemies of pests. Now, researchers at the Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit in Wapato, WA, working with colleagues at Washington State University and Oregon State University, are putting that contrast to use, by developing techniques to trap and transfer the insects from stone fruit orchards to the pome fruit orchards where they are beneficial.
We are thrilled to share a new approach to tackling Spotted Wing Drosophila, a notorious pest that infests ripe, ready-to-eat fruit. This little pest poses a significant threat to farmers because it is very difficult to control with standard pesticides. Our solution involves manipulating the behavior of these insects by disguising healthy fruit as being infected with an unappealing pathogen. By studying the specific odors emitted by infected fruit, we identified chemicals that repel the flies when applied to healthy fruit. This method allows us to protect crops without relying solely on insecticides. We are developing a slow-release device to disperse these fruity odors in the field, ensuring they don't come into direct contact with the fruit. We hope this technology provides a new tool to help farmers produce healthy, tasty fruit for consumers.
Research in the news
Seed dormancy shapes gene drive dynamics in plants (nature.com)
Gene drives offer revolutionary potential for the management of problematic plant populations, such as invasive weeds and herbicide-resistant species, by rapidly spreading desired genetic alterations. Two recent studies have provided experimental demonstrations of engineered CRISPR gene drive systems in plants (CAIN and ClvR). However, the successful application of such systems in the field will critically depend on an accurate understanding of plant-specific life-history traits, especially seed dormancy, a ubiquitous yet frequently overlooked eco-evolutionary force. In this study, we develop a comprehensive modelling framework for gene drives in plant populations that incorporates a persistent soil seed bank. We show how the presence of a seed bank can substantially slow gene drive spread but also reduce the genetic load required to achieve population elimination.
Spotted Lanternfly Literature Bibliography for 2025 (stopslf.org)
The scientific publications list has been updated with articles published through 2025
Practical use of computer vision for cockroach monitoring in food premises: a case study in North Borneo, Malaysia (academic.oup.com)
Cockroaches are major urban pests with significant medical and economic impacts and are commonly used as indicators of poor sanitation. Conventional monitoring methods, which depend on manual trap inspection and counting, are labor-intensive and limit practicality for routine surveillance. This study incorporates computer vision into cockroach monitoring by developing a deep learning–based detection workflow using YOLO object detection models.
Crop and Pest Management Guidelines (cropandpestguides.cce.cornell.edu)
The Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines offer comprehensive, science-based, and actionable management recommendations for agricultural and horticultural crops, including vegetables, fruits, and landscape plants. Updated annually, these guidelines cover IPM strategies, pesticide use, and organic methods.
News
Spotted Lantern Fly Vineyard Risk Index (newa.cornell.edu)
The Spotted Lanternfly Vineyard Risk Index is a predictive tool developed by Cornell University, accessible on the Cornell NEWA platform, that helps NYS grape growers assess the risk of infestation in vineyards. It models suitability for the pest based on tree-of-heaven presence, climate, and host availability to guide management and pest tracking.
Poultry Biosecurity Practices (youtube.com)
University of Delaware Poultry Extension Agent Georgie Cartanza shares valuable tips on best practices for biosecurity when dealing with the risk of Avian Influenza from wild bird migration.
UConn Athletic Field Assessment Tool (ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu)
UConn Extension has developed an Athletic Field Assessment Tool as part of its School Grounds Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. This user guide will provide step-by-step instructions to familiarize the user with this new assessment tool and effectively integrate this viable record keeping tool into effective IPM.
Incorporating assessment data into an IPM program supports data-driven and evidence-based decision-making. Regular and routine assessment of turfgrass areas helps guide prevention strategies, identify and monitor pests, and ensure effective management plans. By using assessment data to set action thresholds, managers can respond proactively to potential pest activity.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
What the ... ?
Phyto Disclaimers
Insecticide Phyto I
Fugus Gnat Control
Seed banks may complicate gene drives aimed at controlling weeds (news.cornell.edu)
Gene drives – a genetic engineering approach that quickly spreads specific genetic changes throughout a population, whether to kill it off or add a new trait – may have potential for controlling weeds. But so far, gene drives have primarily been studied in mosquitoes, and have yet to be deployed in the real world.
Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development - Employee Housing (agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu)
Farmers are frequently involved in providing housing for farm employees and sometimes for their families as well. Various agencies from federal, state, and local governments may be involved in regulating farm worker housing, depending on the type provided. Farmworker housing regulations vary significantly depending on the number of workers housed and on the type of worker, permanent or migrant and seasonal. In any case, farm managers who provide housing have legal and ethical responsibilities to make sure the housing begins, and remains, a safe and healthy place for people to live.
A revived device reveals scents that attract and deter crop pests (news.cornell.edu)
Scientists have resurrected an old device to sniff out the exact scents that attract or repel insects, which could then be developed by companies for growers to purchase and use to trap or ward off such crop-damaging pests.
A Cornell research team is investigating whether the methods could help tackle crop pests such as beetles in vegetables, fruit tree pests including woolly apple aphids, black stem borers and codling moths, and human pests such as mosquitoes.
How Artificial Intelligence is Helping Automate Cockroach Surveillance in Cities (entomologytoday.org)
Urban pest surveillance still relies on visual inspection or manually counting cockroaches one by one from a sticky trap or cockroach house. For pest control professionals and public health authorities, this labor-intensive process limits how often traps can be checked and how widely infestations can be monitored. However, new research suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) may soon change this. By applying computer vision to images of cockroaches captured on sticky traps, researchers are exploring how automated detection systems could transform how cities monitor one of the world’s most persistent urban pests.
How to Get Bedbugs Out of Your Belongings (help.cornell-ipm.org)
UPDATED - The common bed bug has returned as a significant pest problem across the United States. Although first recognized in the tourism industry in the late 1990’s, bed bug infestations are now a common issue for private residences. People dealing with an infestation can spread bed bugs to the homes of family and friends, to public places they visit, and to their work place. From there, bugs continue to relocate by hitchhiking on personal belongings.
We offer treatment recommendations to help you protect your home and belongings, and to stop the spread of bed bugs. This guide provides comprehensive instructions using methods currently available, and emphasizes techniques that do not rely on pesticide application. You may choose to hire a pest management professional and utilize their additional options for controlling bed bugs. But, you may still need to get bed bugs out of your personal belongings. This is a Do-it-Yourself guide that will help in either situation.
“A well-timed beneficial release can save weeks of frustration” (floraldaily.com)
If your biocontrol program keeps feeling 'one step behind,' the issue may not be the insects, it might be the calendar. One of the most important factors in making a biocontrol program effective is the timing of introduction. A well-timed beneficial release can save weeks of frustration, and a poorly timed one can undo a whole season's effort. Ensuring the biocontrol occurs before its host is crucial for effective pest reduction, Jenn Blom, Sarah Stuive and Jenna Straughan, with Global Hort explain.
Watch for Alfalfa Weevil Larvae; Some may be Resistant to Pyrethroids (extension.psu.edu)
With warmer weather recently, it should not be surprising that some insect pests are already becoming active. Alfalfa weevil adults tend to be active once temperature hit 45°F, so it is not surprising that alfalfa weevil adults are active, particularly in the southern tier of PA counties and on warmer, south-facing slopes. We have heard a few reports of larvae feeding already.
Survey
Previously 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
Previously 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
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured
Cover Crop Breeding Field Walk
You're invited to a Cover Crop Breeding Field Walk on Wednesday, April 29 from 1-3pm at the Homer C Thompson Vegetable Research Farm in Freeville, NY. We look forward to conversation while viewing:
- CCB Network Advanced Line Trials, which include single-row plots of crimson clover, hairy vetch, winter pea, cereal rye, and winter canola breeding lines alongside commercial check varieties
- National Cover Crop Variety Trials, now in their second year, which feature larger plots of commercial varieties and near-commercial CCB Network varieties of the species listed above.
- The CCB Network winter pea nursery, which contains a diverse range of early-generation breeding material
Hosted by the Moore Lab of Cornell SIPS Plant Breeding & Genetics. Questions are welcome at ccbn@cornell.edu.
RSVP's are appreciated but not required. If you register, we'll notify you by email in the event of weather-related changes! Rain date: May 6, 2026, 1-3pm
USDA General Terms and Conditions and highlighting key updates to NIFA’s agency
Join NIFA staff on Wednesday, April 15 at 1 p.m. CDT for an important webinar introducing the newly established USDA General Terms and Conditions and highlighting key updates to NIFA’s agency specific requirements. This session will also offer practical guidance on using SciENcv—equipping applicants, awardees and research administrators with the tools they need to confidently navigate these changes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared. Register at USDA’s New General Terms and Conditions and NIFA’s Updated Requirements: A Comprehensive Overview.
Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) Technical Assistance Webinar
This Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) Technical Assistance Webinar will include a program overview, details of the NOFOs, description of the proposal evaluation process, and a question and answer session.
The purpose of the OREI program is to fund high‑priority integrated projects that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high‑quality organic agricultural products, and to increase resilience in American farming systems. 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. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers. Fieldwork must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives. For this program, a land/facility is not considered organic unless it has received USDA certification. Refer to USDA National Organic Program for organic production standards.
Access the NOFOs from the OREI program page.
Mon, 04/13/2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
IPM Toolbox Webinar Recording
From Conventional to Connected: Integrating Emerging Technologies into Weed Management Systems
Presenters: Thierry Besançon (Rutgers University) and Lynn Sosnoskie (Cornell University)
Recorded on April 6, 2026. This forward-looking IPM Toolbox webinar explores how innovation is reshaping weed control.
If you missed the live event, or would like to review the material again, the recording is now available at the Northeastern IPM Center website:
https://www.northeastipm.org/ipm-in-action/the-ipm-toolbox/from-conventional-to-connected/
Spotted Lanternfly Summit 2026
The 2026 Spotted Lanternfly Summit included presentations and discussion about spotted lanternfly research and management. The webinar was held March 3–5, 2026.
View recordings of the 2026 Spotted Lanternfly Summit (YouTube playlist).
Previously featured
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
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
- 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).
Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Emerald Ash Borer
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 fringe tree 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
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.
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
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.
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
CALS- Gardener S08- IPM Assistant- Cornell Botanic Gardens
Under direct supervision of the Greenhouse Supervisor, assist the IPM Coordinator by scouting, diagnosing, treating, and working with garden staff and arboriculture staff on plant health care issues using cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control strategies to reduce pests to tolerable levels across all areas of the greenhouses, outdoor gardens, and arboretum. This work requires a general understanding of horticultural practices, plant-pest interactions, diverse pest management techniques and pesticide application equipment. This individual will conduct soil samples, implement a variety of application and inoculation techniques, keep records of pest and disease emergence dates, and apply appropriate pest/disease controls throughout the botanic gardens and arboretum. Using Integrated Pest Management approaches, assist the IPM Coordinator to make judgements on best strategies for pest/disease diagnosis, control, and plant health. Maintain scouting reports and treatment notes for outdoor and greenhouse collections in appropriate electronic software programs. Assist the IPM Coordinator by engaging with organizations such as but not limited to the Sentinel Plant Network and Cornell IPM to develop proactive pest prevention care for collections. Maintain the functional plantings at designated areas including but not limited to the Harris Slope and DeCoursey stairs. Maintain demonstration plantings that promote sustainable practices regarding pest management, tree/lawn maintenance, and ecosystem health including but not limited to living mulch tree rings and pollinator strips. Attend conferences or classes to continually pursue professional development within the field. Participate in meetings regarding job priorities, projects, garden reviews, and occasionally hiring committees. Participate in outdoor demonstrations and classes for our priority audiences on scouting techniques and pest and disease identification, and other plant health care issues. This position requires flexibility and is required to work some weekends and holidays to meet the needs of the department. Assist gardening staff with busy season planting and mulching workloads. Ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements, NY State and Federal environmental laws.
The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) is a New York State (NYS) public benefit corporation. Established in 1968, the NHT’s mission is to receive and administer gifts, grants and other funds to further public programs for parks, conservation and historic preservation purposes of the State of New York. The NHT is governed by a four-member Board of Directors comprised of the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Chair of the State Council of Parks, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Secretary of State.
All Application Deadlines: COB Thursday, April 30, 2026
Ladders to the Outdoors Program Assistant
The Ladders to the Outdoors Program Assistant implements the Ladders to the Outdoors programs. Ladders to the Outdoors hand crafts educational and recreational programs for underserved youth in the WNY area. Serving over 6,000 youth per year.
Private Lands Grants Coordinator
The Private Lands Grants Coordinator will support The Division of Lands and Forests 25 Million Trees Initiative by assisting with implementing and coordinating the U.S. Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) private landowner assistance grant, USDA Advancing Markets for Producers and/or other grants awarded to the Department. Specifically, the Private Lands Grants Coordinator will support DEC’s Regenerate New York Program, new grant opportunities that use Advancing Markets for Producers funding, and associated efforts. The successful candidate will work closely with Division staff to help ensure that federal funding results in successful projects and that funding is expended in a timely manner.
Private Lands Outreach Coordinator
The Private Lands Outreach Coordinator implements the 25 Million Trees Initiative outreach objectives of the Private Lands Unit within the Division of Lands and Forests (DLF). This position will work with the program staff to deliver a wide range of outreach material, including delivery of the Regenerate NY Grant Program, funded through the federal IRA Landowner Support Grant.
Resiliency Planting (Nursery and Reforestation) Specialist
The Resiliency Planting (Nursery and Reforestation) Specialist will support DLF in implementation of its 25 Million Tree Initiative, Statewide Reforestation Plan, and other reforestation goals through development of new programs and coordination across partners and other stakeholders. As part of this broader effort, this position will work to scale up the reforestation supply chain, improve coordination between the Division and its partners, and support the Saratoga Tree Nursery. This position will be based out of DEC’s Central Office but will require some duties and trainings to be based out of the Saratoga Tree Nursery. Frequency and duration are to be determined.
Urban Community Forestry Grant Specialist
The DEC was awarded a grant by the U.S. Forest Service to manage ash trees impacted by the Emerald Ash borer and implement community forest management plans in local communities. The successful candidate will help to ensure that federal funding results in successful projects, is expended in a timely manner and consistent with the Federal grant requirements. The UCF Grant Specialist supports DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry subgrant program and other grant programs as needed. As the Urban and Community Forestry Program is expanding to address climate carbon sequestration goals, provide statewide leadership, and deliver unprecedented levels of funding, this position will critically support federal grant sub-awardees and ensure that tree planting and tree maintenance projects result in long-lasting public benefit.
Urban Community Forestry Specialist: GIS Tools and Technologies
The Urban Community Forestry Specialist: GIS Tools and Technologies will be responsible for developing and maintaining urban forestry data, including spatial tools and technologies, inventory, funding and grants tracking, and other program information to support grants, programs, and events relating to the urban and community forestry practice area. In addition, this position will support and educate communities about information management, platforms and tools available to contribute to urban forest management. As the Urban and Community Forestry Program expands to address climate challenges including extreme heat, air pollution, and carbon sequestration goals; provides statewide leadership and delivers unprecedented levels of funding for tree planting and maintenance efforts across the state, this position is critical to track tree planting efforts, share technology and tools to plan, analyze, and track urban forestry actions and impacts, and help monitor changes in tree canopy across the state.
Urban Community Forestry Specialist: Local Implementation Forester
The UCF Specialist: Local Implementation Forester will support the 25 Million Trees Initiative in New York City by providing technical assistance, outreach and education to local communities and organizations, and with partner organizations in support of local urban and community forestry programs. The UCF Specialist will also assist in managing ReLeaf Committee activities. As the Urban and Community Forestry Program expands to address climate carbon sequestration this position is critical to ensure that the unprecedented levels of funding are delivered through efficient and effective programing in the state’s largest city. The Department was awarded an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant by the USFS for the purpose of implementing the NYS Forest Action Plan by providing technical advice, assistance, education and training to communities and organizations in New York City, in which 40% of the state’s population resides. The individual hired for this position will help to ensure that more than $30 million of additional state and federal funding for urban forestry enhancement is expended in a timely manner and conducted in a manner consistent with the Federal grant requirements.
Urban Community Forestry Practitioner Coordinator
The UCF Practitioner Coordinator will help connect urban forest stakeholders and build constituencies for community forests in order to leverage statewide initiatives, funding, and other opportunities. State initiatives around urban and community forestry such as 25 Million Trees and the state Arbor Day Poster Contest, and national programs such as the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City, Tree Campus, and Tree Line USA programs, all aim to celebrate and elevate urban forestry best practices. This position will coordinate these programs, assisting with education/outreach, storytelling, grants and other program activities as needed. This position involves working with regional staff, other UCF coordination staff in Albany, applicant organizations, and the Arbor Day Foundation. As the Urban and Community Forestry Program expands to address extreme heat, air pollution, and climate carbon sequestration goals and provide leadership and funding to deliver necessary levels of new statewide tree planting, this position is critical to connect practitioners across the state including municipalities, public and private educational entities, non-profit organizations, and others in order to share practices, find solutions to challenges, and identify and leverage opportunities.
Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences
This position is located in Caroline County, Maryland, and provides programming to Eastern Shore
Counties and statewide.
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension
Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. This rank is parallel to the rank of
Assistant Professor. FCS program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. FCS Programs will focus on improving the health and economic prosperity of residents and communities in Maryland. This position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming to counties in Eastern Shore and statewide, related to financial wellness, community economic development, housing, public health, other areas of FCS. The FCS program includes consumer financial education, financial wellness, health literacy, housing, community development, and other relevant topics. This position will also create and facilitate community partnerships with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, school systems, businesses, and others that support extension programs centered on human health and strengthened/ sustainable community through innovative educational approaches. The position will conduct applied research and publish results that support the educational program. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic leadership. The Extension Educator will be a faculty member on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with the University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined timeframe.
Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) is seeking an Extension Specialist responsible for organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating statewide educational programs for youth, families and communities. This rank is parallel to the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. The Educator would work with Extension educators, volunteers and youth development agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities for youth, leading to the development of life skills. As a tenure-track faculty member, the Educator will be responsible for providing leadership to develop focused youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across the state. If coming in at Agent rank, the faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a time frame defined.
Assistant Director and Program Leader, Environmental & Natural Resource Programs
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks applicants for the Assistant Director and Program Leader position for Environmental & Natural Resources (ENR). This is a tenured administrative position as Principal Agent (parallel to professor)/Professor and Assistant Director in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland. The University of Maryland, College Park, is one of the nation’s top 20 public research universities with a world-class reputation. It is a leading Land-Grant institution that provides teaching, research, and extension to all Marylanders and beyond.
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
Renewable Resources Extension Act–National Focus Fund Projects (RREA-NFF)
USDA NIFA's RREA-NFF program funds Extension projects of national or regional scope that address emerging forest and rangeland issues through the development of best management practices and by translating scientific research for landowners and managers.
RREA-NFF promotes maximizing the reach and impacts of the Cooperative Extension System to ensure the effective management and conservation of forest and rangeland systems for a range of benefits—including forest products, livestock production, and recreation—and to enhance preparedness against threats including land fragmentation, drought, pests, diseases, and invasive species.
One Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is now available under RREA-NFF.
Deadline - June 08, 2026
Previously 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
Access the NOFO from the SLSNCGP Program page.
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.
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.