IPM News and Events Roundup 04/25/2025
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
This work is supported by The Northeastern IPM Center, project reward Grant #2022-70006-38004, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
Pesticide Label Changes Brought on by the Endangered Species Act
April 29, 2025 – 11:00 a.m. (eastern)
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pFWLC05_TyGcd9BAUeZjBw#/registration
The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.
Description
This training will cover the following topics:
- Why are pesticide labels undergoing changes to protect endangered/threatened species?
- What changes can you expect to see on pesticide labeling?
- How implementable are these changes? How can you ensure you are compliant?
- What is the current status of ESA-required label changes?
- Where can I find more resources on this topic?
Niranjana Krishnan
Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland, College Park
Niranjana Krishnan is an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is also serving as Maryland’s Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator. Her research focuses on assessing the risks of pesticide exposures to insects. Her extension work has focused on changes to pesticides labels due to recent changes in the implementation of the Endangered Species Act.
Kurt Vollmer
Extension Weed Management Specialist, University of Maryland
Kurt’s research focuses on evaluating different weed management tactics. His extension program focuses on disseminating weed control and other relevant information to growers and other constituents.
Bill Chism
Chair, Endangered Species Act Committee, Weed Science Society of America
Bill has a PhD in Weed Science. He grew up working on a vegetable farm in California. He also worked in California for the extension service, a pesticide manufacturer, and has worked over 20 years at OPP before his retirement. Bill lives with his wife, a cat, two dogs, and two horses in Maryland.
Mark VanGessel
Extension Weed Scientist and a faculty member in the Plant and Soil Science Department, University of Delaware
Mark VanGessel is the extension weed scientist at the University of Delaware and a faculty member in the Plant and Soil Science Department. His extension and research focus is on integrated weed management for herbicide resistant weeds as well as the intersection of weed ecology and weed management. He works with grain crops as well as commercial vegetables.
EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News
EPA Launches Updated Pesticide Registration Tracking App for Companies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the latest version of its MyPest application. MyPest allows registrants of pesticide products to monitor the status of their pesticide registration submissions in real-time. Updates to MyPest include an enhanced dashboard page with information about the registrant’s cases and products, the ability to drill down into a highly detailed view of each application, and the capability to communicate with EPA staff directly within the application page.
EPA Releases Interim Decision on Organophosphate Pesticide Dicrotophos
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the Interim Registration Review Decision (ID) for dicrotophos, an organophosphate pesticide used on cotton for controlling arthropod pests. The ID released today responds to public comments on the Proposed Interim Decision (PID) which was published in the public docket in June 2024. It updates some of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Interim Ecological Mitigation measures after considering public comments on the Endangered Species Act Workplan Update and additional EPA and interagency review of the mitigation measures.
EPA Announces Proposed Registration of New Active Ingredient Cyclobutrifluram
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing for public comment its proposed registration decision for products containing the new active ingredient cyclobutrifluram.
Cyclobutrifluram is proposed for registration for the control of nematodes and select soil and seedling diseases in and on turfgrass, ornamentals, romaine lettuce, cotton and soybean seeds. If approved, cyclobutrifluram will support integrated pest management – an approach that focuses on pest prevention and the judicious use of pesticides – as it can be applied in response to pest monitoring where alternative nematicide pesticides are applied prior to planting. This would also give farmers an additional tool to help manage crops and grow more food for our country.
HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation’s Food Supply
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a series of new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply—a significant milestone in the administration’s broader initiative to Make America Healthy Again.
The FDA is taking the following actions:
- Establishing a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives.
- Initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months.
- Working with industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2—from the food supply by the end of next year.
- Authorizing four new natural color additives in the coming weeks, while also accelerating the review and approval of others.
- Partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct comprehensive research on how food additives impact children’s health and development.
- Requesting food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than the 2027-2028 deadline previously required.
Research in the news
Global soil pollution by toxic metals threatens agriculture and human health (science.org)
Toxic metal pollution is ubiquitous in soils, yet its worldwide distribution is unknown. We analyzed a global database of soil pollution by arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead at 796,084 sampling points from 1493 regional studies and used machine learning techniques to map areas with exceedance of agricultural and human health thresholds. We reveal a previously unrecognized high-risk, metal-enriched zone in low-latitude Eurasia, which is attributed to influential climatic, topographic, and anthropogenic conditions. This feature can be regarded as a signpost for the Anthropocene era. We show that 14 to 17% of cropland is affected by toxic metal pollution globally and estimate that between 0.9 and 1.4 billion people live in regions of heightened public health and ecological risks.
Prairie birds—including Illinois' bobolink—in steep decline, study says (phys.org)
The study encourages practices such as coastal restoration, conservation ranching and seabird translocation, or transporting birds to locations where they are likely to thrive.
For grassland birds, which are losing 1 million to 2 million acres of habitat annually in the Great Plains, the study highlights solutions such as improved grazing practices for cattle and sheep, invasive plant removal, investment in grassland conservation and converting low-quality cropland to grassland.
Local wounding in plants triggers signals that travel locally within the wounded leaf or systemically through the vasculature to distant leaves. Our understanding of the mechanisms of initiation and propagation of this ubiquitous class of signals remains incomplete. Here, we develop a unifying framework based on poroelastic dynamics to study two coupled biophysical processes—propagation of pressure changes and transmission of chemical elicitors via mass flows driven by these pressure changes—as potential mechanisms for the initiation and propagation of wound-induced signals. We show that rapid pressure changes in the xylem can transmit mechanical information across the plant, while their coupling with neighboring nonvascular tissue drives swelling and mass flow that can transport chemical elicitors to distant leaves.
Virologist builds on Baker Institute’s 75-year groundbreaking history (news.cornell.edu)
Every time Dr. Sarah Caddy drives to her lab at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, she passes Parvo Drive, right next to the institute. It’s a fitting welcome. “Parvo” refers to canine parvovirus, which causes a highly contagious, dangerous disease that researchers at the institute were the first to identify.
Caddy is continuing the institute’s 75 years of innovative collaborative research and pioneering discoveries.
Uncovering ‘terroir’: Project to explore plant-environment interactions (news.cornell.edu)
“A chardonnay vine in New York and a chardonnay vine in France are genetic twins, which means you can specifically explore how the plant genome interacts with its environment,” said Jason Londo, associate professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science’s Horticulture Section at Cornell AgriTech. “There are lots of different species we could use to do this study, but grapes are the perfect plant to use because, in winemaking, we already have a cultural passion around this concept of how the environment influences the way genes are expressed: terroir.”
Vision-Guided Spraying Technology Targets Problem Weeds (ir4project.org)
What to apply, when to apply, and how to apply are key considerations when it comes to herbicides—particularly for weed control on perennial crops. Two IR-4 research collaborators are working on the “how” part with a brand-new precision-spraying technology. Lynn Sosnoskie, Assistant Professor of Weed Ecology and Management in specialty crops at Cornell University, and Thierry Besançon, Associate Professor and Extension Weed Specialist for specialty crops at Rutgers University, have been searching for new herbicides to use safely on perennial crops, with a focus on increasing efficacy, managing crop injury, and reducing the total amounts of product applied.
Cover Crop Challenge lets students compete and grow (cals.cornell.edu)
One of Ryan’s most impactful activities is the “Cover Crop Challenge.” Students get to choose from among 12 different species, such as crimson clover, annual ryegrass, mustard and oats, to create their own cover crop mixtures. They then plant their mixtures indoors, in one of the Cornell AES greenhouse facilities, and outdoors, in the Crops Garden at Campus Area Farms. Eight weeks later, students take a host of measurements to assess the effectiveness of their cover crops – insect and floral diversity, total biomass, weed suppression and more – and they calculate the economic efficiency of their mixtures.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
What the ... ?
The New Principle WP
Anti-Transpirant's New Use
Education from AmericanHort
One small thing you can do to help reduce your role in the climate crisis (us.cnn.com)
At most places Melissa Valliant goes when dining out, she carries in her backpack a set of reusable flatware — prepared to refuse the disposable utensils she says are part of the plastic pollution crisis that’s inextricably linked with the climate crisis.
Plastic is made from chemicals derived from fossil fuels, the burning of which drive the climate crisis by producing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane. Disposable flatware, in particular, is typically produced from a rigid plastic called polystyrene, which is made from a byproduct of petroleum.
Heading to the Field to Scout? Take Us With You! (growiwm.org)
As you head into the field to scout early season weeds, remember to keep GROW’s scouting resources handy!
Remember the basic principles of scouting — the where, what, when and how are all discussed on the GROW Scouting page, and this news article covers why starting the season weed-free at planting is so important.
Did the snow in NYC this winter kill the ticks? (silive.com)
Many are hopeful that New York City’s recent cold, snowy winter will knock out the black-legged deer ticks that carry Lyme disease.
Despite the common misconception that cold weather kills ticks, unfortunately, that isn’t the case, scientists explained to the Advance/SILive.com.
Investing in IPM – Hiring an IPM professional (blogs.cornell.edu)
Over the decades, we have seen the number of school districts with a certified pesticide applicator on staff decline leading to more schools contracting out their school pest management needs. A significant benefit of certification is the initial training and continuous education required to maintain the license. Without that regular training, an unintended consequence is that school districts have less ability to knowledgably handle pest issues, leaving administrators susceptible to contractor sales pitches. Requirements to hire the lowest bidder can also compromise the long-term efficacy of a school’s IPM program.
Surveys
You may participate in this study if you are a natural resource manager who deals with invasive plants.
We (researchers at the UMass, Amherst) are conducting a research study to understand the link between the timing of life-cycle transitions (phenology) of invasive plants, the timing of chemical and mechanical invasive species control efforts and the efficacy of these interventions. The purpose of this study is to better understand when in the field season different kinds of mechanical and chemical control methods are deployed for specific invasive plants, and whether practitioners have needed to adjust the timing of these interventions in recent years due to shifts in plant phenology brought about by climate change. The survey will take between 15-25 minutes to complete.
You may participate in this study if you are a natural resource manager who deals with invasive plants. Your participation is completely voluntary and no identifying information will be collected. You are free to skip any question that you choose and can stop the survey at any time. If you have any questions about the research prior to taking the survey, please contact the principal investigator, Dr. Bethany Bradley, at bbradley@eco.umass.edu.
Preliminary survey about IPM Identity
Professionals such as you are the only source we have to collect information on this topic and we value your opinions and perspective. Please review the consent information and complete the questionnaire, which will take approximately 10 minutes. If you consent to complete this survey, click the “I AGREE to participate” button to access and complete the survey.
Submissions needed
Newly featured this Issue
The Annals of the Entomological Society of America invites your proposal for a review article.
We're seeking proposals for review articles that synthesize current knowledge, present new insights, and challenge or expand our understanding of the chosen topic. Submit your proposal by May 11.
Why participate?
- Showcase your expertise
- Publication in an issue of Annals of the ESA
- Publication in a dedicated virtual collection
Previously featured
Norway rat and house mouse samples needed for rodenticide resistance study
The Urban Entomology Lab from the Department of Entomology at Rutgers University is conducting research on rodenticide resistance in Norway rats and house mice in the northeastern U.S. with a focus on rodents from NJ, NY, and PA. Currently, we found 90% of the 80 house mouse samples carried at least one genetic mutation related to rodenticide resistance. We also examined over 20 samples of rats, and 45% of them carried mutation genes. We are looking for more Norway rat and house mice samples. If you can provide rodent samples, please contact Jin-Jia Yu at Rutgers University for more details. Email: jinjia.yu@rutgers.edu
You're Invited: Present ?at the 2025 Invasive Species Expo!
We are excited to invite you to submit a presentation abstract for the 3rd biennial New York State Invasive Species Expo, to be held September 14th-16th, 2025 at Saratoga Spa State Park. The expo is an event that features creative, interactive, and hands-on experiences in addition to classic presentations and posters. We are looking for content exploring the ABC's of Invasive Species: Advance Actions, Bridge Boundaries, and Connect Community.
We are seeking:
- Traditional presentations
- Hands-on workshops
- Interactive demonstrations
- Poster presentations (Students welcome!)
- Local field trips
- Creative walk & talks
- ...and any other unique ideas you have for expo content!
Accepted content will be delivered at the Expo, either at the public-facing Community Conservation Day on Sunday Sep 14th, or the Expo Professional Days on September 15-16. There are indoor and outdoor spaces available for presentations and workshops. Abstract submissions are due April 30th. Presenters will be notified via email of abstract status by June 30th. Note: Due to constraints within the abstract submission form, only one abstract can be submitted per attendee. If you would like to submit multiple abstracts, please have co-presenters submit under their profile, or contact us at is.summit@dec.ny.gov. There is no limit to the number of abstract submissions, and we encourage presenters to explore multiple types of content! For more information, please visit the Expo webpage at https://nyis.info/new-york-invasive-species-expo/. If you have any questions related to submitting an abstract, please email is.summit@dec.ny.gov.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
Managing Rats in Urban Farms and Gardens
In partnership with BurrowRx and the Massachusetts Avenue Urban Farm, the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program will present “Managing Rats in Urban Farms and Gardens,” a free, hands-on program designed to help reduce rat populations in urban settings.
The event will include:
- Demonstrations of the BurrowRx carbon monoxide device, an EPA designated pest control device for burrowing animals by Patrick and Dillion Ryan
- Presentations on selecting effective exclusion materials, mechanical and cultural control methods
No advance registration or payment is required.
April 29, 2025 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
Massachusetts Avenue Urban Farm, 387 Massachusetts Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213?
Improving drought tolerance in vegetable crops by harnessing genetic variation in biochemical traits: insights from rice
Giovanni Melandri, University of Arizona
Horticulture Section
Monday, April 28, 12:20 – 1:10 pm, 404 Plant Science & by Zoom
A Sustainable Future for Pest Management in California
Speaker: Sapna E. Thottathil, Deputy Director for Sustainable Pest Management for California Department of Pesticide Regulation
Key Insights:
- Learn what Sustainable Pest Management is, and how it builds on Integrated Pest Management.
- Explore the California Department of Pest Regulation’s priorities and new strategic plan, as well as regulatory changes.
- Understand the pest management challenges facing agriculture, natural lands, and urban areas throughout California.
Date & Time: May 20, 2025 02:00 PM in EST
Description: International IPM Symposium Webinar Series
iMap Data Collection Prep for 2025
Join iMapInvasives as we go through each of our data collection tools to highlight any updates, changes, or new features that you can utilize this field season. There will also be time at the end of the webinar if anyone has questions concerning data collection for projects you have planned this field season.
Wednesday, April 30 at 1:00pm
Registration Link:https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r30ed5ba4d8308f4794aafb730aceee23
There are several other upcoming iMapInvasives webinars that you can register for now at nyimapinvasives.org/training
Previously featured
Register for the NEW – 2025 Ornamental IPM Program PLUS Boxwood Blight, Pest emergence, Updates
The focus of this program is to provide timely updates on pest, disease, and weeds impacting commercial ornamental producers. The webinars will focus on the most important pests for a 2 week interval, will be recorded, and will be shared shortly thereafter with Spanish overdub (spoken word). The trap packages are in an effort to find grower led solutions for monitoring economically important pests throughout the multiple regions of New Jersey. Please consider joining this program for its inaugural year.
Registration includes:
- Site visit to your ornamental nursery/farm from Rutgers agents
- Delivered printed IPM resources (Guides, factsheets, bulletins)
- Free pheromone & sticky trap kit + guidance on setup/monitoring
- Access to live bi-weekly webinars (Zoom)
- Every Second and Fourth, Tuesday, April through September
- Webinars will be recorded – posted later with Spanish overdub
- Growers in states other than NJ are welcome to register, but won’t get the trap kit or site visits
This program is free; however, registration is required.
In this webinar, Dr. Joji Muramoto, Cooperative Extension Specialist with the University of California at Santa Cruz, will discuss the history of soil-borne disease management in California strawberries and contrast it with a history of arthropod pest management to illustrate challenges associated with soil-borne disease management and the future directions of soil health research and soil-borne disease management.
April 30, 2025 06:00 PM EST
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.
- May 15: Understanding How Herbicides Work
- June 18: Cover, Smash, Trap: Non-chemical Methods for Pest Management
- July 17: Wild World of Wasps!
Getting Started on the RIGHT Foot with Saffron
Saffron, the stigmas of a fall-blooming crocus flower, is the most expensive spice and medicinal herb in the world. It is now grown in many areas of North America by small, diversified farmers and could strengthen sustainable agriculture. Are you thinking of growing it for the first time? Have you been growing it for several years? The North American Center for Saffron Research and Development at the University of Vermont (UVM) and Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania are hosting the 9th annual workshop on Saffron on Thursday May 8, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time. The event will be held online and recorded for all registrants. There are presentations for both beginning and experienced growers.
Growers and researchers from the US and Spain will share their knowledge about growing, fertilization, intercropping, selling this precious crop and the economics of production. Registration is $60. To learn more about the workshop and register, go to:
https:// https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=837320&
Questions? Contact: Margaret Skinner Tel: 1-802-656-5440; Email: mskinner@uvm.edu
Invasive Species Spotters Kickoff Webinar
Join LIISMA at a webinar kicking off our new volunteer program - Invasive Species Spotters - on May 7, at 1:00 - 2:30 pm! This training webinar is designed to teach professionals and community members to identify priority invasive species in the region.
Participants will learn to identify 10 priority invasive plants new to LIISMA and how to report them using iMapInvasives. Then, members will work independently this summer and beyond to survey around Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens for these priority species.
This program is great for those looking to learn something new and make a difference. Register to reserve your spot today!
Spongy Moth: Managing a Tree-Devastating Pest
The spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) poses a significant threat to our shade trees, with recent resurgences reported in some areas. These caterpillars feed voraciously on tree foliage, and during peak activity, their falling droppings can even mimic the sound of rainfall!
In this program, we’ll explore how to identify this pest, understand its life cycle, and assess the damage it can cause. We’ll place particular emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, as well as pesticide treatments, to help manage these pests effectively using environmentally friendly approaches. We’ll also talk about the natural biocontrols that can help manage future outbreaks.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM *Zoom*
DEC Credits: 1 credit in 3a, 25, 6a and 9
ISA Credits: Available upon agency approval
Flyer: spongy moth
Register: Webinar Registration - Zoom
What’s Bugging You First Friday is a monthly virtual series that explores timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. IPM is a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.
The 2025 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form.
May 2: Spongy moth caterpillar management | Feeding Friendly Insects: Plan to prep your soil
June 6: Spotted lanternfly update | Recognizing wild parsnip
July 4: Grow green lawns with overseeding | Beech leaf disease
August 1: Making a mosquito bucket trap | Feeding Friendly Insects: Pick plants
September 5: Top 5 rodent exclusion tips | Feeding Friendly Insects: Get ready to plant
October 3: Winterize your home orchard | Feeding Friendly Insects: Fall is for planting
November 1: Understanding indoor cockroaches | Invasive tawney field cockroach
December 5: IPM for clothes moths and pantry moths
Previously featured
Seasonal Job Opportunities with the Finger Lakes PRISM
Under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges staff, Watercraft Stewards will offer watercraft and trailer inspections as well as educational materials
at public boat launches throughout the Finger Lakes region. Stewards will collect data on inspections, launch users, and invasive species findings. Watercraft inspections entail visual examination and removal of plants or other organic material from boats and trailers and identifying aquatic invasive species. Stewards will help disseminate critical conservation messaging and initiatives to the public. Qualified candidates will be considered for watercraft decontamination or lead steward duties.
Aquatic Invasive Species Technician
Under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges staff and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM), AIS Technicians will assist in fieldwork, outreach, and education related to high-priority and emerging aquatic invasive species (AIS) including hydrilla, water chestnut, starry stonewort, fanwort, parrotfeather, and more. AIS Technicians will primarily participate in aquatic plant surveys around the Finger Lakes region. Techs will also work with managers to physically remove high-priority species such as water chestnut. Gain valuable experience, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to regional conservation efforts through seasonal work.
Terrestrial Invasive Species Technician
With assistance from Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM) staff, Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) Technicians will assist in fieldwork, outreach, and education related in terrestrial ecosystems around the Finger Lakes Region. Technicians will work as a team to survey for emerging invasive species, control high priority invasive species populations, participate in invasive species removal events, and collect data relating to plant communities. TIS techs will also be responsible for representing the FLI/FL-PRISM at public events to educate the public on the importance of invasive species. Gain valuable experience, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to regional conservation efforts through seasonal work.
Full-Time Job Opportunities with the Finger Lakes PRISM
Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager
This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Manager will develop and administer programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute and the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. AIS programs will address the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of aquatic invasive species across the 17-county Finger Lakes PRISM region in New York. This position will serve as a regional expert AIS by providing technical and scientific support to partners.
Terrestrial Invasive Species Program Manager
This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) Program Manager will develop and administer programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. TIS programs will address the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of terrestrial invasive species across the 17-county Finger Lakes PRISM region in New York. This position will serve as a regional expert in TIS by providing technical and scientific support to local, regional, and statewide partners.
Invasive Species Education & Outreach Program Manager
This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Education and Outreach (E/O) Program Manager will develop and manage public-facing, regional programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). Examples of such programs include those focused on watercraft inspection stewards and citizen science. The Finger Lakes Watercraft Inspection Steward Program places staff at public boat launches regionally to educate boaters and inspect watercraft for invasive species. Citizen science programs train volunteers to support the monitoring and early detection goals of the Finger Lakes PRISM.
Aquatic Invasive Species Fieldwork Coordinator
The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Fieldwork Coordinator will support the Finger Lakes PRISM in a critical role overseeing major aquatic programs. They will help to plan, supervise, and coordinate program-specific efforts that address prevention, monitoring, and control of AIS throughout the Finger Lakes PRISM region. Working under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) staff, the AIS Fieldwork Coordinator will support the supervision of the Finger Lakes Institute’s Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP), and their macrophyte monitoring program
Regional Coordinator (Director) of North Central SARE
Collaborating closely with researchers, producers, regional farming innovators, and our committed staff, the Regional Coordinator (Director) will guide the highly impactful NCR-SARE program.
The Regional Coordinator (Director) of North Central SARE supports organizational personnel, develops positive external relationships, oversees the budget and budgeting process, leads administrative and outreach activities management, and facilitates strategic planning about programs, policies, and procedures.
The North Central SARE Regional Coordinator (Director) position is preferred to be a 12-month, 1.0 FTE position located on the University of Minnesota's Saint Paul campus. Remote work may be possible following the University of Minnesota’s remote work policy and is contingent on the candidate’s needs and requirements.
The North Central SARE Regional Coordinator (Director) may hold an adjunct faculty appointment at a rank appropriate to the candidate’s background and experience in a department aligned with their scholarship. This full-time position has a robust benefits package.
Applications must be submitted online at http://employment.umn.edu/ (search for Job Opening 367558). To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.
Required application materials include a curriculum vitae or resume. A cover letter detailing your experience writing and reviewing grant proposals is also highly recommended.
Application deadline will be April 25, 2025.
https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/367558
The Tifft Nature Preserve Ranger’s primary responsibility is to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for guests, staff, and other patrons and ensure the security of BSNS property and facilities. The individual in this position will monitor Tifft Nature Preserve on-site through routine patrols of the property on foot and in a BSNS provided utility cart in a variety of weather conditions while being a resource of information for Tifft’s visitors. The Ranger will also assist with trail and grounds maintenance. This position will be scheduled Thursday – Monday, 37.5 hours per week, with holidays as scheduled, shifts to change seasonally. Summer hours for this position are 12pm-8pm.
Note: this position is unarmed and is not a sworn law enforcement officer
Ecological Restoration Assistant
The Ecological Restoration Assistant will assist staff and work with volunteers to implement a grant-funded ecological renovation of Tifft’s East Canal. This multi-faceted position requires a passionate and motivated individual who has an interest in ecology and values the living environment. The successful candidate will take joy in performing physical labor outdoors on varied terrain in all weather conditions. The Ecological Restoration Assistant is a summer position that is scheduled to accommodate the academic calendar of most local higher ed institutions. This position is seasonal with a start date of 5/28/2025 and end date of 8/19/2025.
Tifft Discovery Camp Counselor
The Tifft Discovery Camp Counselors provide oversight of campers enrolled in Tifft Nature Preserve’s
Summer Discovery Camp programs. Counselors will work collaboratively with the Camp Director,
Facilitators of Learning, Volunteers, and other Counselors to provide memorable and engaging
experiences and a safe and fun summer for all campers. This position requires a friendly and positive
individual who is energized by working with children ages 3 – 10. Ideal candidates will possess an
interest in nature and enjoy being outdoors. The ability to be adaptable, proactive, and problem-solve
is also key. To maintain a safe environment, the Discovery Camp Counselors will understand and
adhere to the Department of Health Children’s Camp and other camp guidelines at all times
University of Maryland College Park
The IT Coordinator supports all aspects of computer and technical support in the Department of Veterinary Medicine. The IT Coordinator responds to requests for service on all UM computers and peripherals; sets up and records when needed video conferences; installs and troubleshoots hardware and software issues; sets up and manages user accounts, user groups, shared drives, folders and calendars. Works with faculty and Executive Coordinator to add content to and maintain the department web page. Maintains database of all AV/IT capital equipment plus full inventory of all UM tagged inventory (computers, screens, peripherals) and purchases new software and equipment as needed. As the Systems Administrator, the IT Coordinator maintains all user accounts and performs regular virus scans and data backups. The coordinator also stays up to date with technological changes by attending classes, workshops and webinars annually. Performs other duties as they are assigned and needed.
Extension Educator II - Turf Landscape (Hybrid Opportunity)
The Turf and Landscape Educator II will be an integral part of UMass Extension’s Commercial Horticulture group, supporting the development and implementation of educational resources and programming; including organization, presentation, and delivery of relevant research-based information to meet the needs of horticultural stakeholders statewide, with the enhancement of economic, human, and environmental health and sustainability of relevant industries as priorities. This position will support and deliver turf and landscape management and cross-commodity programming in collaboration with Extension staff and faculty, and other internal and external collaborators.
Coordinator, Nutrient Management Advisor
University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program seeks candidates for a 12-month Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP) Nutrient Management Advisor. ANMP Nutrient Management Advisors develop nutrient management plans for agricultural producers to balance nutrient inputs with crop requirements, thus optimizing production potential, improving farm profitability, reducing excess nutrient inputs into the Chesapeake Bay and enabling producers to comply with the State of Maryland’s Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.
Agent (Extension Specialist – Entomology in Ornamental Horticulture IPM)
University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track position at the Agent or Senior Agent level to conduct applied research, provide educational programming, and offer entomology expertise in integrated pest management (IPM) in the commercial ornamental horticulture industries and UME personnel throughout Maryland. Specifically, the Extension Specialist will provide IPM leadership in entomology and delivery of educational programming in insect pest management to Maryland’s green industries including nursery, greenhouse, cut flower, arboriculture, Christmas tree, and landscape maintenance industries. The Extension Specialist will be expected to respond to a broad set of entomology needs within ornamental horticulture production and maintenance including delivery of information on IPM, biological insect management, evaluation of novel insecticide delivery options, monitoring and disseminating information on emerging pests, and other topics.
University of Maryland College Park
The position will be responsible for providing administrative support to the academic programs’ unit (graduate and undergraduate.) Graduate Program support will involve communicating with graduate constituents both internal and external; administrating the graduate program including admissions, communicating with and advising students, maintaining records, keeping up-to-date on changes that impact both programs, assisting with recruitment by coordinating advertising and meeting with prospective undergraduate and graduate students and giving tours, planning, executing and running departmental and recruiting events such as the Graduate Student Review Day and the Annual Symposium, and maintaining the graduate program website. Undergraduate Program Support will involve serving as the departmental scheduling officer for classrooms and courses, assisting with advising and recruitment activities, coordinating online course evaluations, assisting with new student orientations, and preparing administrative paperwork for both programs.
Agent Associate - Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener Coordinator
University of Maryland College Park
The Home Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator is a part-time (.6 FTE - 24 hours per week) position that will work in support of the Baltimore City Home Horticulture Extension Program, which falls under UME’s Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) program area. The mission of ENR is to strengthen and improve individuals’ knowledge, skills and aspirations to make changes in their lives and the lives of others that positively affect the economy, the environment and the associated natural resources for current and future generations. The Educator will support the ENR programmatic area by educating the public on the research-based best practices regarding home and non-commercial horticulture.
Director Administrative Services
University of Maryland College Park
Provide financial oversight for the department to include administration of the state, revolving, and research budgets, presently totaling approximately $6.2 M; prepare and administer memoranda of understanding with various federal and state agencies; administer faculty grant funding accounts and provide account balance updates to each faculty at regular intervals. Managing the departmental budgets and ensuring the financial integrity of the department. Maintain long-term financial plan and projections for the department. Oversee administrative functions to ensure efficient and consistent operations. Assist faculty in preparing grant proposals, including a review of proposed budgets, cost-share justifications, and routing forms. Supervise support personnel to fulfill budgetary, computer hardware/software, word processing, office logistics, travel, personnel, and secretarial needs for the faculty, staff, and students.
Maryland SNAP-Ed Agent Associate - Prince George's County Nutrition Educator and Project Leader
The Nutrition Educator and Project Leader will deliver SNAP-Ed programs that encourage a
nutritious and active lifestyle through increased food access, drinking more water, and
promoting physical activity to low-income residents in Prince George's County with emphasis on
reaching SNAP recipients. SNAP-Ed's goal is to provide comprehensive programs that consist of
nutrition education lessons, indirect education and policy, system and environmental-level
changes at partnering sites.
Maryland SNAP-Ed Agent Associate - Garrett County Nutrition Educator and Project Leader
The Nutrition Educator and Project Leader will deliver SNAP-Ed programs that encourage a nutritious and active lifestyle through increased food access, drinking more water, and promoting physical activity to low-income residents in Garrett County with emphasis on reaching SNAP recipients. SNAP-Ed's goal is to provide comprehensive programs that consist of nutrition education lessons, indirect education and policy, system and environmental-level changes at partnering sites.
The Department of Environmental Science & Technology (ENST) at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD, (UMD) is pleased to offer three Postdoctoral Associate positions.
Two of the Postdoctoral Associate positions will be led by Dr. Stephanie Lansing. One position will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team that is developing an app for food diversion and will oversee adding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions values for diversion strategies. The second will work with a team on food waste and grass co-digestion at the county-level and oversee a life cycle assessment (LCA) of food waste and yard waste diversion. For more information and to apply please click on the following link: (2) Post-Doctoral-Associate Positions_JR100632
WNY PRISM is Hiring! All 2025 Summer Positions are Open!
Join the WNY PRISM team and spend the summer gaining valuable experience in invasive species management! Multiple positions are open with varying responsibilities, timeframes and necessary qualifications, so take a look and see what interests you!
For more information, including full job descriptions and to apply, visit https://www.rfhiring.com/jobs.asp.
Funding Opportunities
Previously featured
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge Funding Opportunity USDA Invests $100 Million to Combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
USDA has announced plans for a funding opportunity to explore prevention, therapeutics, research and potential vaccine candidates to fight highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). USDA will invest up to $100 million in these projects.
Funding is available, through a competitive process, to for-profit organizations, including manufacturers of vaccines, biologics, and therapeutics, states, universities, livestock producer organizations and other eligible entities. USDA will prioritize proposals that address one or more of the following:
- Development of novel therapeutics and improved diagnostics to address HPAI in poultry.
- Research to further understand risk pathways of avian influenza for producers and to inform improved biosecurity and response strategies. Development of novel vaccines to protect poultry from HPAI while promoting biosecurity.
- The notice of funding opportunity, including application instructions and additional information, is available on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website. Applicants can also find information on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSP0000-25-0015. Deadline to apply is May 19.