Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Entomological Society of America - New Website

In December, 2010, The Entomological Society of America launched a new website and a new Networks platform. With the transition, you will NOT be automatically subscribed to the new networks system. If you wish to continue as a network member, or become a network member please create an account at http://esanetworks.org/main/authorization/signUp, and sign up for the groups you wish to join.

The new platform is simpler than before and allows users to easily join/leave the Networks, to change their settings, and to post photos, videos, blogs and other items. The new Networks are open to anyone -- including non-ESA members.

Monday, January 24, 2011

A unique workshop with a clear IPM Focus: Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs / Keeping Them Out!
Sustainable Elimination through Integrated Pest Management

A unique workshop with a clear IPM Focus
Toronto - March 15 - 16, 2011

Key Speakers
Clive Boase, Pest Management Consultancy, UK
Changlu Wang, Rutgers University, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Allison Taisey, North East IPM Centre, Cornell University
Local Experts (see Speaker Bios)
Practical Focus on how to get rid of bed bugs
Best practice IPM Approaches – how, why, who
PLUS: An overview of the latest information on bed bug management from recent
conferences (EPA Second Bed Bug Summit, Entomological Society of America Annual
Conference)

Who should attend?

Property Management & Building Maintenance Management/Supervisors/Key Staff
Tenant Representatives and Support Groups
Hotel Managers/Maintenance Housekeeping Managers/Supervisors
School Environment Managers / Key Staff
University/College Residence Managers/Key Staff
Purchasing/Procurement who procure pest control services
Community Care Support Agency Managers/Supervisors
Public Health & Community Health Agencies/Promoters
Municipal Property Standards Officers
Legal Aid Counsel / Landlord Counsel/ Landlord Tenant Board

Location
North York Memorial Community Hall
5110 Yonge Street, Toronto
Lower level - North York City Centre

North York Memorial Community Hall is easy to get to. Located
on the Yonge Subway line, with direct access from the North
York City Centre station, in the North York City Centre. It is
also steps away from the North York Civic Centre. If you drive,
North York Memorial Hall is located four blocks north of
Sheppard on the West Side of Yonge Street. There is plenty of
public parking on North York Boulevard, Park Home Avenue and
Beecroft Road.

Cost
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. You can also pay
by cash or personal cheque at the door, but as there is
limited seating we suggest you book online
(www. ipmconsultancy.com) before the event.
2 Day Full Workshop – $250 plus applicable taxes
1 Day Only Workshop – $175 plus applicable taxes

Friday, January 21, 2011

EPA Seeks Applications for Environmental Community Grants

EPA Seeks Applications for Environmental Community Grants
EPA is making approximately $2 million available in 2011 to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. CARE is a community-based program that works with county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources. Since 2005, CARE has reached 78 communities in several states and territories. A recent evaluation by the National Association of Public Administration (NAPA) recognized the CARE program as a solid tested framework for engaging communities and other stakeholders.

EPA will award CARE cooperative agreements in two levels. Level I awards range from $75,000 to $100,000 each and will help establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities. Level II awards range from $150,000 to $300,000 each and will support communities that have established broad-based partnerships, have identified the priority toxic risks in the community, and are prepared to measure results, implement risk-reduction activities and become self-sustaining.

Please note that due to appropriation law concerns, until Congress provides separate authorization, EPA can only award CARE Level II cooperative agreements to applicants that have already received CARE Level I cooperative agreements.

Applications for the CARE assistance agreements are due by March 22, 2011, 4 p.m. EST. EPA will conduct three Webcasts to answer questions from prospective applicants about the application process on February 8 and 23, and March 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information about the CARE assistance agreements visit the EPA website.

For the 2011 CARE Request for Proposals (RFP) click here.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Leadership in Science: Teaching Safely and Teaching Safety

Attention Science educators, STEM advocates, health and safety, lab safety, security, IAQ, IPM, emergency and risk management professionals, first responders, school administrators, parents…

Nominate a Healthy Schools Hero
Do you know someone whose sense of responsibility, inspirational leadership, and exemplary persistence and courage protects children from school hazards and unhealthy school conditions? Help make March 18 an annual day that brings the Lessons of the 1937 Texas School Explosion to our schools and celebrates the leadership that can save lives.

The Healthy Schools Hero Award was created as an annual opportunity to bring the Lessons of the 1937 Texas School Explosion to today’s schools.

Goals:
• Tell the story of the March 18, 1937 Texas School Explosion.
• Promote inspirational examples of safety leadership and partnerships.
• Establish 21st century standards and safeguards for teaching safely and teaching safety.
• Bring safety from the margins to the core of school curriculum and community culture.

Send your hero's name, contact information, and your hero's story by February 15, 2011 to Ellie Goldberg, healthykids@rcn.com

Learn more: Lessons of the 1937 Texas School Explosion http://lessonsofthe1937texasschoolexplosion.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Grant funding opportunity from EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection

EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection is pleased to announce the release of a solicitation for grant proposals to address children's environmental health in underserved communities by building capacity for these communities to reduce environmental exposures in child-occupied settings, eg, homes, schools and child care centers. Funds available for award are expected to total approximately $1.5 million, and EPA intends to award approximately 15-20 awards, each for an amount not to exceed $100,000. The due date for initial proposals is February 18, 2011. Assistance under this competition is available to States or state agencies, territories, city or township governments, county governments, the District of Columbia, federally recognized American Indian Tribes, possessions of the U.S, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, and 501(c)(3) organizations. For complete information regarding this Request for Initial Proposals, see:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/grants.htm

Monday, January 10, 2011

January 12, 2011 - FREE Bed Bug Webinar

Bed Bugs: Understanding the Problem
Join us for a FREE Webinar on January 12

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/633962721

This introductory session is the first in our ongoing "Beating Back Bed Bugs" webinar series. This one hour webinar will explain why bed bugs are back, discuss basic bed bug biology, examine the challenges of infestations, and explore the practical implications for anyone affected by bed bugs. Whether you are a property manager, renter, public employee, business owner or social worker, understanding the bed bug problem is a must if you want to effectively get a handle on this miniature menace. A brief introduction to our upcoming webinars is included, as is a short question & answer period.

We hope you will join us.
Title: Bed Bugs: Understanding the Problem
Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST

Janet Hurley to receive 2011 Friends of IPM Educator Award

DALLAS – Janet Hurley, Texas AgriLife Extension Service integrated pest management specialist and coordinator for the statewide school program, will receive the Southern Region Friends of IPM Educator Award for 2011. The award is bestowed annually by the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center at North Carolina State University.

Hurley will receive the award at the 65th Texas A&M University Urban Pest Management Conference and Workshop the week of Jan 12-14 in College Station, according to the organization. For the full story, click here.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

New Pest ID Guide Available

New pest control service technicians, school employees and even commercial customers are all people who could benefit from a new color publication just published by the Louisiana State University AgCenter. Called the Pest Identification Guide for Pests in and Around Buildings, this 3.5 by 5 inch flip guide is small enough to fit in a glove compartment or jacket pocket.

The guide is highly graphical and identifies the most common pests likely to be found around commercial buildings, homes and schools in the southern U.S. The authors are a team of entomologists and IPM specialists from universities throughout the South, including Dr. Mike Merchant and Janet Hurley. Special credit goes to Dr. Dennis Ring, LSU AgCenter, for his work editing and working with the design team to produce a quality product.

Funding for the project was provided through the Southern IPM Center and was intended to provide a resource for school IPM coordinators and others. Each page includes one or more color pictures, a scale and icon to show actual size, and description information, life cycle information, and where to look for the pest.

This handy guide provides an additional educational resource for your customers. It can help kitchen managers, warehouse managers, school principals and others know what to look for when reporting pests, and provides a useful tool for communicating with any pest control client.

Pest groups covered include ants, cockroaches, flies, pantry pests, paper pests, public health pests, termites, spiders, wasps and bees, and rodents. Cost is $12, and copies can be ordered online.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Oregon State University Integrated Plant Protection Center Seeks Faculty Research Assistant for IPM in the Built Environment

FACULTY RESEARCH ASSISTANT FOR IPM IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, Oregon State University’s Integrated Plant Protection Center. ¾-Time position, with potential to increase to full-time dependent upon interest of candidate and additional grant support. The Assistant will work with the School IPM Coordinator to develop an innovative outreach and training program to promote the implementation of IPM in schools, as well as other aspects of IPM in the built environment, including shelters, low-income housing, care facilities, and other sensitive sites. The Assistant will be expected to gain expertise in IPM for arthropod, mammal, and plant (particularly invasive species) pests. We view this position as a platform for development of a career in extension IPM. To review posting and apply, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs and search for posting # 0006716. Closing date: 01-28-2011. OSU is an AA/EOE.