IPM3 April Courses

IPM³ is offering 5 courses in April 2012. The courses are IPM Core Concepts Module, IPM Core Concepts Module in Spanish (Módulo de Conceptos Centrales de MPI para Personas de Habla Hispana), Invasive Species, Imported Fire Ant IPM, and IPM for Facility Managers and Supervisors. The Session runs from 9 April to 21 May except for Facility Managers and Supervisors which runs from 9 April to 18 June 2012.

IPM³ will continue the 33% discount from regular tuition rates for the April courses. Registration is now open at www.umn.edu/ipm3.

Please contact me at mascerno@umn.edu with any questions and, as always, we appreciate your help in passing this information along to your colleagues.

Prestigious Awards Announced in Green Pest Management

IPM Achievement Awards

For more than 20 years, a national group of experts in pest management have selected champions in their field to receive awards of excellence. Again in 2012, those champions are world-class thought leaders.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an umbrella term covering a wide variety of tactics in agricultural, residential, and wilderness areas. The central ideas include using the least toxic methods, tolerating harmless pests, and working with natural mechanisms to manage pests.

International IPM Awards of Excellence

1. One of the major challenges with controlling fungal plant diseases is timing. If fungicides are applied too soon, they are wasted. If applied too late, they may not be able to contain the spread of the disease. To get the timing just right, observations from the field and weather data must be shared widely, in real time. The Soybean Rust PIPE project responded to that need in 2005 by setting up a platform for collaboration between governments, researchers, extension agents, and soybean grower organizations, as well as private groups representing the seed and chemical industry.
2. Cowpeas are rich in protein, and many small farming operations in West/Central Africa use it as a principle food grain, and Buchid weevils eat them in storage. Responding to annual losses in the millions, the Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage Team developed effective storage bags that stop the weevils cold. With support from the Gates Foundation and international colleagues, the new bags have improved food security and economic conditions for millions of cowpea farmers. Demonstrations have been held in 30,000 villages in 10 countries.
3. Dr. Alexandre Latchininsky responded to a grasshopper outbreak in Wyoming by creating a system called “Reduced Agent-Area Treatments.” It involves surveillance-driven chemical control in a pattern on the rangeland, where untreated swaths are left alone. In the untreated swaths, insects that eat grasshoppers are preserved, providing more population control. It’s a win-win strategy that reduces pesticide use by more than 50%. The word is spreading across the western United States, Asia and West Africa, where grasshoppers and locusts do the same kind of damage.
4. Over 10 years ago, the USDA established four Regional IPM Centers in the United States, in the west, the south, the northeast, and north central states. As a collaborative network, these Centers are being recognized for their groundbreaking work. They listen to growers, consumers, extension professionals, researchers, regulators, and industry groups to identify priority IPM challenges. Then they coordinate the same stakeholders as team members in finding and promoting solutions. “The Regional IPM Centers have demonstrated the capacity and commitment necessary to dramatically increase multistate, regional, and national collaborations,” said Herb Bolton, National Program Leader, USDA/NIFA.
5. When growers use advanced IPM practices for apple production, the benefits are good for society as a whole, but the risks and costs are borne by the growers alone. In 2005, “Eco Apple” was created to support local family-owned orchards, promote IPM techniques, and help them market their produce in a way that rewards their efforts. It also created consumer demand for sustainably produced apples, driving even more adoption of IPM practices. The innovative collaboration started as an IPM Apple Working Group, convened by Red Tomato, the IPM Institute of North America, researchers from UMass and Cornell, and some veteran apple growers.
6. Just north of Houston, Texas, the Spring Independent School District serves over 36,000 students on 40 campuses. In 2005, they made a decision to truly adopt a district-wide IPM program. According to C.G. Cezeaux, Director of Operations, “By adopting a verifiable IPM program, we have been able to reduce our pesticide applications by 50%, our program is 100% green, this includes our cleaning chemicals as well. Our pest complaints are down by 45% and our staff is much happier now.” They are valuable members of a new professional association for Texas school IPM coordinators, sharing their experience and spreading the word.

Lifetime Achievement Award

1. Walter Bentley began his long career as an IPM Entomologist with the University of California focusing on pest problems in almonds, grapes and stone fruit. Since that time, he has been committed to three major goals as part of the UC Statewide IPM Program, 1) Coordinate with others, 2) Do research that meets the needs, and 3) Develop relevant outreach. The results are impossible to deny. Working WITH a team, IPM approaches, and alternative control strategies were developed and demonstrated to successfully reduce use of the highest risk insecticides (carbamates and organophosphates) by 80-90% in almonds, table grapes, and tree fruit. This reduction helps the environment and the producers. Mr. Bentley believes that its people who make the program a success and it wouldn't have been possible without constant communication, training, education, and information sharing throughout the state.

International Awards of Recognition

1. Mr. Ashraf Saber Alhawamdeh is a member of the National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE) in Ghor el Safi in Jordan. Although IPM approaches in Jordan are not new, farmers still tend to overuse pesticides in tomato production. NCARE developed a training program for farmers in this region, engaging members of the media, students, teachers and environmental NGOs. According to Mr. Alhawamdeh, “Strengthening farmers’ knowledge on IPM and enhancing ownership and community coherence encouraged farmers in Ghor el Safi to change farming practices and protect the environment for generations to come.”
2. The Integrated Plant Protection Center (IPPC) at Oregon State University provides national and international leadership for research and extension in IPM. They have opened and maintained communication networks at the state, regional and global levels, using new technologies to support IPM implementation. They have also channeled resources to address research gaps, demonstrating a model for maintaining long-term IPM programs that are flexible enough to respond to emerging pest problems.
3. Sherry Glick has spent her career at the US EPA as a champion for IPM in schools and day care centers. The national school IPM workgroup, that now has over 200 members, was built with Ms. Glick’s instrumental cooperation and advocacy. Dr. Dawn Gouge, an urban entomologist at the University of Arizona stated, “Sherry Glick maintains school IPM at the forefront of EPA focus and a top priority for the Office of Pesticide Programs. Sherry is an inspirational leader, dedicated collaborator, and a determined children’s health advocate.”

Poison Prevention Week/Stakeholder Call with EPA Administrator

Poison Prevention Week Stakeholder Call with Administrator Jackson

Subject: INVITATION: A Stakeholder Briefing on Poison Prevention Featuring EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

Dear Friend,

U.S. poison centers answer more than four million calls each year. That’s one call every eight seconds!

This March marks the 50^th anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week. In honor of this important occasion, the U.S. EPA is hosting a conference call on poison prevention with Administrator Lisa P. Jackson on Monday, March 19 at 10:30am EDT. Joining Administrator Jackson will be the following officials who will discuss their organization’s role in preventing accidental poisonings, what to do if exposure occurs, and how to spread the word about prevention:

· Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

· Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator, Health Resource Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

· Robin Ikeda, Director, Office of Noncommunicable Diseases, Injury and Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

· Deborah Carr, Executive Director, American Association of Poison Control Centers

As an important environmental stakeholder, we hope you will be able to attend and encourage your organization’s membership to join as well to help us raise awareness about this important message to parents, grandparents, caregivers, educators, and others in your community.

To attend the call, RSVP here: http://poisonprevention.eventbrite.com

Additional ways to get involved and help us make homes safer:

Spread the Word! In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, EPA urges parents and caregivers to help raise awareness of the dangers of poisonings. It is everyone’s responsibility to help prevent poisonings. We encourage you to post Administrator Jackson’s video message about poison prevention on your website. To see the message, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fu1f0LrMrk

Prevention is Key! Accidental poisonings are preventable. Re-seal pesticides, other household chemicals, and medications and keep them away from children.

Call First! The Poison Help line (800-222-1222) connects you to experts at your local poison center 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Help is available in more than 150 languages. Program the poison help line number into your phone and post it near your phone.

Use and Store Products Safety! Store all household products up high, out of children’s reach, in locked cabinet. Use child resistant safety latches. Read the label first and follow product instructions.

Visit EPA’s poison prevention website for free consumer resources to help raise awareness about preventing poisonings and exposures to household cleaners and pesticides in your home and community: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/poisonprevention.htm

For more information on National Poison Prevention Week, please see: http://www.poisonprevention.org/index.htm

SAVE THE DATE for TASBOFACILITY MASTERS/M&O/TIPMAPS 2012 conference

ANNOUNCING THE SECOND FACILITY MASTERS AND TIPMAPS CONFERENCE COMBINATION EVENTS!
AND
THE 4TH ANNUAL TIPMAPS IPM SYMPOSIUM
NOVEMBER 13 - 15, 2012

EMBASSY SUITES, SAN MARCOS, TX

THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST ATTEND EVENT, SO PUT IT IN YOUR BUDGETS!

It is time to get EXCITED about these TWO BACK TO BACK SYMPOSIUMS! The 2011 Conferences were a HUGE Success and this is going to be another Fantastic Event, so send in your attached SPONSORSHIP/EXHIBITING OPPORTUNITY form as soon as you can! This is going to be an AWESOME opportunity to increase your Sales Margins for 2012-2013!!

NEW THIS YEAR!!
Both events for 1 low price, plus an added sneak preview on Tuesday the 13th FREE OF CHARGE!!!

Please visit the conference page http://www.tasbo.org/about-the-conference-mao-tfm
for Conference times, Hotel accommodations, Sponsorship and attendee information, etc. I have also attached a TIPMAPS Membership form for your convenience! Please note that for the TIPMAPS IPM SYMPOSIUM the start and end times are as follows, November 14th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and November 15th until 5:00 PM!!Please feel free to call Becky or Mikki at TASBO (contact info on website), or email Cecil Fueston or David Henderson.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant Opportunity

Roadmaps to Health: Community Grants (application deadline May 2, 2012)

http://www.rwjf.org/applications/solicited/cfp.jsp?ID=21390&cid=XEM_A5734

The program will support communities to implement policy or system changes to address one of the social or economic factors that, as defined by the County Health Rankings, most strongly influence health outcomes in their community. These include education; employment and income; family and social support; and community safety. Applicants must secure 100 percent matching support, including a cash match of at least 50 percent with the balance as in-kind support. Grantees will receive awards of up to $200,000 each for up to 24 months to implement their proposed policy or system change strategy.

Spring 2012 PESPWire Quarterly e-Bulletin of PESP

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Download the Spring 2012 Issue of PESPWire (14 pp, 2.37 MB, About PDF) The Spring 2012 PESPWire is here! This issue of the PESPWire includes a focus on the 7th International IPM Symposium. We hope you enjoy the this issue. Thank you for your ongoing support! Cover Story: World Stage IPM Solutions at the 7th International IPM Symposium Features: Five Questions with the Salt Lake City School District Bed Bug Management Research IPM in Buildings PESP Member's Featured Photos: Audubon International EPA News and Initiatives: Participate in the 50th Poison Prevention Week ESB Interviewed on NBC's "Morning Drive" EPA's Office of Pesticide Program News Briefs 2012 Stewardship Goals During Uncertain Times Happy Trails Tom! EPA Events and Resources: Happy Spring! Remember to Watch for Ticks Peaks to Prairies - E-Learning Opportunity National Healthy Schools Day Grant Opportunities

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Opportunities to Get Involved with the EPA Green Ribbon Schools Program

Stay Tuned: 2012 ED-GRS Winners To Be Announced on April 23rd

U.S. Department of Education sent this bulletin at 03/14/2012 10:30 AM EDT

Green Schools News is Coming: 2012 ED-GRS Winners To Be Announced Monday, April 23^rd

On Monday, April 23^rd, following Earth Day, Secretary Duncan will announce winners of the inaugural U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition award competition. Be sure to sign up for Green Ribbon Updates, if you haven’t already, to receive the exciting news!

School Days: A Coming of Age Moment for the Green Schools Movement

The Secretary’s address at the Green Schools National Conference to discuss the growing importance of green schools, health and educating students about environmental stewardship is featured in ED’s monthly video journal news round-up. Read the full text of his remarks here.

Investing In Innovation Grants

The U.S. Department of Education has opened the third year of the Investing in Innovation grant competition for districts, groups of schools, and non-profit organizations to improve student results through innovative practices. The deadline for a recommended Intent to Apply is March 15, 2012. This competition invites entities interested in grants of up to $3 million — termed “development grants” — to submit a simplified pre-application through an April 9^th deadline. View additional grants at ED related to ED-GRS here.

EPA Grant for Coordinated School Environmental Health Program Development

EPA announced grants which will provide funding for the implementation of draft voluntary K-12 School Environmental Health Program Guidelines for States, Tribes and Territories, which are also open for public comment. Eligibility for funding is limited to states, tribes and territories. Total funding available is expected to be $750,000 and applications for up to $150,000 will be accepted. The closing date is April 10. For more information or to provide comments on the draft guidelines, visit: www.epa.gov/schools.

White House Champions of Change: Greening Our Cities and Towns

The White House Council on Environmental Quality is accepting nominations for a last set of Champions of Change. This one is for “Greening our Cities and Towns.” These could be for green schools projects, urban parks, transportation initiatives, walkability and a host of other possibilities. The due date for nominations is Friday, March 16^th.

Comment on ED’s Environmental Justice Strategy

ED-GRS plays an important part in ED’s Environmental Justice Strategy, responding to a Presidential Executive Order, which explains how the Department’s policies, programs, and activities aim to increase access for all to healthy, safe and high-achievement promoting environments. The strategy is available for public comment through March 26^th and is one of several initiatives in which ED takes part, including America’s Great Outdoors and the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, to make good on the President Obama’s commitment to healthy environments and sustainable economies for all Americans.

Consult Our Expanded Resource Pages with More Grant and Sponsor Listings

You’ll find enhanced grant and sponsor listings, in addition to programs, standards and volunteer resources to support your school greening efforts.

Don’t forget to connect with U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools on Facebook to follow all the latest spring events, including National Environmental Education Week, National Healthy Schools Day, National Bike to School Day and Asthma Awareness Month, in addition to highlights around Earth Day and World Environment Day!