School IPM Outreach and Research Activities, NYS IPM Program, 2008

Abstract

Integrated pest management in schools is needed to reduce risks to children and others from both pests and the overuse of pesticides. The NYS IPM Program was involved in several outreach activities at schools in 2008. We organized and conducted on-site assessments of the pest management programs of several NYS school districts, two that received the IPM Institute's STAR certification. We also did on-site consultations for specific pest management situations at two Long Island districts. For the second year, The NYS IPM Program visited Ithaca area classrooms to share our program IPM: Fun with Insects, Weeds, and the Environment. We collaborated with the NY Agriculture in the Classroom Program to produce elementary school curricula that teach children agricultural concepts through an IPM, science-based approach. We participated in a nation-wide group preparing a USDA-funded Pest Management Strategic Plan for school IPM and were involved in plans to implement the Plan's recommendations including organizing the Northeast School IPM Working Group. In 2008, we began planning an IPM demonstration project at a non-public elementary school. NYS IPM Program staff organized a meeting of the Statewide School IPM Committee and interacted with numerous school districts and others about school IPM via presentations and site visits.