Promoting Adoption of IPM Strategies in Plant Selection and Design of Lawns, Gardens and Landscapes

Abstract

CCE educators and volunteers expressed a need for enhanced literacy in many areas to aid understanding and promotion of IPM strategies in the management of lawns, gardens and landscapes. We propose a statewide educational campaign focused on plant ecology and botany and creating plant communities in designs to maximize plant health and preventative pest management. IPM priorities include: developing innovative educational materials inclusive of multiple media and languages in collaboration with Cornell experts and students; regional train-the-trainer workshops for county-based educators and volunteers; and support for CCE county programs to raise public awareness and adoption of IPM strategies among gardeners.