School IPM Outreach and Research Activities, NYS IPM Program, 2018

Abstract

NYS schools need assistance in reducing risks to children and others from both pests and the overuse of pesticides. In 2018, NYS IPM Program activities have resulted in school personnel becoming better informed and able to implement IPM in their school districts. A school IPM assessment tool was developed and continues to be refined and piloted. A phone survey of BOCES health & safety officers is providing input into school IPM outreach and implementation. NYS IPM Program staff worked with the Northeast School IPM Working Group to upgrade the Best Practices in School IPM website. We are working with a BOCES district to develop a school IPM policy development workshop. NYS IPM Program staff made numerous presentations, posters, and displays to and about school stakeholders. The NYS IPM Program made several blogs and tweets throughout the year with IPM stories of relevance to the state’s schools and childcare facilities. NYS IPM Program staff collaborated with Cornell faculty on research of relevance to school IPM and were involved in statewide, regional, and national collaborations promoting school IPM.