Wasp Watchers Welcome. Presentation Outline Background information Introduction to Wasp Watchers...
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Wasp Watchers Welcome. Presentation Outline Background information Introduction to Wasp Watchers Program National Program successes Local program success
Presentation Outline Background information Introduction to
Wasp Watchers Program National Program successes Local program
success 2013 Program ideas for 2014 Discussion of items and
issues
Slide 3
Emerald Ash Borer The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a Buprestid
beetle. Buprestids are known as metallic woodboring beetles because
of their metallic color schemes. It is an invasive species to the
U.S., now widespread throughout the northeast, mid-Atlantic, and
Midwest. Whats the problem? Larval (immature stage) EAB feed on the
inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport
water and nutrients. Adult beetles cause little damage. EAB has
killed tens of millions of ash trees and cost millions of dollars
to individuals, municipalities, and businesses.
Slide 4
Biosurveillance: part of the solution Biosurveillance uses one
species (native, in this case) to survey for a pest species. By
monitoring wasps and nests, a person can quickly and easily track
EAB captures by wasps. Cerceris fumipennis is a solitary ground
nesting wasp. The female preys on Buprestid beetles, including the
EAB when it is present. Traditional monitoring for EAB uses prism
traps
Slide 5
There is a greater need than ever for early detection and
biosurveillance of EAB Expansion of EAB in NY means more
opportunities for youth to successfully find EAB in wasp
colonies
Slide 6
Wasp Watchers Project Outline A Successful 2014 Project May
Include: March-May 1. Orientation to the overall issue of invasive
species 2. Status of EAB in the U.S. and NYS, life history of EAB.,
and efforts to monitor and control EAB. 3. Life history of Cerceris
fumipennis and the use of C. fumipennis for biosurveillance 4.
Solicitation of help from variety of people who may be able to help
locate Cerceris colonies June 4. Search for C. fumipennis colonies
- female wasps emerge by late June. 5. Description, photos, written
and/or GPS documentation of C. fumipennis colony sites. July-August
6. Monitoring of C. fumipennis, collection and ID of sample prey
brought to the nests by the wasps September-October 7. Report of
project results to Cooperative Extension, including photos of
activities 8. Submit a newspaper article on the project to your
local paper.
Slide 7
Building Relationships: Enlist Others to Help Find Colonies
Timing is everything (start in May!) Master Gardeners Farmers Parks
staff and grounds keepers Campground owners School ground staff
Highway Departments PRISMs Others?
Slide 8
Wasp Watchers Program Its the journey, not the destination
Finding wasp colonies is a lot of fun, but the program can be a
great success without ever laying eyes on a Cerceris wasp!
Throughout the program, youth can engage in hands-on learning
about: 1.Biosurveillance, biocontrol, and invasive species
2.Learning how to ID trees (especially ash trees) and insects 3.Use
of iMapInvasives 4.Basics of GPS and mapping 5.Photo documentation
and journal entry 6.Other the opportunities are endless!
Slide 9
Years Past National Program Success Early years: 2009 350
colonies found in Eastern North America 18 States and Provinces
used their wasp colonies 3408 beetle specimens processed (native
and introduced species of Buprestidae beetles intercepted at the
wasp colonies and identified). 7 new State or Provincial
Buprestidae Beetle species records (all appear to be native species
that had been previously overlooked). 105 Cerceris colonies adopted
for monitoring 181 Wasp Watchers trained
Slide 10
NYS Program Successes 2012 and 2013 2012 8 Counties ~ 70 youth
25 Cerceris colonies were located in 5 counties 2013 6 Counties ~40
youth 11 Cerceris colonies were located in 3 counties Club formats
varied - traditional clubs - after school & summer school
programs - 4-H & other youth organization camp programs - home
schooling groups Clubs that did not locate active colonies learned
a lot about the EAB, biosurveillance, and how to assess likely
colony sites
Slide 11
Lessons learned for 2014 1.It is highly desirable to find
colonies as soon as possible, even if the youth are not involved in
the search 2.Get the clubs up and running before school ends 3.Plan
lots of activities before county and state fairs interfere 4.Spend
more time identifying and learning the life histories of captured
beetles 5.Partner with PRISMs, NYSDEC, and the EAB 1st Detectors
Program 6.Partner with adjacent counties to share resources and
make trips to their colonies 7.Club format works well if a county
can maintain club activities through the summer (this can be a
challenge) 8.If colonies are not found there are many learning
opportunities: a)Advantages of biosurveillance b)Learning how to ID
ash trees and insects c)Basics of GPS, mapping, and iMapsInvasives
d)Soil classification and mapping
Slide 12
LOTS of resources on Wasp Watcher website
http://www2.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/WaspWatcher/
www.NYS4-HWaspWatchers.info
Slide 13
Todays Agenda Reminders Finances Club organization Finding
volunteers Support from Gary & Gretchen Documentation! Photos,
newspaper articles/clippings, presentations community resources!
Next steps Webinar training third week of April