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Wasp Watchers Welcome

Wasp Watchers Welcome. 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. Emerald Ash Borer.

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Wasp Watchers Welcome

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  1. Wasp Watchers Welcome

  2. 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

  3. Emerald Ash Borer The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a Buprestid beetle. Buprestids are known as metallic wood–boring 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. What’s 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.

  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. Cercerisfumipennisis 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

  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

  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 Cercerisfumipennisand 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.

  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?

  8. Wasp Watchers Program It’s 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 Cerceriswasp! Throughout the program, youth can engage in hands-on learning about: • Biosurveillance, biocontrol, and invasive species • Learning how to ID trees (especially ash trees) and insects • Use of iMapInvasives • Basics of GPS and mapping • Photo documentation and journal entry • Other – the opportunities are endless!

  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

  10. NYS Program Successes 2012 and 2013 2012 2013 6 Counties ~40 youth 11 Cerceris colonies were located in 3 counties • 8 Counties • ~ 70 youth • 25 Cerceris colonies were located in 5 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

  11. Lessons learned for 2014 • It is highly desirable to find colonies as soon as possible, even if the youth are not involved in the search • Get the clubs up and running before school ends • Plan lots of activities before county and state fairs interfere • Spend more time identifying and learning the life histories of captured beetles • Partner with PRISMs, NYSDEC, and the EAB 1st Detectors Program • Partner with adjacent counties to share resources and make trips to their colonies • Club format works well if a county can maintain club activities through the summer (this can be a challenge) • If colonies are not found there are many learning opportunities: • Advantages of biosurveillance • Learning how to ID ash trees and insects • Basics of GPS, mapping, and iMapsInvasives • Soil classification and mapping

  12. LOTS of resources on Wasp Watcher website • http://www2.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/WaspWatcher/ • www.NYS4-HWaspWatchers.info

  13. Today’s 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

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