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Designing Social-Ecological Programs To Support Extension Participants In Civic Engagement, Angela S. Gupta, Nathan Meyer, Michelle Prysby, Shelly A. Johnson, Gail Epping Overholt Apr 2024

Designing Social-Ecological Programs To Support Extension Participants In Civic Engagement, Angela S. Gupta, Nathan Meyer, Michelle Prysby, Shelly A. Johnson, Gail Epping Overholt

The Journal of Extension

To address a need to support volunteer and citizen engagement with decision-makers in addressing social-ecological challenges, we designed and tested a “flipped classroom” training to teach civic engagement processes in the context of invasive species management. We pilot-tested the curriculum in seven states. Using results from in-course and delayed surveys, we demonstrate that participants increased their capabilities for engaging decision-makers and took civic engagement actions related to invasive species issues. Although participant recruitment and retention were lower than expected, the overall results suggest that the training approach is an effective design for satisfying participant needs and achieving learning outcomes.


Economic Implications Of The Mexican Fruit Fly Infestation In Texas, Samuel D. Zapata May 2022

Economic Implications Of The Mexican Fruit Fly Infestation In Texas, Samuel D. Zapata

The Journal of Extension

The Texas citrus industry is threatened by the presence of Mexican fruit fly. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic losses caused by this invasive pest. Economic impact is estimated in terms of loss in revenue and increase in operating costs. Under current quarantined areas and pest management strategies, the Texas citrus industry could experience an annual economic loss of $5.79 million. The analysis was extended to evaluate the economic impact associated with different quarantined area scenarios. This article can be used to increase awareness and adapted to estimate the economic impact of emerging invasive pest outbreaks.


Geocaching: A New Instructional Tool For Natural Resources Extension And Outreach, Jacob Smith, Dave Coyle, John Thomason, Todd Matthews, John J. Riggins Sep 2021

Geocaching: A New Instructional Tool For Natural Resources Extension And Outreach, Jacob Smith, Dave Coyle, John Thomason, Todd Matthews, John J. Riggins

The Journal of Extension

Nonnative pests and pathogens severely affect forest health and are often spread in firewood. Our objectives were to create an extension education program using “Don’t Move Firewood”-themed geocaches and travel bugs which were placed near campgrounds across Mississippi, and to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of this outreach method. Interactions with caches and travel bugs were monitored over nearly one year and summarized to provide a measure of outreach success. With a one-time per-unit cost of $45.95 for caches and $6.75 for travel bugs, these tools provide ongoing, cost-effective educational approaches well suited to augment existing or launch new outreach …


The Danger Within: Implications Of Firewood Transport In Invasive Forest Insect And Disease Spread, Angelica Solano May 2021

The Danger Within: Implications Of Firewood Transport In Invasive Forest Insect And Disease Spread, Angelica Solano

All Theses

Invasive forest insects and diseases are a problem affecting North American forests, and their intracontinental spread can be aggravated through the movement of contaminated firewood. We conducted a scoping review to assess trends and gaps in the existing literature, as well as patterns in behavior related to forest pest dispersal through firewood movement in North America. Of the 76 documents identified through our search, 24 met the inclusion criteria and were categorized based on five identified themes: 1) insect incidence in firewood, 2) insect dispersal via firewood, 3) recreational firewood movement, 4) firewood treatments, and 5) behavior and rule compliance. …


Invasive Species Terminology: Standardizing For Stakeholder Education, Basil V. Iannone Iii, Shannon Carnevale, Martin B. Main, Jeff E. Hill, Julie B. Mcconnell, Steven A. Johnson, Stephen F. Enloe, Michael Andreu, Emily C. Bell, James P. Cuda, Shirley M. Baker Jun 2020

Invasive Species Terminology: Standardizing For Stakeholder Education, Basil V. Iannone Iii, Shannon Carnevale, Martin B. Main, Jeff E. Hill, Julie B. Mcconnell, Steven A. Johnson, Stephen F. Enloe, Michael Andreu, Emily C. Bell, James P. Cuda, Shirley M. Baker

The Journal of Extension

The excessive number of terms associated with invasive species, and their often incorrect usage, hinders stakeholder education about the threats of invasive species. Here we introduce seven terms (native, nonnative, introduced, established, invasive, nuisance, and range change) that are applicable across invasive taxa, understandable, typically interpreted correctly, and useful for describing most situations regarding invasive species. We also list six terms to avoid (native invasive, invasive exotic, invasive weed, alien, foreign, and nonindigenous) that create confusion via their misuse and misinterpretation. The terms we propose …


Extension As A Multilevel Bridging Organization: Supporting Networked Environmental Governance, Sally W. Nourani, Daniel J. Decker, Marianne E. Krasny Oct 2019

Extension As A Multilevel Bridging Organization: Supporting Networked Environmental Governance, Sally W. Nourani, Daniel J. Decker, Marianne E. Krasny

The Journal of Extension

Governmental and nongovernmental actors at different spatial and jurisdictional levels have information that can benefit natural resources management; however, barriers in communication and organizational culture often prevent information sharing and joint endeavors. Bridging entities, such as task forces or working groups, bring together potential stakeholders to pool expertise and stimulate shared learning. Using a network survey, interview data, and meeting minutes, we constructed a case study of task forces convened to stimulate management of the emerald ash borer, an invasive wood-boring beetle. We found that coordinated action among university and county Extension catalyzed bridging through visionary program design and network …


Pest: A Method For Quickly Detecting Invasive Insects Introduced Into An Area, Don Mcmoran, Ben Diehl Dec 2018

Pest: A Method For Quickly Detecting Invasive Insects Introduced Into An Area, Don Mcmoran, Ben Diehl

The Journal of Extension

Agricultural regions are under constant threat of attack from invasive species. Washington State University Skagit County Extension encourages agents to use the pest methodology as a guide for ensuring that nonnative insects are quickly detected once introduced into their counties. The key components of this approach include working together with the public, ensuring education of Extension agents and other interested parties, obtaining support through funding and collaborations, and implementing a rigorous trapping protocol. The pest approach was used in capturing the first specimens of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), in Skagit County.


An Investigation Of The Distribution And Behavior Of The Dark Rover Ant, Brachymyrmex Patagonicus Mayr, In South Carolina, David Quinn Bowers Dec 2018

An Investigation Of The Distribution And Behavior Of The Dark Rover Ant, Brachymyrmex Patagonicus Mayr, In South Carolina, David Quinn Bowers

All Theses

The dark rover ant, Brachymyrmex patagonicus Mayr, is a minute (~0.5 mm) dark brown or black formicine ant invasive from Argentina and Paraguay. In the southeastern United States, the dark rover ant is considered a nuisance pest, and is difficult to control. Recently, B. patagonicus has expanded its invasive range, especially in the southeastern United States. In South Carolina, this species has become more common in pest control accounts. Despite this, most of the biology and behavior of the dark rover ant remains unknown. The only official record of B. patagonicus in South Carolina is from 2010 in Horry County. …


Flipping The Classroom To Train Citizen Scientists In Invasive Species Detection And Response, Daniel J. Larkin, Megan M. Weber, Susan M. Galatowitsch, Angela S. Gupta Sep 2018

Flipping The Classroom To Train Citizen Scientists In Invasive Species Detection And Response, Daniel J. Larkin, Megan M. Weber, Susan M. Galatowitsch, Angela S. Gupta

The Journal of Extension

Extension educators are increasingly using flipped classrooms, wherein online content delivery precedes in-person learning. We have applied this approach to two Extension programs in which citizen scientists are trained in early detection of invasive species. Our goal in using the tool of flipped classrooms is to accommodate large amounts of content while focusing classroom time on skills development. In 2017, we assessed efficacy of the flipped classroom through knowledge tests and surveys completed by 174 participants and 106 participants, respectively. Results demonstrated large knowledge gains and high participant satisfaction. We encourage Extension professionals to consider whether use of the flipped …


Increasing Invasive Plant Pest Early Detection Through Interagency First Detector Education, Eric A. Stubbs, Carla C. Burkle, Amanda C. Hodges, Brian E. Myers, Leroy Whilby, Ashley Poplin, Richard Hoenisch, Rachel Mccarthy, Carrie Harmon Jun 2017

Increasing Invasive Plant Pest Early Detection Through Interagency First Detector Education, Eric A. Stubbs, Carla C. Burkle, Amanda C. Hodges, Brian E. Myers, Leroy Whilby, Ashley Poplin, Richard Hoenisch, Rachel Mccarthy, Carrie Harmon

The Journal of Extension

The Collaborative and Enhanced First Detector Training program has expanded invasive species detection efforts by teaching participants to scout for, identify, and submit suspect exotic species samples. Workshops were delivered to agriculture professionals, master gardeners, and other Extension audiences. Topics included introduction pathways, regulatory agency procedures, identification of invasive pests or pathogens, monitoring procedures, and sample submission. Survey data indicated the intent of participants to augment detection efforts and the efficacy of Extension workshops in improving participants' perceptions of government agencies. Respondents perceived increases in knowledge related to particular invasive species, identification of potential future invaders, and sample submission. Other …


Identifying Invasive Species Educational Needs In Florida: Opportunities For Extension, Pei-Wen Huang, Alexa J. Lamm Oct 2016

Identifying Invasive Species Educational Needs In Florida: Opportunities For Extension, Pei-Wen Huang, Alexa J. Lamm

The Journal of Extension

Florida's ecology has been adversely affected by invasive species. In Florida, a study was conducted to explore opportunities for Extension educators to contribute to combating the issue of invasive species. Florida residents' responses were captured through the use of an online public opinion survey. The findings revealed a need for invasive species education and respondent interest in learning about invasive species. Potential communication strategies Extension educators should use for invasive species programming also are discussed.


Design Clarity In Public Outreach Documents: A Guidebook For A First Detector Volunteer Network, Lesley Tylczak, David Andow, Eugene Borgida, Terrence Hurley Apr 2015

Design Clarity In Public Outreach Documents: A Guidebook For A First Detector Volunteer Network, Lesley Tylczak, David Andow, Eugene Borgida, Terrence Hurley

The Journal of Extension

We established a first detectors network by inviting woodland owners to monitor for invasive pests on their property as volunteers. Accessible outreach materials are necessary to communicate volunteer responsibilities. A professional graphic design firm provided a series of design and layout techniques, including font size, font style, spacing, color palette, backgrounds, and figures, that improved our instructional guidebook. The guidebook was received positively in anonymous volunteer evaluations and in face-to-face discussion. The techniques may be useful in the development of materials for other outreach programs.


Using Evaluations To Identify And Eliminate A Barrier To Invasive Weed Control, Angelique D. Edgerton, Michael R. Reichenbach Apr 2015

Using Evaluations To Identify And Eliminate A Barrier To Invasive Weed Control, Angelique D. Edgerton, Michael R. Reichenbach

The Journal of Extension

Evaluation is an important component of educational programming. An example of how evaluation is used to assess need, identify barriers, and guide program development is presented. Impact evaluations from a yearlong project to teach landowners about invasive weed identification and control indicated one of the barriers to implementing knowledge was a lack of access to invasive species control tools. Knowledge of this barrier enabled community organizers to guide the development of a community herbicide shed (CHS). Evaluations of landowners who used the CHS show that the CHS effectively changed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of all participants.


Biology, Ecology, And Control Of Doveweed (Murdannia Nudiflora [L.] Brenan), Jeffrey Atkinson Aug 2014

Biology, Ecology, And Control Of Doveweed (Murdannia Nudiflora [L.] Brenan), Jeffrey Atkinson

All Dissertations

Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora [L.] Brenan) is a summer annual in the Southeastern United States with an expanding geographic range. The light green color and texture of doveweed is problematic for turfgrass managers as it contrasts with the color and texture of desirable turfgrasses. Limited research is available concerning the biology, ecology, and herbicide control options for doveweed. Therefore, experiments were conducted to improve the understanding of how environmental conditions effect doveweed germination, how cultural practices and environmental resource availability effect doveweed growth and development, to identify pre- and postemergence herbicides with efficacy for doveweed control, and to improve the understanding …


Impact And Management Of Megacopta Cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), Nicholas Seiter May 2014

Impact And Management Of Megacopta Cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), Nicholas Seiter

All Dissertations

Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae), known informally as the kudzu bug or bean plataspid, was found in Georgia in 2009 and has since spread rapidly throughout the southeastern United States. A known feeder on soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, in its native Asian range, M. cribraria has been commonly encountered in soybean fields in the southeastern United States since its first detection in the crop in Georgia and South Carolina during 2010. In addition, its overwintering behavior sometimes results in nuisance infestations in homes. The primary objectives of this research were to determine the potential impacts of M. cribraria on …


Power Hours-Invasive Species Communication Through Collaborative Webinars, Annemarie M. Nagle, Robin Usborne, Amy Stone, Deborah Mccullogh, Cliff Sadof Apr 2014

Power Hours-Invasive Species Communication Through Collaborative Webinars, Annemarie M. Nagle, Robin Usborne, Amy Stone, Deborah Mccullogh, Cliff Sadof

The Journal of Extension

The collaborative webinar project Emerald Ash Borer University (EAB-U) was established in 2009 to address pressing communications needs regarding the invasive emerald ash borer in the midst of national financial crisis. The 40 EAB-U webinars to date have been viewed over 10,000 times. Results of a post-webinar survey evaluating audience composition, impact, and participant satisfaction are presented, and suggest EAB-U webinars reach key audiences who share and apply learned information. Extension professionals faced with complex issues such as invasive species should consider a collaborative webinar approach to efficiently communicate harmonized messages in a cost effective manner.


Community Involvement To Reduce Insect Threats To Urban Forests, Angela M. O’Callaghan, Joanne Skelly Dec 2013

Community Involvement To Reduce Insect Threats To Urban Forests, Angela M. O’Callaghan, Joanne Skelly

The Journal of Extension

While urban trees increase property values and improve human health, healthy urban trees also reduce potential infestation of nearby native forests. We developed a collaborative program to raise public consciousness of risks to trees from invasive insects before injury has occurred. The Nevada Department of Agriculture entomologist trained Extension Master Gardeners to recognize the threats, signs, and symptoms of alien arthropod species. They then taught classes in venues around the state, bringing awareness of potential problems. By 2013, over 700 professionals and local residents had attended a class, increasing the number of educated and concerned observers around Nevada.


Temporal Food Preference And Effectiveness Of Selected Bait Products Against Pachycondyla Chinensis (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Ying Mo May 2013

Temporal Food Preference And Effectiveness Of Selected Bait Products Against Pachycondyla Chinensis (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Ying Mo

All Theses

Pachycondyla chinensis (Emery), commonly known as the Asian needle ant is a well-established invasive species in urban and woodland areas in South Carolina. Foraging ants are found around or under places such as sidewalks, flowerbeds, mulch, tree bases, stones, and logs where human outdoor activity takes place in urbanized area. It is not an aggressive ant, but it has a powerful sting that causes severe allergic reactions in some people. It also has a negative impact on native ant species in forest environments. Food preference was studied, followed by an evaluation of selected bait products against P. chinensis.
Protein, carbohydrate, …


Fuel Conditions Associated With Native And Exotic Grasses In A Subtropical Dry Forest In Puerto Rico, Jarrod M. Thaxton, Skip J. Van Bloem, Stefanie Whitmire Jan 2012

Fuel Conditions Associated With Native And Exotic Grasses In A Subtropical Dry Forest In Puerto Rico, Jarrod M. Thaxton, Skip J. Van Bloem, Stefanie Whitmire

Publications

Exotic grasses capable of increasing frequency and intensity of anthropogenic fire have invaded subtropical and tropical dry forests worldwide. Since many dry forest trees are susceptible to fire, this can result in decline of native species and loss of forest cover. While the contribution of exotic grasses to altered fire regimes has been well documented, the role of native grasses in contributing to fuel loads in dry forest has received little attention. We assessed differences in fuel conditions among native and exotic grasses within a subtropical dry forest preserve in Puerto Rico. We quantified fine fuel loads, fuel continuity, and …


Role Of Belowground Fungal Mutualisms And Nutrient Cycling Alteration In Invasion Success Of Polygonum Cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc. (Polygonaceae) In The Eastern United States, Gretchen Addington Aug 2011

Role Of Belowground Fungal Mutualisms And Nutrient Cycling Alteration In Invasion Success Of Polygonum Cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc. (Polygonaceae) In The Eastern United States, Gretchen Addington

All Theses

Plant species invasion is problematic around the world due to its negative effects on native plant biodiversity, ecosystem function, and ecosystem stability. Understanding the mechanisms of plant species invasion is necessary to predict new invasions and to control current problematic species. Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc. (Polygonaceae, Japanese Knotweed) is an invasive species found in 40 of the 50 United States and listed as a noxious species in nine states. It is known to exclude native plant communities, and its eradication is nearly impossible. The extensive negative effects associated with this species make understanding its mechanism of invasion a prerogative. …


The Focus Group As A Demonstration Technique, Thomas J. Straka, Matt Nespeca, Matthew B. Howell, Heather T. Irwin Dec 2009

The Focus Group As A Demonstration Technique, Thomas J. Straka, Matt Nespeca, Matthew B. Howell, Heather T. Irwin

The Journal of Extension

Focus group interviews are research techniques, and demonstration projects are Extension techniques. Our title is a little misleading; we are merely proposing that many aspects of focus groups can be used to strengthen demonstrations. We describe a focus group field forestry interview that was described by participants as an outstanding demonstration. This was surprising because our project had no demonstration objective. We discuss four aspects of focus group methodology that might be incorporated into demonstrations in order to enhance educational effectiveness: group dynamics, reversed information flow, enhanced networking opportunity, and increased variables in demonstrations to facilitate more discussion.


Potential For Introduced-Range Expansion Of Chinese Tallow Tree (Triadica Sebifera) In The Southeastern United States, Isaac Park May 2009

Potential For Introduced-Range Expansion Of Chinese Tallow Tree (Triadica Sebifera) In The Southeastern United States, Isaac Park

All Theses

The potential for populations of invasive plants to differ in their response to stressful environmental conditions or in their invasiveness is an underexplored issue in determining introduced species' range limits. Introduced genotypes might differ in their response to freezing temperatures, soil type, or differing biotic factors within their introduced range. We examined the potential of Chinese tallow tree seeds (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small) collected from two genetically distinct areas of its introduced range in the United States (North Carolina and South Carolina) as well as from the northern and southern portions of its native range in China to germinate and …