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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
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
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
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 …
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
Using Evaluations To Identify And Eliminate A Barrier To Invasive Weed Control, Angelique D. Edgerton, Michael R. Reichenbach
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.
Design Clarity In Public Outreach Documents: A Guidebook For A First Detector Volunteer Network, Lesley Tylczak, David Andow, Eugene Borgida, Terrence Hurley
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.
Power Hours-Invasive Species Communication Through Collaborative Webinars, Annemarie M. Nagle, Robin Usborne, Amy Stone, Deborah Mccullogh, Cliff Sadof
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
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.
The Focus Group As A Demonstration Technique, Thomas J. Straka, Matt Nespeca, Matthew B. Howell, Heather T. Irwin
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.