Natural areas include forests, rangeland and deserts. Here are some of the IPM projects, innovations and research benefitting the vast natural areas in the West.
Citizen Scientists in Alaska Watch for Invasive Species
To expand the number of eyes watching out for exotic and invasive pests, the Alaska IPM Program recruits “Citizen Scientists” to be on the lookout for unusual insects, plants and disease organisms throughout the state.
Team Helps Combat Decline of Guam Ironwood Trees
In 2002, a local farmer noticed several Guam ironwood trees planted in a single-row windbreak were dying. By 2005, what became known as Ironwood Tree Decline was widespread across the island, with some sites seeing more than half of their ironwoods in distress. Now researchers are beginning to understand why – and reverse the decline.
Death From Above: Encouraging Natural Predators
Native predators like kestrels and barn owls can play a valuable role in controlling pests not only on farms, but also in parks, golf courses and large yards and gardens. While they rarely eliminate a pest problem, they can reduce the need for pesticide use and other pest-control measures.
Helping Native Bees and Other Pollinators Thrive in New Mexico
Gardeners, growers, land managers, school groundskeepers and others in New Mexico now have a few new ways to help honeybees and native wild bees thrive.
Educating an Urban Public and Land Managers about Invasive Weeds
Having a clear, consistent message and speaking with one voice is helpful when it comes to educating the public about invasive species. Here’s how the area around Portland, Oregon did it.