Sangamon County: "First Detector" Tree Pest Training Program

When
02/12/2013
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
U of I Extension Office, Springfield

The University of Illinois Extension announces that a first-detector training program focusing on tree pests will be offered at five locations in Illinois in February and March 2013. These courses will provide in-depth training on current and emerging pathogens and insects affecting Illinois trees.

The target audience includes certified arborists, tree care professionals, master gardeners, master naturalists, forestry and natural resource professionals, conservationists, and others with an interest in trees. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available.

Program Objectives:

Improve first-detector training and invasive species awareness,
Reduce potential risks from pathogens and pests,
Increase rapid and affordable plant diagnostic support to local, state, and national agriculture and green industry programs and to end-users.

The 2013 program will focus on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), thousand canker disease (TCD), and invasive plant species. Subjects to be covered in the course include:

Identification and detection
Life cycle and biology
Hosts
Sampling
Management
Commonly confusing look-alikes
Regulations

Registration is $25; lunch will be provided. This fee will help cover the program costs as well as provide funding to continue this program on an annual basis. Registration is handled by the Springfield Extension Office, contact them to register - 217-782-4617.

Deliverables: Each participant will receive a binder of EAB, TCD, and invasive plant information. A special feature will be key tree drawings (provided by Jean Burridge) to aid in identifying ash, walnut, or “look-alike” trees. Additional online training modules covering topics that will not be discussed during the one day program will be available to program participants prior to training.

All participants will receive a certificate stating that they are Illinois First Detectors.