Farming With Beneficial Insects
for Pest Control:
Conservation Biological Control Short Course

Rutgers EcoComplex
Bordentown, NJ
Thursday, April 26, 2018
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Learn a science-based strategy that seeks to integrate beneficial insects for natural pest control!

Learn about supporting beneficial insects that provide pest control in this full-day short course. Conservation biological control is a science-based pest management strategy that seeks to integrate beneficial insects back into cropping systems for natural pest control, ultimately reducing and in some cases eliminating the need for pesticides. Join Kelly Gill, Pollinator Conservation Specialist at the Xerces Society, as she overviews conservation biological control and beneficial predators and parasitoids that attack insect pests. Participants will learn how common farm practices can impact beneficial insects and how to assess and create farm habitat for beneficial insects.

In response to growing interest in promoting beneficial insects for their pest control services on farms, the Xerces Society has authored the book Farming With Native Beneficial Insects and developed the Conservation Biological Control Short Course to educate farmers, agriculture employees, natural resource specialists, land managers, and conservation organization staff.

SHORT COURSE TRAINING SKILLS AND OBJECTIVES

This workshop will cover: 

• The importance of beneficial insects - predators and parasitoids that attack insect pests.
• Overview of conservation biological control and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Become familiar with the most common beneficial insect groups.
• How to recognize the habitat needs of beneficial insects and identify habitat deficiencies.
• The design and implementation of habitat improvements, including site preparation, insectary strip plantings, hedgerows, beetle banks, and more.
• The current best management practices that minimize land-use impacts on beneficial insects and mitigate exposure to insecticides.
• How to access USDA conservation programs for financial and technical support.

Participants will receive the Xerces Society's Conservation Biological Control Toolkit which includes habitat installation guidelines and other relevant publications, and the Xerces' book, Farming with Native Beneficial Insects.

 *Continuing Education Credits Available*

 Pesticide Applicator:

• 1A (Agricultural Plant) - 04 units
• 3A (Ornamentals) - 02 units
• CORE (Basic Safety & Handling) - 03 units
• PP2 (Private Applicator Category) - 04 units

• Certified Crop Advisor (6 CEUs) 
• Society of American Foresters (5 CFE credits)
• The Wildlife Society (6 contact hours)   

COURSE AGENDA

Welcome and Announcements 

Module 1 - Farming with Beneficial Insects: Conservation Biological Control (CBC)

• Overview of conservation biological control and integrated pest management
• Status of beneficial insect conservation

 Module 2 -  Farm Practices for Beneficial Insects

Module 4 - Common Beneficial Insect Groups

• Introduction to beneficial insects and the ecological services they provide
• Overview of beneficial insect groups (predators and parasitoids)
• Summary of beneficial insect biology and habitat needs

Guest Speaker:  Betsy McShane, State Biologist, NRCS New Jersey 

• USDA Farm Bill Programs to Support Beneficial Insects

Module 5 - Assessing Baseline Farm Conditions for Beneficial Insects

• Overview of habitat diversity values
• Introduction to the Beneficial Insect Habitat Assessment Guide to Inform CBC Planning

Module 6 – Q&A, additional resources, and course evaluations 
 

INSTRUCTOR

Kelly Gill – Pollinator Conservation Specialist - Northeast / Mid-Atlantic Region, Xerces Society and Partner Biologist, USDA NRCS
As a Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Specialist and a Partner Biologist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kelly provides technical assistance on pollinator conservation in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region.  This work includes planning, designing, installing, and managing habitat for pollinators.  Kelly also works with staff and research partners to develop technical guidelines and provide training on pollinator conservation practices.  Kelly completed her Master's Degree in Entomology at Iowa State University where she conducted research on the development of best practices for conserving native bees and beneficial insects in agricultural landscapes.

GUEST SPEAKER

Betsy McShane, State Biologist, NRCS NJ 
Elizabeth (Betsy) McShane is a Biologist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS provides technical expertise and conservation planning for farmers and private landowners wanting to make conservation improvements to their land. Betsy’s areas of expertise include wildlife habitat, wetlands, invasive species, and endangered and threatened species. She works with landowners to implements habitat restoration projects through participation in USDA Farm Bill Programs.