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

Ben Hayes Hall - Madera Farm Bureau Offices
Madera, CA
Tuesday May 1, 2018
9:00 am - 3:30 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 Kathryn Prince, Farm Bill Pollinator Conservation Planner at the Xerces Society, and Jessa Kay-Cruz, Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist at the Xerces Society, as they overview 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.

 *Continuing Education Credits Available* (Pending Approval)

• Certified Pest Control Advisor
• Certified Crop Advisor 
• Society of American Foresters 
• The Wildlife Society   

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
• Case studies of conservation biocontrol in action

 Module 2 -  Common Beneficial Insect Groups

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

Break

Module 3 - Farm Practices for Beneficial Insects

• Supporting beneficial insects with farm practices
• Mitigating pesticide risks to beneficial insects and other natural resources using IPM, PAMS, and 
  conservation practices (e.g. alternatives to pesticides, pesticide drift reduction, buffer practices)
• Protecting overwintering and nesting sites

Module 4 - Designing and Restoring Habitat for Beneficial Insects

• Strategies for incorporating habitat on farms
• Site preparation and planting techniques for natice wildflowers and woody plants

Introduction to NRCS Programs for Conservation Biolgocial Control

Lunch Break:  Lunch will not be provided, please bring a bagged lunch to the course.

Guest Speaker - TBD

Field Activities

• Using the Beneficial Insect Habitat Assessment Form and Guide
• Field observation of beneficial insects and plants

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

INSTRUCTOR

Kathryn Prince - Farm Bill Pollinator Conservation Planner, Xerces Society

Kathryn Prince is a partner biologist with the Xerces Society and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  Based out of Madera, she helps farmers, ranchers, and NRCS planners incorporate pollinator habitat in to the city's Central Valley's working lands.

Jessa Kay Cruz - Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist, Xerces Society

Jessa is the Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist for The Xerces Society in California, and a partner biologist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. She manages and coordinates many aspects of the pollinator program in California and throughout the Western United States. Since joining Xerces in 2008, she has worked in agricultural and natural lands throughout the Western United States to create habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, and to promote practices that support them. She provides education and technical support to a range of individuals and agencies, including farmers and ranchers, agricultural professionals, and land managers. Jessa holds a Master’s of Science in Environmental Entomology and Integrated Pest Management from California State University, Chico, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Farming from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts.

GUEST SPEAKER

Guest Speakers TBD