Volunteers Needed to Watch for Destructive Invasive Pests

By KBJR News 1

Volunteers Needed to Watch for Destructive Invasive Pests

February 1, 2012 Updated Feb 1, 2012 at 10:44 PM CDT

St. Paul, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) - Minnesota is looking for volunteers to help keep an eye out for new infestations of emerald ash borer and other destructive invasive pests.

These volunteers are part of the state's early warning system for invasive tree pests, making it more likely that infestations will be found in the early stages, when they're easier to control.

Registration is now open for six one-day workshops being conducted by experts throughout the region.

After completing training, participants are qualified to serve as volunteers in the state's First Detector Program.

Forest Pest First Detector training sessions are scheduled as follows:

• February 22 – Chaska 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – U of M Landscape Arboretum, Snyder Auditorium
• February 28 – Altura – 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Whitewater State Park, Visitor Center/Park Office
• March 1 – Grand Rapids – 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – U of M Northwest Research and Outreach Center, Multipurpose Room
• March 6 – St. Paul – 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – TIES Building (Larpenteur and Snelling Aves.), Larpenteur Room
• March 9 – Duluth – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center
• March 14 – Alexandria – 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Alexandria Technical and Community College, Room 211

Alison Wade
awade@northlandsnewscenter.com

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