NextStep

Apr 16-Apr 17, 2010
Insect Management Lecture and Habitat Workshop

Learn about insect management in gardens and edible landscapes through a Friday night lecture on April 16 and a full-day, hands-on Habitat Workshop on Saturday April 17.

Presenters :
Neil Cunningham, Entomologist and
Dan Halsey, PRI Teacher's Guild Coordinator

Lecture: INTRODUCTION TO INSECT MANAGEMENT

A bit of biology, a bit of ecology, and a basic overview of biocontrols geared to an audience of gardeners and community gardeners.

* Insect characteristics and life cycles
* Plants we love and the pests that eat them
* Species identification and stages of management
* Common insect pests in local gardens

When : Friday, April 16, 7-9pm
Where : Auditorium 150, main floor of Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), 2501 Stevens Avenue, Mpls
Cost : $15

Habitat Workshop: MANAGING PEST AND BENEFICIAL INSECT POPULATIONS

The day includes some lecture and some practical application with on-site installation of beneficial insect habitat and biocontrols.

9:00 - 11:30 AM - Organic and Biocontrol Pest Management
Specifics of solving pest problems using predator/parasitic wasp complexes and/or multispecies releases of predatory mites; the process of ordering bio-agents from biocontrol suppliers; and how alternative pesticides like insecticidal soaps, hort oils, and kaolin clays work physically on insects - in contrast to synthetic pesticides that function as nerve toxins.

* Natural pesticides, soaps, and clays
* Beneficial insect predators and parasites
o Multi-species release and biocontrols
o Seasonal management techniques
o Sources for beneficial insects

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - BYO Lunch and Site Tour

12:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Planting Garden Habitat for Beneficial Insects
We will build and design beneficial insect habitat and look for natural habitat of both beneficial and pest insects. Covers a long-term view of biological control : the importance of creating habitat, and how plant diversity enables the insect diversity needed for natural control of pest populations.

* Fall and Spring garden prep for insect management
* Building habitat for beneficial insects
o Using plant diversity for insect diversity
o Attracting beneficial insects with Insectory Islands
o Building an Insectory Island and insect habitat

When : Saturday, April 17, 9AM - 3PM
Where : Southwoods Forest Gardens, 17766 Langford Blvd. Prior Lake, MN 55372 (see map)
Cost : $35

REGISTRATION

To register for one or both of these events, please visit http://www.pricoldclimate.org/event/insect_management.

For more information, contact:
Evelyn Hadden, comcoord@pricolclimate.org

Region:   Twin Cities, Minnesota Statewide
Topics:   Agriculture, Communities, Ecosystems, Education, Individual Choices, Land Use, Water
Audience:   Citizens

Submitted By:  Evelyn Hadden

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