SLELO PRISM is seeking volunteers to assist with an emerald ash borer biocontrol monitoring program occurring on Wednesdays at 10 AM from June 5th through September 25th at the SUNY Oswego University Rice Creek Field Station. A virtual training will be provided in May and guidance will be given during each monitoring survey. 

The purpose of this project is to determine if three parasitoid wasps (Oobius agrili, Spathius galinae, and Tetrastichus planipennisi) have become established at the site. These wasps have been deployed as part of an effort to naturally suppress populations of the invasive emerald ash borer.

Volunteers will assist with the deployment and weekly monitoring of yellow pan traps at the site. They will learn how to identify the target biocontrol agents and assist with collecting and examining the specimens found in the traps.  Guidance will be given during each monitoring survey by the SLELO PRISM Terrestrial Restoration and Resilience Coordinator, Robert Smith. Specimens collected from the traps will be examined through microscopes at the Rice Creek Field Station and sent to a lab for confirmation.

Project Overview:

• What: Emerald Ash Borer Biocontrol Monitoring Program
• Host: St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM)
• Location: SUNY Oswego Rice Creek Field Station grounds and indoor lab room.
• Survey Frequency: Every Wednesday beginning on June 5th and ending on September 25th, 2024.
• Survey/ Duration: Plan for an estimated 3-4 hours depending on the number of volunteers and specimens collected.

Volunteer Duties:

• Assist pan trap surveys at 15 sites at the SUNY Oswego Rice Creek Field Station (to occur once a week).
• Collect and examine specimens retrieved from the traps (with guidance).

Volunteer Skill Requirements:

• Willingness to conduct outdoor fieldwork, even in unpleasant environmental/weather conditions. Surveys will be held rain or shine!
• Able to provide yourself with ample field gear including, closed-toe hiking boots, long sleeves, and, pants, hat, sunglasses, etc.
• Ability to use or learn to use a microscope.