The schedule is up for the First Detector workshops for 2014. This program, a cooperative effort between University of Illinois Plant Clinic, University of Illinois Extension, and the Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Program (Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute), is a great way to learn about new pests, diseases, and plants heading into Illinois. Last year, the trainings focused on forested ecosystems; this year the focus is on Landscape and Nursery pests.

Objectives of the Illinois First Detector Program:

• Improve first-detector training and invasive species awareness 

• Reduce potential risk from pathogens and pests

• Increase rapid and affordable plant diagnostic support to local, state, and national agriculture and green industry programs as well as other end users.

Dates for the 2014 First Detector Workshops

January 14     Peoria
January 16     Collinsville
February 20    Murphysboro
February 27    Rockford
March 12        Decatur
March 27        Joliet

Illinois CAPS website

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