Sentinel Plant Network Workshops

WHAT?

The Sentinel Plant Network (SPN) is conducting a series of regional workshops over the next several months to engage public gardens in the early detection of high-consequence plant pests and pathogens. These workshops will provide public garden professionals with an introduction to the National Plant Diagnostic Network (APGA’s primary partner in this new initiative), guidance on how best to access its diagnostic resources, and exercises on the best practices of pest/pathogen scouting, reporting, sample collection, and submission. In addition, the workshops will introduce participants to the SPN "First Detector” Training Modules and other educational materials and instruct them how to incorporate these resources into their outreach activities in such a way as to inspire and enable visitors to act as citizen scientists, monitoring their neighborhoods for potential pest and pathogen threats.

WHO?

Each of these regional workshops will serve approximately ten APGA member gardens, and we recommend that each organization send one or two staff members who can 1) coordinate pest/pathogen scouting efforts within their organization’s collections and natural areas and/or 2) incorporate SPN educational materials into their organization’s educational outreach activities.

WHEN & WHERE?

Mark your calendars for the upcoming regional workshops nearest you!                 

5/31-6/1, 2012: South Central Region @ The Dallas Arboretum in Dallas, TX

HOW?

APGA will provide accommodations and meals for all workshop attendees and is offering institutional scholarships to offset some of the travel costs associated with sending staff to attend these workshops. APGA member gardens that are interested in participating should first join the Sentinel Plant Network via our online enrollment form, and then they will be given instructions on how to apply to attend the workshops.