Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist Training

Training dates: September 28-October 2, 2015

The Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist (MVES) Training program provides a unique opportunity for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of arthropod life. The purpose of the program is to provide advanced volunteer training to support or expand insect-related county educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The goal of the Entomology Specialist program is not to produce entomology “experts”-rather it is to identify and recognize master volunteers who have received special training to support specific entomology-related programs or projects. In the past, projects have included educational projects for school children about bugs, building entomology collections for county programs, training other master volunteers, developing presentations, and/or/applied research relating to insects.

This course will explore insects and their relatives as an important part of both the human and the natural environment. Expert speakers will address topics covering insects in the environment, insect identification, integrated pest management, pesticide safety, bees, biting and stinging insects/arthropods, collecting methods and preservation techniques. You will have an opportunity to start an insect collection during the course. Upon completing the course, you will be asked to begin entomology projects within your county to complete the training, and receive a special pin and official title of “Master Volunteer-Entomology Specialist.”

Course Details:

This year’s course will be conducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Montgomery County Office. Night insect collecting will be at the Texas A&M Forest Service location in Jones State Forest, 1328 FM 1488 Road, Conroe, 77384. The registration form and information about accommodations around the Conroe area is attached. The Montgomery County Master Gardener Association (MCMGA) is cooperating with this event.

Registration is on a first come/first serve basis. Only 30 participant spots are guaranteed for this training, along with 5 auditing spots (see below). Submit your registration forms as soon as possible. Payment and forms must be in the Montgomery County office by July 18, 2015 and no refunds will be given for any reason after this date.

MVES Registration Form and Agenda

Cost: Registration fee of $325/person that includes:

• three lunches (T,W,Th), one dinner, snacks and drinks during the week
• insect collecting kit including collapsible insect net, collecting jars, vials, glassine envelopes, spreading board, pinning strips, insect pins, pinning block, pin holder, insect repair adhesive, micron pen, labels, soft forceps, straight forceps, butterfly forceps aspirator, hand lens and insect storage box
• Extension entomology bulletin set and other misc. publications

Participants need to provide their own transportation for travel to local insect collecting and possible field trip sites. Participant should be prepared for outdoor activity and dressed appropriately. Long pants and shoes with socks, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen, insect repellant, flashlights of headlamps, and any other personal items you require are recommended.

[accordion title=”Auditing Spots:”] *** Any volunteer who has previously completed the MVES training and would like to audit an individual class day this year, will be charged a $25 fee per day which only applies to T,W, and Th classes ($70 for all three days) to cover costs of meals, snacks and drinks (no collecting supplies). please pre-register for the number of days that you plan to attend. Only auditing slots each day are available.***
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For more information, contact Dr. Paul Nester, PNester@ag.tamu.edu, or call 832-265-5639.