Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist class to be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas from September 18-21. The purpose of the Entomology Specialist program is to provide advanced insect-related training. The goal of the Entomology Specialist program is not so much to produce entomology “experts”, but to identify Master Volunteers who have received special training and are willing to support specific entomology-related programs or projects of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
To learn more about the Insect Specialist program, check out our website and Flickr Photostreamshowing prior years’ training classes. All volunteers who complete the course and a minimum of 15 hours of volunteer time devoted to approved entomology projects will receive a pin (see above) and be designated as Entomology Specialists.
This year’s training is hosted by Dr. Mike Merchant, urban entomology specialist, and Dr. Allen Knutson, agricultural entomology specialist—both stationed at the Dallas A&M AgriLife Center. This year’s program is a very packed three full days of training, from 1:00 pm Monday September 18, to noon on Thursday, September 21. Cost for the program is only $200 and will include some meals, snacks, and entomology supplies (Bugkit) for collecting and observing insects.
Although we hope to accommodate everyone who applies, we want to keep the class size limited so everyone can get the most personal attention from our instructors. For this reason, there will be an application process this year. All applicants should know by mid-August whether you have been accepted for this year’s class. If you are interested in applying, please click here to go to the MVES 2017 announcement to see an agenda and access the application form.
Any volunteer who has previously completed the MVES training and would like to audit an individual class day this year is welcome. You will be charged a $20 fee per day which only applies to T and Wednesday classes ($40 for two days) to cover costs of meals, snacks and drinks (no collecting supplies). There are only 5 auditor slots available and they will be filled on a first-come first-served basis.
If you have an enthusiasm for, or curiosity about insects, we hope you will apply.
Michael E. Merchant, Phd, BCE Professor and Extension Urban Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
17360 Coit Rd | Dallas, TX 75252-6599 972-952-9204 | m-merchant@tamu.edu
Blog for professionals: http://insectsinthecity.blogspot.com
Website: http://citybugs.tamu.edu
Follow me on Twitter: @mikemerchant