56 Nebraskaland • December 2020
MIXED BAG
In 2020, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA)
continued outreach and education eff orts related to invasive
plant species. One new eff ort found NDA partnering with the
Girls Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Council, which off ered invasive
species training to Girl Scouts troops and their leaders.
Outreach to groups that participate in outdoor activities,
such as the Girl Scouts, can be eff ective in increasing
awareness about invasive plant pests and their potential
aff ects on Nebraska. The more people looking for these
pests, the more likely that infestations can be found early, so
mitigation or eradication measures can be implemented.
Two trainings were off ered to Girl Scout leaders in the
Lincoln and Grand Island areas, which provided leaders with
information on invasive species of concern to Nebraska,
how Girl Scouts can help monitor for invasive species and
prevent their spread, and ways to include invasive species
information in regular meeting activities or badge work.
NDA also was fortunate to partner with the UNL
Department of Entomology/UNL Bee Lab and Girl Scouts on
a virtual Girl Scouts camp called Insects – The Good, The Bad,
& the Ugly. This camp was hosted twice and included Girl
Scouts from Nebraska and several other states. Participants
received a box full of items to help them investigate the insect
world; items included a hand lens, sieve and smartphone lens.
They also received materials to build a bumble bee house and
native pollinator homes, and a starter kit to create their own
pollinator garden.
NDA staff taught the Girl Scouts about several invasive
species and the risk of pests moving in fi rewood. Girl Scouts
were provided a gypsy moth trap and were trained to set and
monitor it in their backyard. They also learned how to report
their fi ndings.
Girl Scouts who participated in the camps were encouraged
to submit original artwork focusing on fi rewood as a pathway
for spreading invasive species. NDA will be using some of this
artwork to help spread the Don't Move Firewood message.
The artwork in the ad below was created by Girl Scout Emily
Y. of Troop #20512.
GIRL SCOUTS TRAINING
By Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist,
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Contents of the box sent to each girl who participated in
the virtual camp.
PHOTO
COURTESY
OF
JULIE
VAN
METER
