Tuesday, November 29, 2011

School IPM



What is Integrated Pest Management?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

Benefits:

Reduced exposure to pests

Reduced exposure to pesticides

Reduced absenteeism due to:

Turf related injuries

Asthma due to pest related triggers

Cost neutral

Healthier learning environment

Improved academic achievement

What this means to you, your student(s) and your environment!

IPM reduces pest complaints

IPM reduces pesticide use in schools from 71% - 93%

IPM maximizes the benefits from the campus landscape

IPM reduces plant and tree losses


Trees and green spaces create healthy communities and are positively correlated with psychological, physical, cognitive and increased capacity for attention in our children.


Children are the most vulnerable
members of society,
they are the future.
We are the custodians of their world.

Please check with your school administration and see how they manage pests.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Picking the right cultivar


Picking the "right" plant for an allotted amount of space seems to be a challenge.  People tend to want to put in a plant that is, under natural conditions, too big for the available space or planted too close or under another plant.  By doing this, the plant becomes stressed because of the constant shearing or pruning, it costs more to maintain the plant which if left alone would only need minimal maintenance/irrigation and would be much healthier and functional.


In most cases, there is a "right" plant for the allotted space.  Please take a look at the video below where Dr. Ursula Schuch from the University of Arizona describes 3 different cultivars of Texas Ranger. 






Have a great Holiday weekend.