This is the friday before the 3-day July 4th weekend. To think about all the changes in food and plant security in the time that this country been in existence is a little overwhelming.  And think that a lot of that change occurred in the last 10 years or so.  The First Detector program is a volunteer based National Plant Diagnostic Network program that recruit folks who are curious about plant pest and pathogens AND are willing to help out by being additional eyes, ears and hands on the ground looking out for plant pest and disease that are of concern.  A major part of this enterprise is to educate the First Detector volunteers and to provide the same information to the interested general public.  One way of “reaching out” with information is the First Detector Network Newsletter.  The June issue is one that is filled with discovery news and detection guide for some insects (Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorn beetle, stinkbugs).  If you have a chance, check out the newsletter. If this is something that interests you, please subscribe to the newsletter and receive it monthly.

If you are interested in learning more about the First Detector program, check out the program website at the National Plant Diagnostic Network website.  Want to learn more about some available training, check out the training website (shortcut URL http://Firstdetector.sickplants.org).