Événement

First Detector Training at Bloedel Reserve

Every year, new plant pests and diseases are discovered in our country. They have the potential to cause significant economic damage to our farms, forests, and communities. For example, the Asian Longhorned Beetle, if it gains free reign in our country is predicted to cause up to $41 billion dollars of economic damage.

To help combat these threats, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service created the First Detector training program. First Detectors are people trained to recognize and report potentially damaging plant pests and diseases. They are like the neighborhood watch for plant pests.

The training is intended for everyone, regardless of education or experience: the more eyes are looking for these pests, the more likely they will be caught and stopped before they can cause significant damage. The Bloedel Reserve is authorized to provide this training and does so once a year at no cost to the attendees. Limited to 18 participants.
Note: To educate as many people as possible, we ask that previous class attendees not register, allowing others to fill the slots.