November's Presentation – “Invasive Pests – What they are, why they’re bad, and how to get rid of them”
This presentation will provide an overview of some of the pests in New Jersey that are considered “invasive” such as the Spotted Lanternfly and the Emerald Ash Borer. Paul will describe each of these invasive pests and explain why they are detrimental to the landscape. He will also provide strategies for managing these invasive pests on your property.
Speaker: Paul Kurtz, Entomologist, NJ Department of Agriculture
Bio: Mr. Kurtz has been working with insects and diseases on various projects for over 20 years. He worked for Rutgers University for 2 years doing research on blueberry and cranberry pests. For the past 19 years he has been working for The New Jersey Department of Agriculture as an entomologist. He spent one year in the nursery inspection program and then went to the cooperative agricultural pest survey program (CAPS). Mr. Kurtz was in charge of the NJ Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication program for 12 years. This pest was declared eradicated in 2008 in Jersey City and 2013 in Middlesex and Union Counties. Currently, he manages the Forest Pest Outreach and Survey Program as well as Farm Bill Survey Programs for invasive pests.