One of the great opportunities offered to Master Naturalists and Master Gardener volunteers in Texas is a wide array of specialized training opportunities.  Entomology has its own version of this with Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist training.

MVES pin awarded to volunteers who successfully complete the class and volunteer hours.

Offered every year, MVES training is a multiday event designed to expand on normal entomology training every Master Volunteer receives during the internship program.  The curriculum is designed to appeal to both Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers with an interest in insects.  Everyone who completes the course and volunteer hours on an entomology project receives a pin and status as an entomology specialist.

Class organizer for 2016 is Molly Keck, urban IPM program specialist for Bexar County, San Antonio. Molly does a great job and is an enthusiastic teacher.  She will be joined by an excellent slate of guest speakers talking about all things insect.  Presentations will cover Entomology 101, how to make an insect collection, blacklighting for insects, intro to beekeeping, Integrated Pest Management, beneficial insects, urban pests, veggie pests, landscape & ornamental insects, invasives, pollinators and much more!

Dates for 2016 are Monday September 26 (noon) – Thursday, September 29, 2016 (noon).  It will be hosted this year by the Bexar County Master Gardeners, and classes will be held at the Bexar County office and at Hardberger Park in San Antonio, TX.

To find out more about the program, and how you can register, go to http://agrilife.org/insectspecialist/2016/04/18/2016-master-volunteer-entomology-specialist-training-scheduled/   To see pictures from 2015 training, click here.