The problem

The Spongy Moth is an invasive insect that has become established in the northeastern United States. According to Blake Newton, University of Kentucky, 4-H and Youth Entomology Specialist, "the Spongy Moth has already defoliated an estimated 95 million acres over the last century and caused about $35 million dollars in damage annually." Even though the pest has not become established in Kentucky it has been located in bordering states. This makes Kentucky important in the detection and stopping the spread of this pest.

The educational program response

The problem of the Spongy Moth infestation can be effectively addressed through the use of citizen scientists, particularly involving 4-H youth aged 9 to 18. By engaging this demographic in the monitoring and tracking of the Spongy Moth populations, educational programs can achieve multiple benefits. Blake Newton along with Dr. Larson (UK Entomology Professor) and Carl Harper (UK Entomology staff, Office of the State Entomologist) developed the 4-H Ky. Keepers program. This program includes a customized cell phone app developed by Carl Harper which allows the participants a way to digitally mark and monitor installed traps.

The participants/target audience

The Ky. Keepers are a group of 4-Hers from across the state of Kentucky who work to monitor invasive pests. Kenton County 4-Hers have participated in this program since its inception in 2022. In that year 13 county 4-H programs participated and in 2023 there were 24 counties to participate. During both of those years Kenton County had fifteen 4-H youth participate by hanging traps and monitoring them until they turned them back in at the end of the summer.

Other partners (if applicable)

In 2023 the Ky. Keepers project expanded to include additional invasive pests such as fire ants and spotted lanternfly. These additional pests and the creation of the Ky. Keepers has allowed 4-H youth in Kenton County and across the state to help state and federal agencies monitor for these invasive pests.

Program impact or participant response.

The impact on monitoring for these pests can be seen in the collection process. In 2022 there were over 300 Spongy Moths collected in Kentucky. By being able to locate these entomologists can then make a treatment plan to eradicate the pest from that area before it has the opportunity to spread wider. There are other impacts from this program that are not as visible. These include but are not limited to education and awareness, partnership building, and youth empowerment.

Kenton County's youth through the participation in the Ky. Keepers monitoring program become aware of and are educated about the invasive species and their impact on the ecosystems. Through hands-on involvement in data collection and observation, participants learn about entomology, ecology, and the importance of biodiversity conservation. Engaging in these citizen science activities equips 4-Hers with valuable skills such as observation, data collection, and scientific inquiry. These skills are essential for their academic and personal development, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Our 4-Hers also develop a sense of community involvement and responsibility by contributing to research efforts aimed at stopping the spread of these invasive species. Through this community engagement participants develop a deeper connection to their environment and become active stewards of their local ecosystems.

Kenton County's Ky. Keepers are also aware of the partnership and collaboration between themselves and Survey123 and the University of Kentucky entomology department. They appreciate and value these partnerships and allows them to be a part of a larger picture. It also provides access to expertise, resources, and technology, enabling more robust data collection and analysis. According to Ky. Keeper, Charlie Lunsford, having access to UK Entomologists is really cool! It's nice to be able to look at the app or send them an email to ask a question."

There are both tangible and intangible benefits to the Ky. Keepers educational and monitoring program. The ability to track the spongy moth populations through the efforts of 4-H citizen scientists demonstrates the tangible impact of the educational program. By monitoring population trends and distribution patterns, participants contribute valuable data that informs pest management strategies and ecological research. In addition, the intangible benefits of involving 4-H youth in citizen science initiatives empowers them to make meaningful contributions to scientific research and environmental conservation. By recognizing their role as active agents of change, participants develop a sense of ownership and empowerment, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.