In 2022, I worked with Dr. Larson (UK Entomology Professor) and Carl Harper (UK Entomology staff, Office of the State Entomologist) to develop the KY Keepers program. KY Keepers are a group of 4-Hers and other citizens from around the state who work to monitor invasive pests. KY Keepers focus their efforts on invasive insects like the Spongy Moth. The Spongy Moth is an invasive insect that is already established in the northeastern United States, where it has defoliated an estimated 95 million acres over the last century and caused about $35 million dollars in damage annually. Although this pest is not considered established in Kentucky, it thrives in nearby states, and individual moths are sometimes captured here. This places Kentucky on the forefront of the battle against this pest. 

On his end, Carl Harper works with 4-H clubs, master gardeners, and other Kentuckians to digitally monitor invasive pests at the county level. Participants contribute to the survey by placing Spongy Moth traps in the environment and by recording sightings of invasive species in a custom app. In 2024, 127 individuals/groups registered, representing about 354 participants across the state in at least 56 of our 120 counties on the lookout for invasive pests.  

In 2024, I helped to expand the educational component of the program by creating an online, asynchronous curriculum for 4-H staff and volunteers on Nearpod. 4-H staff and volunteers who complete this 6-hour training are recognized by the by the Kentucky Office of the State Entomologist (who helped develop the curriculum) as Certified Invasive Arthropod Educators. Since then, nine Kentuckians (including Extension staff and graduates of the UK CAFE Master Naturalist program) have completed the course.