Extension educational materials for community-based invasive species education

The community invasive species network (www.protectingusnow) is concerned with protecting the U.S. from exotic, invasive species. Protect U.S. is a collaborative partnership between the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN), Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA-APHIS-PPQ), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the National Plant board, your local Land Grant University Cooperative Extension Service, and other organizations involved in exotic species extension and regulatory activities. During 2010-11, e-learning modules and scripted powerpoints (for interested educators) will be available on 11 invasive species, plant biosecurity, and pest and pathogen topics. E-learning will include interactive quizzes, games, and certificates of completion. Each module is individually designed to be utilized by either first detectors, crop advisors, small farmers, federal and state regulatory personnel, K-12 education, secondary education, the general public, or a combination of the above.