Early detection of exotic forest pests is critical to maintaining the health of the forest and landscape plants

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded The Morton Arboretum a Cooperative Agreement for $111,499 on September 17, 2026, to deliver outreach, education, and training on early detection and citizen reporting of invasive forest pests.

The Arboretum will build and maintain a sustained base of citizens and organizations capable of scouting and reporting threatening invasive species to Illinois and Midwest forests, with emphasis on Asian Longhorned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lanternfly, Spongy Moth, and other pests of regulatory concern to federal, state, and local constituencies. Public participants will receive education on pest identification and reporting pathways, with all suspicious reports directed to designated state points of contact for federal and state response and determination. The award funds personnel costs of $70,200, fringe benefits of $19,656, and travel expenses of $6,104.

Performance runs from September 17, 2026, through September 16, 2027, in Illinois. No sub-recipients were specified at award. The funding falls under CFDA 10.025, the APHIS Cooperative Agreement program supporting cooperative pest-detection efforts and pest-management partnerships across state and federal partners.

Activities

This proposal is designed to deliver outreach, education, and training resulting in a continued base of citizens and organizations who can assist in scouting and reporting threatening invasive species to illinois and midwest forests. Deliverables and expected outcomes: as a result of this outreach and training, the public will become better educated about pests of concern and will better understand why and where to report suspicious pests or plant damage. All reports will be directed to the designated point of contact in the state that will respond and determine whether these reports are of concern to federal and state cooperators. Intended beneficiary(IES): this project benefits all persons who live, work or play in environments with trees. When forest insect and disease pests are found early, federal and state cooperators are often able to eradicate or reduce the spread of these threats within our natural and managed environments. Early detection and reporting of forest pests help to secure the livelihoods and quality of life of those who depend on our nation's forest resources including the nursery industry, forest product industry and other specialty crop areas including maple syrup production.subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: N/a cost analysis: personnel-staff @ 1950 hours $36.00=$70,200.00; fringe benefits @ 28%=$19,656.00. Travel(mileage, lodging, per diem)=$6,104.00. Supplies(training, outreach, printing, contractual)=$4,639.00.