Support the development and delivery of public facing outreach that increases awareness, recognition, and reporting of spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, and asian longhorned beetle in ohio through…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $229,580 Cooperative Agreement to Franklin County Historical Society (doing business as COSI) on August 1, 2026, to develop and deliver public-facing outreach that increases awareness, recognition, and reporting of spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, and Asian longhorned beetle in Ohio.

COSI will create and install interactive exhibits, develop digital learning resources, deliver onsite and community outreach programs, and collaborate with state and federal partners to ensure accurate pest identification and reporting messaging. Deliverables include durable exhibit installations, scaled pest models, interpretive graphics, digital education materials, and evaluation data documenting learning outcomes, guest engagement, and reporting intent.

The award funds personnel ($39,972), fringe benefits ($12,251), travel ($3,000), equipment ($12,000), supplies ($10,000), contractual services ($91,690), other costs ($5,000), and indirect costs ($26,087). Performance occurs in Ohio, with a period of performance through July 31, 2027. The source indicates this work directly supports Ohio's ability to prevent the introduction and spread of high-consequence invasive plant pests by strengthening public awareness and prevention behaviors.

Support the development and delivery of public facing outreach that increases awareness, recognition, and reporting of spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, and asian longhorned beetle in ohio through engaging, science based educational experiences. The recipient will carry out activities including creation and installation of interactive exhibits, development of digital learning resources, delivery of onsite and community outreach programs, and collaboration with state and federal partners to ensure accurate pest identification and reporting messaging. Expected deliverables include durable exhibit installations, scaled pest models, interpretive graphics, digital education materials, and evaluation data documenting learning outcomes, guest engagement, and reporting intent. If this work is not completed, ohio's ability to prevent the introduction and spread of high consequence invasive plant pests will be significantly reduced, limiting public awareness, weakening prevention behaviors, and increasing risks to agriculture, natural resources, and specialty crops. Cost analysis: personnel-$39,972.00. Fringe benefits-$12,251.00. Travel-$3,000.00. Equipment-$12,000.00. Supplies-$10,000.00. Contractual-$91,690.00. Other-$5,000.00. Indirect cost-$26,087.00.