DALLAS The Southwest Technical Resources Center for Integrated Pest Management in Schools has announced its annual IPM PrideTM Award competition. The competition encourages pride in school integrated pest management programs, providing cash awards of $1,000 and $500 to winning schools with outstanding programs.
Public school districts in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and Arkansas which use integrated pest management for insect and weed control are eligible to compete.
“The recognition committee is not looking for the biggest or most elaborate IPM effort,” said Janet Hurley, school integrated pest management coordinator for the Southwest Technical Resources Center at Dallas.
“The award is really about a school’s commitment and dedication to the IPM concept,” she said.
Hurley said integrated pest management is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest control. The process uses the most economic means available which pose the least hazard to people, property and the environment.
“The goal of school facilities management is to provide a safe, attractive and efficiently-run place for children to learn and grow,” said Hurley. “A top IPM program will help schools attain that goal.”
The award is made possible through a grant from the Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, a national association of specialty pesticide manufacturers, formulators and distributors.
For more information about the IPM Pride Award, visit http://schoolipm.tamu.edu or call 877-747-6872. An application form can also be downloaded from the site.
Applications must be completed and postmarked by Sept 29,. Award-winning schools will be announced by Nov. 17.
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