Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Provide an effective public relations/educational program to communicate magnitude of the Formosan termite infestation in the U.S.; provide updates on latest in control technologies. The cooperator will participate in public meetings to educate the public concerning large area pilot tests of current contorl technologies/results. Assist in coordinationg public education through established media contacts; produce educational brochures; update FST website; expand educational outreach; and update Operation Full Stop Formosan termite gallery in the Audubon Insectarium. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Progress concluded with the 2008 Annual Report, but was not terminated because of financial management reasons. See 2008 Annual Report for last reported progress.
Impacts
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Progress 09/15/03 to 08/31/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Provide an effective public relations/educational program to communicate magnitude of the Formosan termite infestation in the U.S.; provide updates on latest in control technologies. The cooperator will participate in public meetings to educate the public concerning large area pilot tests of current contorl technologies/results. Assist in coordinationg public education through established media contacts; produce educational brochures; update FST website; expand educational outreach; and update Operation Full Stop Formosan termite gallery in the Audubon Insectarium. Approach (from AD-416) Coordinate dissimenation of public information through Operation Full Stop newsletters; informational pamphlets and website concerning the FST program. Maintain appropriate displays such as the Formosan termite gallery and the Bugmoblie to convey information on termite biology and current effective control measures and incorporate new information through periodic updates as new control technologies are developed. Upadate and maintain appropriate mobile displays to demonstrate educational materials to help reach populations in ruual areas and other venues including public schools and other public meetings of citizen groups. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The major objective of this project is to continue providing outreach and educational programs to inform the public of the magnitude of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) infestation in the U.S. During the 2007-2008 reporting year: Audubon Nature Institute�s Bugmobile continued to educate the public through direct outreach, making presentations to 27, 895; this was a 21% increase of people reached over the 2006-2007 reporting year. Programming based on age groups and National Science Standards included live termites and insects, biofacts, lecture and PowerPoint presentations. These presentations emphasize history, biology, treatment options, recent scientific advances, and preventative measures that residents can take against the Formosan Subterranean Termite. Post- Hurricane presentations have also emphasized rebuilding homes using termite preventative measures. School children receive an age appropriate termite activity booklet or FST information pamphlet. 10,000 of these printed materials were purchased and distributed for the 2007-2008 reporting year. In-depth subterranean termite training was given to 2 classes of Audubon Insectarium volunteers in preparation for the Insectariums� opening. Volunteers receive in-depth training to be prepared to encounter guest questions as they leave the Operation Full- Stop (OFS) exhibit of Audubon Insectarium. Since September 2003, outreach has offered 1,365 programs to 133,121 people. Hurricane Katrina temporarily suspended outreach in late 2005, but the public enthusiastically embraced Bugmobile when it was reactivated in 2006. Operation Full Stop Public Information (OFS)- Audubon produced a press conference in Woldenberg Riverfront Park on October 26, 2007, announcing Operation Full Stop�s progress in significantly reducing FST activity in New Orleans� French Quarter. OFS partners shared information with park visitors, and local media outlets covered the event. Audubon Insectarium opened June 13, 2008, in 23,000 sq. ft. of the U.S. Custom House in New Orleans, LA. As the first new major attraction to open since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Insectarium is attracting international media and is targeted to draw 350,000 annual visitors. The 550 sq. ft. Formosan Subterranean Termite gallery plays a pivotal role in Operation Full Stop�s educational outreach program because it cleverly packages information into 5 themed areas - Introduction to Operation Full Stop; Basic Termite Biology; Damage; Research; and Control Efforts. The gallery includes videos, interactive exhibits, and live termites in vivariums and has been seen by numerous elected officials, congressional staffers, zoo and aquarium professionals, including the OFS Technical Committee. Exhibit graphics have been updated with new details on liquid termiticides and grooming behavior; each guest is given an OFS brochure as they exit. Progress in this project is monitored through Annual FST Technical Committee Meetings, reports, regular meetings with cooperators, routine phone calls, and e-mail correspondences.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Provide an effective public relations/educational program to communicate magnitude of the Formosan termite infestation in the U.S.; provide updates on latest in control technologies. The cooperator will participate in public meetings to educate the public concerning large area pilot tests of current contorl technologies/results. Assist in coordinationg public education through established media contacts; produce educational brochures; update FST website; expand educational outreach; and update Operation Full Stop Formosan termite gallery in the Audubon Insectarium. Approach (from AD-416) Coordinate dissimenation of public information through Operation Full Stop newsletters; informational pamphlets and website concerning the FST program. Maintain appropriate displays such as the Formosan termite gallery and the Bugmoblie to convey information on termite biology and current effective control measures and incorporate new information through periodic updates as new control technologies are developed. Upadate and maintain appropriate mobile displays to demonstrate educational materials to help reach populations in ruual areas and other venues including public schools and other public meetings of citizen groups. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This report serves to document research conducted under Grant Agreement between the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Audubon Nature Institute. Additional Details of research can be found in the report for the in-house project 6435-32000-011-00D, "Coordination of National Termite Management Program." The major objective of this project is to continue providing outreach and educational programs to inform the public of the magnitude of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST) infestation in the U.S. During the 2006- 2007 reporting year: The Audubon Nature Institute�s Bugmobile continued to educate the public, primarily school- aged children, through direct outreach. Hurricane Katrina ceased all operations of the Termite Outreach Bugmobile until March 2006. In 2005- 2006 Bugmobile reached 5,249 individuals directly through 73 presentations. In 2006-2007 Bugmobile reached 26,337 individuals directly through 266 presentations. This was an increase of over 400% from the year before. Bugmobile presentations were given to camps, schools, hospitals, special events/festivals, homeowner associations and libraries throughout southern Louisiana and Mississippi. Programming based on age groups and National Science Standards included skits, live termites and insects, biofacts, lecture and PowerPoint presentations. These presentations continue to emphasize the history, biology, treatment options, recent scientific advances and preventative measures that residents can take against the FST. Post-Hurricane presentations have also included an emphasis on rebuilding homes using termite preventative measures. Each school child still receives an age appropriate termite activity booklet or FST informational pamphlet produced by the Audubon Nature Institute. It is estimated that such take home literature expanded the actual number of people reached through school presentations to approximately 79,011 individuals. The Termite outreach division is available to the public 6 days a week, 12 months a year and continues to increase public awareness through the Audubon Nature Institute website www.auduboninstitute.org. 2006-07 Audubon Insectarium/USDA Operation Full Stop Progress: Final hurricane damage repair projects were completed at the Insectarium site in late summer 2006. Rough installation of elements of the 4D Theater, Metamorphosis, and Success Stories galleries began at that time, followed by full installation of exhibit cases in the Hall of Fame. The Insect Rearing Facility (IRF) escaped flooding during the storm and is fully operational. Staff entomologists are working closely with state and federal agencies to maintain active permits on the growing insect collection. Giant scale insects and naturalistic vivarium inserts and all gallery exhibitry, will be installed by September 2007. The Field Camp will be the last gallery installed before the Audubon Insectarium opens in May of 2008. Progress in this project is monitored through Annual FST Technical Committee Meeting, reports, regular meetings with cooperators, routine phone calls, and e-mail correspondences.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 4d Progress report. This report serves to document research conducted under Grant Agreement between Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Audubon Nature Institute. Additional Details of research can be found in the report for the inhouse project 6435-32000-008-00D, Coordination of National Termite Management Program. During the 2005 - 2006 reporting year: Outreach: The Audubon Nature Institutes Bugmobile continued to educate the public, primarily school-aged children, through direct outreach. Programming was reserved through the 2005 months, but was abruptly discontinued on August 29, 2005. Hurricane Katrina hit the New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf area ceasing all operations of the Termite Outreach Bugmobile. Bugmobile was staffed and back in operation in March of 2006. From March 2006 until July 2006 Bugmobile has reached 5,249 individuals directly through 73 presentations. Programming based on age groups and National Science Standards
included skits, live termites and insects, biofacts, lecture and PowerPoint presentations. These presentations continue to emphasize the history, biology, treatment options, recent scientific advances and preventative measures that residents can take against the Formosan subterranean termite. Post-Hurricane presentations have also included an emphasis on rebuilding homes using termite preventative measures. Each school child still receives an age appropriate termite activity booklet or Formosan subterranean termite informational pamphlet produced by the Audubon Nature Institute. It is estimated that such take home literature expanded the actual number of people reached through school presentations to approximately 15,747 individuals. The Termite outreach division is available to the public six days a week, 12 months a year and continues to increase public awareness through the Audubon Nature Institute website www.auduboninstitute.org. Audubon Insectarium/USDA Operation Full Stop
2005-06 Pre-Hurricane Katrina Achievements: Three galleries had been installed for Formosan Subterranean Termites (FST), Life Underground, and the Louisiana Swamp and installation was underway in the Cafe and Cooking Show galleries. We had accepted bids on four galleries and were in the process of executing contracts when the storm struck. We were also preparing bid packages for the lobby and the gift shop. The theaters film and seats were completed and were scheduled for installation in September. Elements of the Butterflies in Flight Japanese Garden were on site, ready for installation. Audubon representatives walked through the FST exhibit to determine potential interpretive graphic panel updates given latest research results; the group suggested updating information on liquid termiticides and making available a brochure with chemical names for termite treatments. As the building neared completion, the Animal Programs staff was developing life support systems for insect
species ranging from bumble bees to diving beetles and augmenting the arthropod and invertebrate collection through breeding and acquisition from other USDA-approved sources. An initial marketing and promotional plan was approved for a late-summer 2005 launch. The operational staff was outlining and documenting procedures for visitor services, volunteers, facilities management, exhibit maintenance and food and beverage service. Post-Hurricane Katrina Actions U.S. Custom House Restoration: The U.S. Custom House sustained $8 million in damage, and as a result, exhibit installation was halted for repairs. As of June 2006, GSAs contractors completed mold remediation and ductwork cleaning throughout the building as well as roof repair. A construction scope of work is being prepared to address repairs to the buildings second, third and fourth floors. As part of its Canal Street Revitalization Project, the City of New Orleans is upgrading sidewalks in front of the building and has planted
new palm trees. Audubon Nature Institutes Progress The Insect Rearing Facility (IRF), located on a ridge of higher land in New Orleans East, escaped flooding during the storm. However, while staff was evacuated, about 30% of the live insect collection was lost. Many of the insects laid eggs, and so the IRF experienced a mini-baby boom of various stick insects and beetles. The husbandry program is back on track, with new specimens being added on a regular basis. Inside of our first-floor lease space, the Cafe and Cooking Show galleries were damaged; the contractor, Core Construction, is assuming responsibility for repairs. Elements of the Butterflies in Flight Japanese Garden, which were on site prior to the storm, will be installed in early fall 2006. Theater seat installation has been delayed until building conditions are appropriate; we project that the theater will be installed late 2006. All low bidders for four galleries (Main Hallway and Insects of New Orleans; Built for
Success; Metamorphosis; and Hall of Fame) had expressed their willingness to execute projects awarded under the initial bid process, so we have finalized and signed the contracts. These galleries will be installed in Fall 2006. We estimate that the revised opening date will be in 2007.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
4d Progress report. D. Progress Report: This report serves to document research conducted under Grant Agreement between ARS and the Audubon Nature Institute. Additional details of research can be found in the report of the parent research project 6435- 32000-008-00D, "Coordination of National Termite Management Program." During the 2004-2005 reporting year, the Audubon Nature Institutes Bugmobile continued to educate the public reaching 54,753 individuals directly through 523 presentations. Programming based on age groups and Louisiana Science Standards included skits, live termites and insects, biofacts, lecture and PowerPoint presentations. These presentations continue to emphasize the history, biology, treatment options, recent scientific advances and preventative measures that residents can take against the Formosan subterranean termite. This was a 17% increase of individuals reached from the 2003-2004 reporting year. From July 2004, to July 2005,
presentations were made to 8,974 students from economically disadvantaged populations and limited access to information on the prevention and treatment of Formosan subterranean termites. The economically disadvantaged populations reached increased by 45% and accounted for 16% of the total public reached in 2003-2004. Between August 1, 2004, and July 31, 2005, a total of over 13,098 school children and 5,637 library guests attended presentations and received literature about the prevention and treatment of Formosan subterranean termites. Each school child received an age appropriate termite activity booklet or Formosan subterranean termite informational pamphlet produced by the Audubon Nature Institute. It is estimated that such take home literature expanded the actual number of people reached through school presentations to approximately 74,000. The Termite outreach division also provided information concerning termite infestation and control to thousands of adults at festivals and
Audubon Nature Institute events throughout Southern Louisiana. The Termite outreach division is available to the public six days a week, 12 months a year and continues to increase public awareness through the Audubon Nature Institute website www. auduboninstitute.org. During the 2004-2005 fiscal year Audubon Insectariums permanent Termite exhibit was installed in the U.S. Custom House in New Orleans. Scenery West of Los Angeles produced identical permanent and traveling versions of the exhibit, which focuses specifically on the Formosan subterranean termite. The exhibit features five sections: (1) an introduction to Operation Full Stop; (2) Basic Termite Biology; (3) Formosan Brothers Deconstruction Company- Damage; (4) Research on Formosan subterranean termite; and (5) Control of the Formosan subterranean termite. The exhibit content and display designs consist of interactive interpretive stations, realistic models and live termites. The traveling exhibit was displayed at Audubon
Louisiana Nature Center through Fall 2005 and is currently available for display at another facility. The Insectariums targeted opening date has been rescheduled for late spring 2006 due to building improvements underway by the General Services Administration and Canal Street improvements overseen by the City of New Orleans through the Downtown Development District. The permanent termite exhibit has been viewed by numerous elected officials, congressional staffers, prospective donors and zoo and aquarium professionals during tours of the Insectariums future homes. Among exhibit visitors has been the Operation Full Stop Technical Committee, which toured the exhibit during its March 16, 2005, meeting. The traveling exhibit was promoted during the 2004 American Association of Zoos and Aquariums national conference, which Audubon Nature Institute hosted September 19-23. It was also promoted during the Association of Science and Technology Centers conference in October. An
informational brochure on the exhibit is included in literature distributed by Audubon Studios, Audubons design team responsible for marketing traveling exhibits.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? D. Progress Report: This report serves to document research conducted under Grant Agreement between ARS and the Audubon Nature Institute. Additional Details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 6435-32000-008- 00D, "Coordination of National Termite Management Program". During the reporting period, the Audubon Nature Institute's Bugmobile reached 45,224 individuals directly through 448 formal presentations. Programming based on age groups and Louisiana Science Standards included skits, live termites and insects, biofacts, lecture, and PowerPoint presentations. These presentations emphasized the history, biology, treatment, recent scientific advances and prevention of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST.) This was a 17% increase of individuals reached from 2002. From July 2003 through July 2004, presentations were made to 4,900 students from economically disadvantaged
populations and limited access to information on the prevention and treatment of Formosan subterranean termites. The economically disadvantaged populations reached increased by 7% and accounted for 20% of the total public reached in 2003. Between August 1, 2003 and July 31, 2004, a total of over 16, 000 school children attended presentations and received literature about the prevention and treatment of Formosan subterranean termite. Each school child received an age appropriate termite activity booklet or Formosan subterranean termite informational pamphlet produced by Audubon Nature Institute. It is estimated that such take-home literature expanded the actual number of people reached through school presentations to approximately 95,000. The Termite Outreach Division also provided information concerning termite infestation and control to thousands of adults at festivals and Audubon Nature Institute events throughout southern Louisiana. In late 2003 the Audubon Nature Institute
website: www.auduboninstitute.org was updated to include information and registration forms for the Termite Outreach Division. This change increased public awareness, and the Termite Outreach Office received nearly 1,100 (termite related specific) phone calls. During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, Audubon Insectarium's Termite exhibit was constructed by Scenery West of Los Angeles. Scenery West of Los Angeles produce two identical versions of the exhibit, which focuses specifically on the Formosan subterranean termite. The exhibit features five sections: (1) an introduction to Operation Full Stop; (2) Basic Termite Biology; (3) Formosan Brothers Deconstruction Company- Damage; (4) Research on Formosan subterranean termite; and (5) Control of the Formosan subterranean termite. The exhibit content and display designs consist of interactive and realistic models and live termites. One exhibit will be housed permanently in Audubon Insectarium (currently scheduled to open in the spring of
2005), and the other will be a nationally traveling exhibit. The traveling exhibit debuted at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center in March of 2004. Audubon held VIP viewings of the exhibit: Pest industry professionals visited on March 10, and the Operation Full Stop Technical Committee joined Audubon's boards on March 17. A stop by Termidor's Towering Termite Tour the weekend of March 12-14 further augmented the traveling exhibit's visibility and community impact. Audubon's exhibit was praised by visitors, educators and termite professionals. The Formosan termite traveling exhibit received media attention and stories were printed in the Times-Picayune March 7, 2004 and March 6, 2004. Television news coverage aired March 3, 2004 (WWL-TV), March 4, 2004 (WVUE-TV), March 6, 2004 (WWL-TV, WGNO-TV), March 12, 2004 (WWL-TV, WVUE- TV, WGNO-TV). The traveling exhibit remains at the Nature Center.
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