Insectary -- Biological Control in Western Colorado
Topic: The Insectary, located in Palisade Colorado, provides and monitors biological controls for public and private lands for controlling further spread of invasive non-native pest species. Our biocontrols include insects, mites and even a fungus that damage invasive weeds and animals. Successful biocontrol implementation is a long-term solution for management of invasive species when other tactics including mechanical removal or pesticide application have too steep an economic or environmental cost.
Bio: NinaLouden has worked at the Colorado Department of Agriculture Insectary for ten years . Originally from Nevada, Nina earned a Bachelor’s in Conservation Biology. She earned a master’s in Entomology at Utah State University. Working at the Insectary has allowed her to develop a better understanding of the role biocontrol plays among other integrated pest management tools. Besides rearing, collecting, and monitoring beneficial insects, Nina and her husband are rearing a three year old.