Assistant Professor-Extension Educator University of Idaho Rupert, Idaho, United States
The use of technology, specifically web-based programs, to enhance the availability of Extension Educators/Professionals to the public of Idaho is instrumental within the overarching goals of the University of Idaho Extension system. Idaho is mountainous state with vast swaths of protected federal and state wilderness areas accompanied by immense outdoor recreation areas. Idaho is a rural state with great distances between Extension offices and their accompanying experts. UI Extension Educators are experts in various fields of science, technology and youth development fields. Within Idaho’s 44 counties, there are 42 offices and only 2 recognized classically-trained Extension Entomologists. With regard to insects, arachnids and arthropods in general proper identification is the first key-step with any potential client/citizen. We developed the Idaho Insect Identification website (https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/insect-id) aimed specifically at Idaho citizens and accompanying UI Extension offices around the state. This website gives helpful hints/tips for collection, photography and most importantly includes an insect, arachnid or arthropod submission form that is sent directly to trained UI Extension Entomologists. This website allows expert identification and potential pesticide advice for any client/citizen in Idaho from any rural or urban area across the entire state.
