Oregon Students to Release 250,000 Ladybugs on Earth Day, Discover Sustainable Pest Control
by Kenny Luna, North Babylon, NY 
on 03.26.08
With folks everywhere gearing up for Earth Day 2008, the Coalition of Environmentally Conscious Growers, a partnership of farmers dedicated to the continuance of sustainable farming practices, is making this Earth Day memorable for a group of 4th graders in Oregon. They’ll be working together with them to release tens of thousands of ladybugs in a bid to help these kids better understand that there are natural alternatives to chemical pesticides.
And while the event was designed to engage local school children with the value of eco-friendly farming practices, I think it’s really a great opportunity for all kinds of learning to take place.
Because when you consider the fact that most people have never had the opportunity to watch tens of thousands of insects working together towards a positive, natural result I think it becomes obvious the kind of impression it will leave. And a lasting impression provides their teachers with a great opportunity to teach math, art, literature, social studies and science to them in various ways around the theme of environmental sustainability.
Of course the Ladybugs will simply wind up doing their part to consume pests and clean up the forest they’re heading into, but perhaps the greatest impression they’ll leave is on the way in which these lucky 4th graders view the world around them.
See also: Concerned Teachers Post Reward for School That Solves The Great Copy Machine Epidemic of 2008
via:: Jessica Root
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Hopefully they are not releasing the invasive Asian ladybugs. Since their introduction in the 80's I've rarely seen the native species of ladybug around.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_lady_beetle
Oh, lovely little ladybug, you are so super adorable. What a wonderful project. I'm going to blog about this on my eco-blog: http://www.planetpinkngreen.com. I think everyone needs to know about this! Thanks again for reporting on positive issues. That's why I keep coming back...Cheryl Janis from Planetpinkngreen.com
am I the only one with this very specific pest invading my old house during winter?
Teaching children at a young age about natural alternatives to chemical pesticides is very important to get them thinking green. These children are going to be living in a world where the need for green thinking is crucial for the environment more so than it is now. Letting the children help release thousands of lady bugs was a great way to get their minds thinking in the right direction.
Has anyone else experienced the onslaught of lady bugs in the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan area? And they bite!
GNiessen, most likely, you're actually seeing asian beetles, not ladybugs. They are imported for agricultural control, and have exploded in population.
http://www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/PlanningResourcesLandManagement/landconservation/OzaukeeDirt/00Fall/LadyBeetles.htm
And come fall, every single one will be getting into my house. Oh well, as long as it helps the children.
Seriously, good to see.
does anyone have any information on the school? or the teacher?
I would love to mini doc on the whole process....
please let me know at susancarman@verizon.net
thanks,
S
Hi,
I'm in Lincoln City, Oregon.
There are tons and tons of dead lady bugs all up and down the beach for about a mile (check the road's end state park).
There also seems to be alot of grass or waxy pine needle like grass with this long string of lady bugs...