Students' Artwork Selected for Statewide Calendar

Two L-S students are among the winners in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s (DPA) Spotted Lanternfly Awareness Calendar Contest. First grader Austin Carson is the second place winner in the first and second grade category and fifth grader Audrey Wieand is the third place winner in the fifth and sixth grade category.

The DPA sponsored the contest to raise awareness of the threat posed by the spotted lanternfly. It was first detected in Berks County in 2014 and has been spreading through our area. Spotted lanternflies infest plants and damage crops, including important crops like grapes, stone fruits, and apples.

“When an invasive species enters Pennsylvania, we need the help of our communities to eradicate it,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding when announcing the contest in September. “This contest will educate students about the threat posed by this invasive insect, help Pennsylvanians better identify it, encourage discussions amongst students and their families, and provide awareness and engagement across the state.”

Austin and Audrey traveled to the 2019 PA Farm Show on January 8 to be publicly recognized for their award-winning artwork. Austin’s poster will be on the calendar’s May page and Audrey’s will appear on the November page. Calendars can be obtained at the Farm Show by visiting the Penn State University or DPA booths.

Read LNP's article

Sources

PA Department of AgricultureSpotted Lanternfly Alert

Department of Agriculture Encourages Pennsylvania Students to Enter Spotted Lanternfly Calendar Contest

USDA Press Release No. 0031.18 Perdue Announces Emergency Funding for Spotted Lanternfly in Pennsylvania

Photos: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture