Unpacking how Prescribed Fire Affects Ticks in the Albany Pine Bush.

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Abstract - Prescribed fire is routinely utilized by land managers to promote the health of Northeast Pitch Pine Barrens, including at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. But can that same burning also benefit the health of people by reducing tick abundance? During this talk, we will explore how fire management influences tick population dynamics in Northeast Pitch Pine Barrens and discuss the implications of that effect on efforts to moderate incidence of tickborne disease. In doing so, we will consider whether prescribed fire could play a role in integrated pest management strategies geared towards lowering the burden posed by such illnesses on people and domestic animals.

Bio - Sam Gilvarg is a PhD candidate at SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry. His research primarily explores how we can address problems that exist at the interface of human health, animal wellbeing, and environmental conservation through a “One Health” oriented approach. Currently he is focused on studying how fire management interacts with tick populations in Northeast Pitch Pine Barrens. He holds a B.A. (Environmental Studies & History) from Gettysburg College and a M.S. (Conservation Medicine) from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

Suitable for tweens, teens and adults.

This lecture is being offered in a hybrid format.

IN PERSON: If you would like to attend in person, please reserve your tickets below.

VIRTUAL: If you would like to watch it online, please click here to get a link.