D3250: The formation and evolution of the ESA Eastern Branch starting in the 1920's: Our roots in collaboration and connection

The Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America started with collaborations and connections within a group of entomologists who called themselves the “Northeastern Entomologists.” Especially because of the rising number of invasive pest species and the need to understand their biology and ecology, they felt a need to work across state lines to obtain the information they needed for their extension programs. Oriental fruit moth, Japanese beetle, codling moth, and mosquitoes were among the pests of concern. The group started meeting during the summer at locations that demonstrated ongoing research. Frost and Headley (PA) initiated communications, and the group immediately began to seek the formation of a branch of the American Association of Economic Entomologists. It was 10 years before they finally had the “First Annual Paper-Reading Session of the Eastern Branch of the American Association of Economic Entomologists”, November 21-22, 1929, at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, chaired by Ernest Cory, University of Maryland. Although Eastern Branch meetings have grown in diversity and in the support of students, the focus is still on applied aspects of entomology. In addition, however, topics of conservation biology, ecosystem services, trophic interactions, behavior, vector biology, as well as sessions on education and extension delivery, are now included. The Eastern Branch is currently adding additional services to support our members. The poster will describe the history, as well as describe new initiatives within the Eastern Branch to expand our collaborations and connections in the future.