Author Archives: Jsaling

Protect Your Vineyard: Why Mapping Tree-of-Heaven Matters & What Growers Can Do Now

As California strengthens its preparedness for the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), one of the most effective actions vineyard managers can take right now is helping identify and map the invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) across their properties and surrounding landscapes. Tree-of-Heaven (TOH) is more than a fast-growing weed—it is the preferred host plant that supports SLF feedingContinue reading “Protect Your Vineyard: Why Mapping Tree-of-Heaven Matters & What Growers Can Do Now”

Radar Up: Oregon State’s SLF Hatch-Timing Model – Why Sonoma County’s PCD Needs to Launch Before the First Nymph Does

🛰️ OSU’s SLF Forecast Model is live — a near real-time phenology “radar” that projects 🪺 egg hatch and 🦋 adult emergence across the U.S. Built on Oregon State’s degree-day platform and validated with field + community observations, it helps time 🔎 surveillance, 🎯 targeted control, and ⚡ rapid response while cutting costs. Read theContinue reading “Radar Up: Oregon State’s SLF Hatch-Timing Model – Why Sonoma County’s PCD Needs to Launch Before the First Nymph Does”

Winemaker Robert Butz on the Growing Threat of the Spotted Lanternfly – recent article by Kate Ryan for WTOP

In a recent article by Kate Ryan for WTOP, Robert Butz, co-owner of Windridge Vineyards in Montgomery County, shares his insights on the escalating issue of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that has become a significant threat to vineyards. Initially, Butz wasn’t too concerned about the pest, as invasive species tend to come andContinue reading “Winemaker Robert Butz on the Growing Threat of the Spotted Lanternfly – recent article by Kate Ryan for WTOP”

Calling Grape Growers & Industry Members: Join the Effort to Combat Spotted Lanternfly

July 18, 2025 — Researchers at the USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station—working in partnership with Virginia Tech, Penn State, Rutgers University, and others—are leading a multi-state initiative, Areawide Management of the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven. This project aims to suppress populations of both invasive species to improve ecosystem health, reduce insecticide use in vineyards,Continue reading “Calling Grape Growers & Industry Members: Join the Effort to Combat Spotted Lanternfly”

Attn. Sonoma County Winegrowers, this is just a little too close to home: Oregon Dept. of Agriculture warns of possible spotted lanternfly sighting in Portland

In a recent article by Michaela Bourgeois titled “Oregon Dept. of Agriculture warns of possible spotted lanternfly sighting in Portland” (KOIN, May 22, 2025), the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) reported a sighting of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Portland’s Colonel Summers Park. The sighting was submitted via the iNaturalist platform, prompting ODA andContinue reading “Attn. Sonoma County Winegrowers, this is just a little too close to home: Oregon Dept. of Agriculture warns of possible spotted lanternfly sighting in Portland”

🔍 Heads‑Up on Spotted Lanternfly: Penn State’s 2025 Hatch Predictor Is Live

—And a Powerful Reminder Why Sonoma Needs Its PCD Now The sooner you know a threat is coming, the better you can defend against it. That’s why Penn State Extension’s brand‑new 2025 Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Hatch Predictor is grabbing headlines in the East—and why it should grab our attention here on the North Coast. Developed by Dr. Dennis CalvinContinue reading “🔍 Heads‑Up on Spotted Lanternfly: Penn State’s 2025 Hatch Predictor Is Live”

DPR Pesticide Prioritization Workshop: A Stakeholder’s Takeaway

DPR Pesticide Prioritization Workshop: A Stakeholder’s TakeawayBy Jason S. ~ Sonoma County PCD Coalition Last Tuesday, April 8th, I attended the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) workshop on the new Pesticide Prioritization Process, which will shape how the state identifies and reevaluates higher‐risk pesticides over the coming years. Below is my short summary andContinue reading “DPR Pesticide Prioritization Workshop: A Stakeholder’s Takeaway”

Protecting Sonoma County Vineyards

Lessons from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Workshop and the Spotted Lanternfly Defense Summit If you’ve been following the conversation around vineyard sustainability in Sonoma County, you already know that this fall has been a wildly informative month—one filled with critical insights, collaborative action, and a renewed sense of purpose. Two recent events underscored just how importantContinue reading “Protecting Sonoma County Vineyards”

NGRA Spots SLF in Vineyard

Insight and Impact: NGRA’s Exploration of Spotted Lanternfly Infestation in Pennsylvania In a recent expedition to Berks County, Pennsylvania, a team from the National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA) observed the significant challenges posed by the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) to local vineyards and other specialty crops. This trip was part of NGRA’s ongoing efforts to facilitateContinue reading “NGRA Spots SLF in Vineyard”