CEMA Hosts Annual Meeting in Kansas

OLATHE, Kan. — The Certified Entomologists of Mid-America (CEMA), a chapter of the Entomological Society of America, held its annual meeting on Aug. 1–2, in Olathe, Kan.

The event began in the evening on Friday, Aug. 1, with a social gathering and dinner, allowing members to reconnect and network. On Saturday, Aug. 2, there was the annual board meeting. After the meeting, the group enjoyed a tour of the Pollinator Prairie, a site once used as a chemical brokerage and recycling facility.

Now transformed, the prairie boasts vibrant native plants, wildflowers and indigenous insect populations. Participants explored the diversity of insect life that has grown in this revitalized ecosystem surrounding the former chemical collection site. 

North Central Branch of CEMA attendees represented all four states within the CEMA region: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.

Members come from various backgrounds, including academia, research and development, product manufacturing, consulting and pest management. This rich diversity of expertise creates a dynamic environment for learning and sharing insights, the chapter said.

CEMA also supports the advancement of entomology by sponsoring several awards annually for outstanding extension projects within the Entomological Society's North Central Branch.