(Distributed 03/28/07) Spring is here, the weather is warm and sunny, and the plants and trees have budded out and started to bloom. Among all that activity, you’re probably also seeing more bees and other insects, LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet said.

(Distributed 03/28/07) Dyeing and decorating eggs is enjoyed by many families at Easter. Because eggs are perishable, it is necessary to follow food safety precautions when using them as part of the holiday festivities, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 03/27/'07) Many families face tough decisions when shopping for child care, but LSU AgCenter child-care expert Cheri Gioe says there are resources to help them make the best decisions. Agencies known as Child Care Resource and Referral Programs are located in various areas across Louisiana.

(Distributed 03/22/07) The LSU AgCenter has established an endowed scholarship to honor a longtime employee who completed her career as its director of corporate relations. The scholarship, which was set up in the LSU School of Human Ecology, is a memorial to Ganelle S. Bullock.

(Distributed 03/21/07) Officials recently broke ground for a new office building and meeting center that will help the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station implement plans for increasing its focus on urban horticulture and landscape maintenance. At the March 16 ceremony, officials said the construction of the 3,700-square-foot facility is the first step toward what is expected to be an increasing volume of research and educational programs related to the state’s "green industry."

(Distributed 03/20/07) During the week of April 16-20, school children in every parish will learn lessons about Louisiana’s wetlands, and some will actually participate in wetland renewal projects at neighboring wetland sites. These lessons and activities are all part of "Youth Wetlands Week," which educators at the LSU AgCenter hope will become an annual event in the state.

(Distributed 03/16/07) Collegiate 4-H members from 34 schools in 27 states converged on St. Bernard Parish last month to lend a helping hand in the recovery effort.

(Distributed 03/16/07) The 4-H outdoor skills program is among the fastest growing programs in some areas of the state, and hundreds of youngsters from Southeast Louisiana recently gathered to take part.

(Distributed 03/16/07) Organizers of the state's first Equine Expo last weekend (March 9-11) are calling the event a success and say plans are under way for next year.

(Distributed 03/15/07) The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Mosquito Control Association are sponsoring a workshop March 20-22 in Alexandria for those interested in being certified as commercial pesticide applicators in mosquito control and public health.