Jil M. Swearingen, M.S.

Invasive Species Management Coordinator

Jil Swearingen received a M.S. (1988) degree in Biology from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA through the Systematics, Evolution, and Population Ecology program. At the Center for Urban Ecology, Jil coordinates the region's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program and provides technical assistance to the parks for managing animal, plant and disease pests. She also reviews, approves and tracks pesticide use by the parks. Through presentations, trainings, and the distribution of informational materials, Jil applies the concept of "think globally, act locally" to all aspects of her pest management responsibilities.

Forest pest management - Jil oversees the management of serious forest insect pests like the European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar). She has successfully championed the use of the biological insecticide "GypChek", a virus specific to the gypsy moth, that is produced by the U.S. Forest Service. This product has been used almost exclusively for effective control of the gyspy moth since she began working for the National Park Service in 1995. Jil also coordinates the Dutch elm disease survey for the National Mall and Monument which is funded by the U.S. Forest Service.

Invasive plant management - Jil has served as Chair of the Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group since 1995 for which she created and maintains an educational web page called "Weeds Gone Wild" (http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien). The site provides fact sheets, information resources and a national database of invasive plants affecting parks and natural areas.