Welcome to Skagit County

August 6th, 2009

New Publication on Local Insects Now Available

Insects of Skagit County, by Dr. Lloyd Eighme, has just been released for sale by Washington State University Skagit County Extension. Ten years in the making, the 150-page spiral-bound book is chock full of interesting facts and color photos of the more common insects found in Skagit County. Personal stories, humorous notes, and amazing revelations make the book as enjoyable as it is informative. There are 32 pages of photos of insects collected in Skagit County and preserved in the WSU Master Gardener collection. The book appeals to children and adults, professionals and amateurs, teachers, horticulturists, farmers, gardeners, foresters, consultants, and anyone who wants to know what that bug is doing in their garden and whether it’s good, bad, or just plain interesting.

Dr. Eighme is a retired entomologist who taught and worked in the field for 40 years. The project evolved from his many hours of assistance and teaching with the WSU Skagit County Extension Master Gardener program since 1994. One of his goals is to help gardeners recognize beneficial insects so they can reduce their use of pesticides. “It is my hope that this beginning will inspire and encourage curious people to search and to learn more about the fascinating insects in our own back yards,” he says. Dr. Eighme has donated all the time he spent creating the book, and is donating all proceeds from sales, to help support the WSU Skagit County Extension Master Gardener program.

The book is available for $25 through WSU Skagit County Extension. The book will also be for sale at regional Master Gardener events and at the Master Gardener booth at the Skagit County Fair. Call 360-428-4270 or visit http://skagit.wsu.edu for more information.