The Joro spider, an arachnid that's been in the United States for years in some southern states, has been trending in the news lately as the next potentially invasive species to land in New York State. Some media hypes giant, venomous, flying spiders, but how concerned should we really be here in New York about their potential arrival?

To address these questions Alejandro Calixto, Director of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University joins this episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s ‘Extension Out Loud’ podcast. Calixto discusses the myths surrounding the Joro spider and the impacts of a changing climate on the spread of invasives. While large and venomous like many spiders, the Joro spider does not pose a direct threat to humans.

"Every spider has venom, but their venom is primarily for capturing prey and defense, not for attacking humans," said Calixto.

One common misconception Calixto addresses is the idea of Joro spiders flying into homes or attacking pets. While they can disperse using a technique called ballooning—where they release silk strands to catch the wind and travel—they do not have wings or parachutes and are not aggressive towards humans or pets.

Calixto highlights concerns about the Joro spider potentially outcompeting native species like the golden silk weaver in habitats where they overlap. However, their slow dispersal rate means any effects would likely be gradual and localized.

Focusing on more immediate concerns for New Yorkers, Calixto mentions the rise of pests like the spotted lanternfly and the increased activity of ticks due to milder winters. These changes underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive pest management strategies to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture and public health.

To learn more about the Joro Spider and other invasive pests in New York State visit the NYS Integrated Pest Management website.

A trip to the grocery store today is an exercise in balancing budget against nutritional need. For many community members, these calculations lead to decisions based on economy and convenience. For historically underserved populations, this process is complicated by issues of access and the expense of healthier choices. Addressing this challenge is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), whose goal is to help folks understand and maximize the impact of food dollars.

Federally funded and present in every state and U.S. territory, EFNEP programs are delivered locally through the Cooperative Extension system. This year marks the 55th anniversary of EFNEP, a celebaration that highlights the importance of local partnerships in empowering communities to eat healthier.

This episode of ‘Extension Out Loud’ focuses on the impacts of EFNEP through a conversation with Carol Parker, nutrition and health program leader and Cynthia Fouyolle, community nutrition educator for Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City (CUCE NYC), which administers EFNEP programming in the Big Apple.

I like to describe us as being rooted and planted in the neighborhood. The communities that we're working in are the communities that we've been working in for over 50 years.

-Carol Parker

Before becoming an community educator, Fouyolle was an EFNEP program participant. Her journey illustrates the success of the embedded approach to education that forms the core of nutrition education by CUCE NYC.

One of the things about the program is not only the food preparation. It's not only the exercise. It's not only what they've been learning. It's the passion that we share with the participant. It's the respect.

- Cynthia Fouyolle

Parker and Fouyolle discuss EFNEP’s history, educational approaches, and significant impacts over 55 years. The conversation highlights the importance of partnerships with schools and community organizations, and the diverse linguistic and cultural adaptations in teaching methods. It also emphasizes the long-term behavioral changes and empowerment of participants.

About FNEP

Learn more about EFNEP in New York City