Entomological Society of Pennsylvania

Dear ESP members,

The Entomological Society of Pennsylvania (ESP) is the oldest entomological society in

the country, being over 100 years old. Since its inception, the goal of the group has

been to support entomological research and education on numerous levels, from the

academic professional, to aspiring students, and to enthusiastic members of the public.

We’ve hosted annual meetings, collection trips, museum trips, supported student

research, and participated in bioblitzes and other organized public events. From all of

this, we’ve done our best to have a positive impact on this field of study and to leave a

positive impression on the scientific community no matter what “level” you may be on.

Unfortunately, we are in tough times and ESP as we know it needs to change to survive.

Over time, the group has seen a steep decline in interest which has significantly

affected both the membership and the ability of the executive committee to perform its

basic functions. In an effort to reform and reestablish ESP, we are calling for an all-

hands-on-deck Town Hall Meeting that will open to everyone on June 16, 2026 at 7pm. 

(people who don't receive a link for the meeting by June 22 may email Mike Slater at paplantings@gmail.com to request the link)

Here, we will present a history of the group, describe the current challenges, and outline

potential ways forward. A significant portion of the way forward will entail tapping ESP

membership for new leadership as well as new ideas on how to save the group from

dissolving. A Zoom link to the meeting will be emailed to the membership and posted to

the website so everyone, even non-members, can be part of the discussion. Please,

join us for this Town Hall and be part of saving ESP.

Sincerely,

Mark Swartz, ESP Presidenthe Entomological Society of Pennsylvania or “ESP”, one of the longest running, active entomological societies in the country, is currently restructuring. 

We are enthusiastically asking the entire membership, from the life-long academic to those that just enjoy bees on zinnia’s, to become involved in the process and continue the societal contributions to entomological education and awareness across Pennsylvania.

For now, here is how we would like to moving forward:

  1.
Please refrain from sending dues or other payments. We are attempting to convert ESP to a 501c3 status.

  2.
A virtual town hall meeting will be announced soon to discuss the role of ESP and potential options for the future.

  3.
This announcement will be followed        with a meeting agenda that will outline the goals and objectives of the discussion.

Entomological research, education, and training are currently at a crossroads and during a time when the world of insects is in a precipitous decline. So are many professional societies, conservation groups, and academic programs. ESP has provided scholarships, scientific conference opportunities, contributed to scientific research programs and educated a wide range of entomology enthusiasts. We need your help to continue the society because without it, it may not last.

Mark Swartz, Wildlife Biologist 3
Ft. Indiantown Gap NGTC
Annville, PA 17013 

 The Entomological Society of Pennsylvania or “ESP”, one of the longest running, active entomological societies in the country, is currently restructuring. 

We are enthusiastically asking the entire membership, from the life-long academic to those that just enjoy bees on zinnia’s, to become involved in the process and continue the societal contributions to entomological education and awareness across Pennsylvania.

For now, here is how we would like to moving forward:

  1.
Please refrain from sending dues or other payments. We are attempting to convert ESP to a 501c3 status.

  2.
A virtual town hall meeting will be announced soon to discuss the role of ESP and potential options for the future.

  3.
This announcement will be followed        with a meeting agenda that will outline the goals and objectives of the discussion.

Entomological research, education, and training are currently at a crossroads and during a time when the world of insects is in a precipitous decline. So are many professional societies, conservation groups, and academic programs. ESP has provided scholarships, scientific conference opportunities, contributed to scientific research programs and educated a wide range of entomology enthusiasts. We need your help to continue the society because without it, it may not last.

Mark Swartz, Wildlife Biologist 3
Ft. Indiantown Gap NGTC
Annville, PA 17013