Friends of Camillus Park honor biologist and gardener

The Friends of Camillus Park presented Prof. Pamela Wildridge, biologist and master gardener, with a recognition plaque at the monthly meeting, July 28, 2016.

Wildridge currently teaching Biology at Cayuga Community College and a graduate of SUNY ESF is also a noted speaker on Lyme disease and ticks.

Wildridge spoke to an audience of The Friends of Camillus Park and residents of Camillus who either have had Lyme disease or know someone who has the disease.

She shared facts of the life cycle of ticks, the pathogens they may carry and strategies to protect you and your property.

Not all ticks carry Lyme disease but the bite from an infected deer tick may.

Among the suggestions to protect yourself from ticks are:1. Do not walk through brush and high grasses.  2. Use repellents with DEET or permethrin.  3. When outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants.Tuck in your shirt and tuck in your pant legs into boots or socks.  4. Check your body for ticks, especially your neck, armpits, groin and ankles.

For more information:  ngov.net/health/lyme.html, health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/, cdc.gov/lyme.