By Art Kabelowsky, DNR outreach/communications specialist, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

Gearing up for what is expected to be a busy spring and summer, specialists from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team have booked multiple public appearances for February.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources forest pathologist Kyoko Scanlon presents a talk at the 2023 North Central Forest Pest Workshop in Wausau. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Details on the scheduled February appearances:

• Feb. 3: Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health specialist for the northeast zone, reviewed Forest Health issues from 2023 during a meeting of the Fox Valley Winter Landowner Conference at La Sure’s Banquet Hall in Oshkosh.
• Feb. 3, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health specialist for the southeast zone, reviewed Forest Health issues from 2023 during a meeting of the Southeast Wisconsin Winter Landowner Conference at Waukesha Technical College in Pewaukee.
• Feb. 10, 9 a.m.-noon: Mary Bartkowiak, DNR Forestry invasive plants coordinator, will speak about invasive plants on the horizon during a meeting of the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association at Rib River by Accentu, 135737 State Hwy. 29, Marathon. The event is open to WWOA members.
• Feb. 15, 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Mike Hillstrom, DNR Forest Health specialist for the south central zone, will give a virtual talk on invasive insects and diseases for the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. The event is open to the public.
• Feb. 15, 7 p.m.: Mike Hillstrom will deliver a talk on spongy moth for the Blue Mounds Area Project at the Mount Horeb Community Center, 107 N. Grove St. The event is open to the public.
• Feb. 27, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Mike Hillstrom and Alex Feltmeyer, DNR Forest Health specialist for the central zone, will discuss oak diseases on the final day of the three-day Wisconsin Arborist Association conference at the KI Convention Center, 333 Main St., Green Bay. The event is open to the public, with a fee.
• Feb. 27, time TBA: Bill McNee will speak on spongy moth aerial spraying in urban areas on the final day of the three-day Wisconsin Arborist Association conference at the KI Convention Center, 333 Main St., Green Bay. The event is open to the public, with a fee.