*These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute an endorsement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

See below for information on trainings about wood products, urban forest wildfire response, emerald ash borer (EAB), invasive plants and the educational resource of the month.

The Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute

Green Gold: Wood Residuals Summit 2025
This event will showcase new markets and opportunities that will increase the demand for wood chips, sawdust or bark and related wood-based materials.

Highlights include:

• Biochar developments. Eden Lakes Inc. will introduce its applications benefiting both forests and water.
• Developing products for diverse markets including building and construction, apparel and textiles and others.
• Sustainable aviation fuel and other biofuel projects that are created using woody biomass.
• In-woods residuals, including developing wood-fiber plastic composite for the building sector, furniture and mass timber and leveraging technology to manage the supply chain of fallen or salvaged wood.
• Market development. Learn from the experience of others in product and market development.
• Funding models will be explored to help support the range of needs to build more stable and higher value markets from wood residuals.

When: May 6, 2025, 8 a. m. – May 8, 2025, 3 p.m.
Where: Hagerty Conference Center, Traverse City, MI, United States or Virtual
Register online.

PlanITGeo

Wildfire-Ready Communities: Strategies For Resilience And Preparedness
This webinar delves into wildfire mitigation, pre-planning and best practices for incorporating wildfire risk into urban forest management plans. Experts from forestry, fire management and community engagement will share proactive strategies, including fire-resistant landscaping, community education and collaborative wildfire mitigation projects across jurisdictions.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into certification programs, risk assessment techniques and practical wildfire prevention solutions. Whether you’re a forestry professional, urban planner or community leader, this session offers actionable strategies to strengthen wildfire resilience in urban forests and surrounding communities.

When: May 7, 2025, 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Register online.

Rebuilding Resilience: Post-Wildfire Recovery Strategies For Urban Forests
This in-depth discussion will cover post-fire recovery and restoration, focusing on erosion control, stabilization, funding opportunities and reforestation strategies. In this one-hour webinar, industry experts will share critical insights, real-world case studies and innovative approaches to building fire-resilient landscapes and communities. Our panelists will explore key topics such as research findings, community analysis, hazard tree removal and ongoing recovery efforts. Whether you’re involved in wildfire mitigation, land management or community planning, this session will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical solutions for tackling the challenges of post-fire restoration.

When: May 14, 2025, 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Register online.

EAB Network

Real-Time Forecasts Of Phenology And Climate Suitability For Emerald Ash Borer In The United States
Brittany Barker, Oregon State University

When: May 13, 2025, 10 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Watch for registration details.

Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc.

Invasive Plant Management Workshop
After an introduction to the general ecology of the five functional groups of invasive plants (shrubs, perennial forbs, clonal perennials, grasses and annuals/biennials), the class will discuss, demonstrate and practice all applicable control methods (chemical and non-chemical) for these five plant types. This is a hands-on, bring-your-own lunch class.

Topics will also include:

• Identification of our common and relatively new invaders
• Planning and strategy for an effective control program
• Use of hand tools and herbicide application methods
• Herbicide concentrations, mixing and safety
• Restoration strategies for badly infested sites
• Native planting suggestions for continued restoration
• Record keeping

When: June 6, 2025, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Havenwoods Environmental Awareness Center, 6141 N. Hopkins St., Milwaukee, WI 53209
Cost: $70
Registration opens on May 5.

Educational Resources Of The Month: Fact Sheets For Plant Problems

The UW-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic provides 133 plant disease fact sheets as well as links to additional resources. Visit the website to download resources to help you diagnose and respond to you plant health issues.

The UW-Madison Department of Entomology Insect Diagnostic Lab provides an extensive list of fact sheets about insects that feed on trees, shrubs, and other outdoor plants. Visit the website to download fact sheets on everything from aphids to Zimmerman pine moths.