* 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 training topics and events, including tree diseases and treatments, pest management, landscaping, career advancement, invasive species, pruning, volunteer management, new research, partnerships and developing an urban forest management plan.
Rainbow Ecoscience
Protecting Beech Trees in 2026: Latest on Management of Beech Leaf Disease
Now spreading rapidly across North America, Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) continues to threaten the health and longevity of beech trees in both natural forests and managed landscapes. In this 2026 session, you’ll gain access to the most up-to-date research on the disease’s progression, learn how to identify early symptoms with confidence and discover proven management protocols and tools being used successfully in the field. Equip yourself with the latest knowledge to better protect your clients’ landscapes and strengthen your role as a trusted plant health expert. ISA CEUs available.
When: 11 a.m. Feb. 3, 2026
Where: online
Register online.
Building a Non-Neonic Toolbox: Sustainable Approaches to Pollinator Protection and Pests
This webinar will explore the current regulatory landscape surrounding neonicotinoids and highlight the urgent need for effective alternatives that safeguard pollinators while providing reliable pest control. Growing concerns about pollinator declines have led to increased regulatory scrutiny of neonicotinoid insecticides. We will introduce non-neonic solutions, detailing their modes of action, application strategies and target pests. Attendees will gain practical knowledge of how to integrate these products into their programs to build a flexible, pollinator-conscious pest management toolbox. ISA CEUs available.
When: noon on Feb. 24, 2026
Where: online
Register online.
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Landscape & Grounds Maintenance Short Course
The Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Short Course is a virtual four-week short course held each February designed to keep green industry professionals up to date on the newest industry practices and technology available. The presentations are live and include a question-and-answer period after each speaker.
When: Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, 2026
Where: online
Register online.
Landscape Professionals Conference
Learn and practice your landscape professional skills through classroom and hands-on training.
- Hardscape: Safety, Tools, Operations, Plan Reading, Excavation, Patio & Retaining Wall Installation
- Landscape: Plant Identification, Planting Techniques, Plan Reading, Edging Installation
- Maintenance: Pruning, Turf, Fertilizer & Spray, Weed ID, Mulching, Insect Control, Lighting & Irrigation
- Additional Training In: Truck & Trailer Safety and Personal Equipment Safety
When: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 4, 2026,
Where: Sunnyview Expo Center, Oshkosh
Register online.
Urban Forestry Today
Tree Committees & Urban Forestry – Making Collaboration Work
Tree committees are a common platform for volunteers and professionals to share expertise and guidance on local urban forest management. Join Connecticut’s Urban Forestry Coordinator, Dr. Danica Doroski, as she draws from research and practice to inform these important collaborations. CEUs available. Space is limited.
When: 11 a.m. Feb. 5, 2026
Where: online
Join online or visit www.joinwebinar.com and enter 719-727-803
ISA
Advanced Arboriculture and Tree Science
This in-depth, science and research-based course is designed for tree professionals and allied industries that work with and around trees and includes discussions of the latest training, techniques, science, research and tools. Biology, biomechanics, hydrology, pedology — all the important issues facing trees. And tree professionals. Constantly updated with the latest science and research for discussion. Approved for 6.5 CEU/HSW/PDH by the ISA, ASLA, SAF, and post-course credits by the NSPE, PLNA and NALP.
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2026
Where: online
Cost: $224
Register online.
The Urban Forest Myth?
What do we really mean when we say the “Urban Forest?” Are we all in agreement? What does it need to thrive? How do we know? Is it similar to a natural forest? If not, how is it different? Are we making any mistakes in trying to create or maintain it? Are there studies and standards we need to apply to it? If we can’t answer these questions, we may not be helping support our urban forests. And we need to be. This course will address all of these issues and questions, as well as how previous attempts to “design” or “manage” the urban forest have worked out. A crucial look at an important topic. Approved for 6.5 CEU/HSW/PDH by the International Society of Arboriculture, ASLA, SAF and post-course credits by the PLNA, NSPE and NALP.
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2026
Where: online
Cost: $224
Register online.
ARBOR CHAT: Planning Your Future by Establishing Your Roots
This presentation will be focused on advancing your knowledge and skills to ensure that the doors to career development remain open. Tree care is a physically demanding and dangerous job and the people working in the industry are prone to injuries that can abruptly end a career as a climbing arborist or ground crew person. This presentation will focus on Peter’s experiences as a climbing arborist of 13 years and how he entered the consulting world after experiencing a career-ending injury.
Instructor: Peter van Oss – Senior Associate Consultant Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist
When: 2 p.m. Feb. 17, 2026
Where: online
Register online.
Risks To Our Urban Forests and Woodlands
More people, organizations, municipalities and companies are realizing the importance of our tree canopy. But are we doing all we can to ensure a healthy, long-lived canopy? Are we helping or hurting trees in our urban forests and woodlands? There is data indicating all might not be as well as we hope. What are the risks to our urban tree canopy, and can we reduce them? This course looks at those risks, from grower to installer to the tree workers charged with caring for them. We still have a long way to go. Approved for 6.5 CEU/HSW/PDH by the International Society of Arboriculture, ASLA, PLNA, SAF and post-course credits by the NSPE and NALP.
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 20
Where: online
Cost: $224
Register online.
Penn State Extension
Turf and Ornamentals: Focus on Conifers
The first hour of this session will highlight common and emerging diseases affecting pine, spruce, arborvitae and other conifers, emphasizing accurate identification, disease development factors and effective management strategies. The second hour will address major insect and mite pests impacting landscape conifers in Pennsylvania, with guidance on monitoring techniques, optimal timing of control and integrated pest management approaches to support long-term tree health and resilience. Earn pesticide applicator recertification credits and other professional credential CEUs by watching this two-hour webinar.
When: noon on Feb. 10, 2026
Where: online
Cost: $20
Register online.
Frontiers in Forest Health: Oystershell Scale
Oystershell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) is an invasive insect capable of infesting more than 130 plant species, posing a serious challenge in arboriculture, urban landscapes and — most critically — the forests of the Western United States, where it threatens the health and survival of aspen (Populus tremuloides). This webinar will share current research on oystershell scale, explore the insect’s growing impact on western ecosystems and outline management strategies designed to help protect vulnerable forests from this high-impact pest. CEUs are available.
When: Feb. 17, 2026
Where: online
Register online.
Turf and Ornamentals: Right-of-Way and Weeds
The first hour will focus on developing an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) plan for long-term invasive plant control, while the second hour will highlight recent additions to the Pennsylvania Noxious Weed List and provide guidance on their identification. Both sessions will present practical management options for weed control in rights-of-way and natural areas, supporting sustainable vegetation management across diverse landscapes. Participants will earn pesticide applicator recertification credits and other credential CEUs by watching this two-hour webinar.
When: noon to 2 p.m. on March 3, 2026
Where: online
Cost; $20
Register online.
Tree Fund
Dr. Petr Hedenec with the Institute for Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, University Malaysia Terengganu will present on the distance-related effects of termite nests on soil biota and tree growth performance in urban parks of Terengganu.
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 10, 2026
Where: online
Register online.
Increasing biological control of soft-scale insects by excluding ants from trees
Caleb Wilson from the University of Kentucky will present his research. The ability of basal trunk sprays of insecticides (bifenthrin and spinosad) as well as ant baits (spinosad and Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate – DOT) were tested to exclude ants from oak trees infested with oak lecanium scale and looked at resultant impacts on scale biocontrol. Hear about research findings, future plans to expand this work and suggestions on how ant exclusion can be used to effectively manage scales.
When: March 3, 2026, noon
Where: online
Register online.
Urban & Community Forestry Society
From Crisis to Canopy: Lessons from Cedar Rapids’ Derecho Storm Recovery
In August 2020, a powerful derecho — one of the most destructive windstorms in U.S. history — swept across Iowa and the Midwest, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. Cedar Rapids, located in eastern Iowa, was hardest hit. In a matter of hours, the city lost more than 650,000 trees, 65% of its canopy, and saw neighborhoods, homes and public infrastructure suffer catastrophic damage.
From Crisis to Canopy explores how Cedar Rapids transformed an unprecedented disaster into a model for long-term urban forest recovery. This session reviews the City’s immediate response and the development of ReLeaf Cedar Rapids, a bold 10-year plan to restore the urban tree canopy. Designed as a coordinated, data-driven roadmap, ReLeaf Cedar Rapids prioritizes equitable replanting, guides species selection and aligns public and private property efforts to ensure sustained canopy restoration across the city. CEUs available.
When: noon on Feb. 11, 2026
Where: online
Register online.
Morton Arboretum
Site Planning for Invasive Species Management
Learn to assess the invasive species at a site and to set priorities for efficiently and effectively managing invasive species in this engaging online class. Through interactive online learning modules, you will explore how to prioritize management activities, learn the importance of seasonal timing of invasive species control and discuss how to develop a plan of action for stewardship at an example site. Then join your instructor for a live, scheduled Zoom session to continue your learning and discuss key elements of site management.
Instructor: Greg Rajsky, ecologist and owner, True Nature Consulting
- Previous experience identifying invasive species is recommended.
- This program includes self-paced online components and a live Zoom session.
When: Live online session, Feb. 12, 7-8:30 p.m., Self-paced materials available Jan. 29, 2026
Where: online
Cost: Member $42, Non-member $49
Register online.
Volunteer Leadership
Strengthen your skills for leading volunteers in natural areas management with this interactive workshop and gain the fundamental community organizing skills to recruit, retain and empower volunteers.
Instructor: Trinity Pierce, stewardship manager, Chicago Region Trees Initiative
Participants will learn how to:
- Plan and run a productive volunteer workday.
- Plan activities such as tree planting, invasive brush removal and seed collection.
- Bring volunteers together using social media, mailing lists and in-person meetings.
- This program includes self-paced online components and a live online session.
When: Live online session March 11, 2025, 7-8:30 p.m., Self-paced materials available March 1, 2026
Where: online
Cost: Member $42, Non-member $49
Register online.
UW Stevens Point Wisconsin Forestry Center
Tap Talks: Dr. Steve Hubbard, Director, Wisconsin Forestry Center, UWSP
The Wisconsin Forestry Center is dedicated to serving the needs of Wisconsin’s forestry community by focusing on partner-driven professional development, workforce recruitment and development, applied research and community outreach initiatives. Join us to learn more about the Center, UWSP’s Forestry programs and applied forestry practices.
When: 4-5 p.m. Feb. 15, 2026
Where: Central Waters Brewing Co. (Amherst Tap Room), 351 Allen St., Amherst
Register online.
WAA
2026 WAA/DNR Annual Conference
This conference is intended for professional arborists, community foresters, nursery professionals, park and recreation directors and staff, tree care workers, landscape architects, green industry professionals, community administrators, volunteers and students. The conference consists of a Professional Development Track, Business Track and Utility Track. Visit the ‘Practical Arborist Solution Sessions’ in the Exhibit Hall for a little hands-on training. For additional information on the conference, contact Tina Johnson at Admin@waa-isa.org or 262-899-0060.
When: Feb. 15-17, 2026
Where: KI Convention Center, Green Bay
Register online.
Riveredge Nature Center
Restoring Your Woodland: The Management Toolkit – Removal Strategies & Best Practices
This hands-on workshop is all about how to effectively and safely remove invasive plants using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. We’ll cover the full range of methods, from the “sweat equity” of hand-pulling and using specialized tools like an Uprooter, to the targeted and safe use of herbicides. A major focus will be on live demonstrations of the most effective techniques, like cut-stump and basal bark applications. We’ll also cover the most critical piece of the puzzle: timing. Learn why the dormant season is your best friend for woody removal and how you’ll tackle herbaceous weeds in the spring. You’ll leave with the confidence to choose the right tool for the right job.
When: noon – 4 p.m. on Feb. 19, 2026
Where: Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 County Hwy Y, Saukville, WI 53080
Cost: Member $40, Non-member $50
Register online.
Introduction to Pruning
Join Matt Smith, a professional Restoration Ecologist with over 22 years of experience, for an entirely outside hands-on field demonstration in the arts of pruning, coppicing and tree release for restoration and landscaping. Please dress for the weather and bring a lunch.
When: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on March 4, 2026
Where: Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 County Hwy Y, Saukville, WI 53080
Cost: Member $65, Non-member $75
Register online.
UW-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic
Fun and Games at the PDDC!
Learn about the UW-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic and the services and activities that it sponsors. This presentation will include information on both the diagnostic services and outreach efforts provided by the PDDC, as well as information on new and (hopefully) fun and exciting projects that have recently debuted or are currently in the works.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2026
Where: online
Register online.
Resource of the Month
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund and Tree Canada developed this helpful guide to assist communities in creating an urban forest management plan.