* 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 shade trees, fruit trees, chainsaw certification, tree diseases and pests, pruning and public perspectives on trees.
63rd Annual Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course
The 63rd Annual Shade Tree Short Course is a two-day course for everyone involved in urban forestry, arboriculture and the green industry. ISA Certified Arborist® CEUs are anticipated to be available for most sessions. Trade show/exhibit hours will be available each day.
When: March 17-18, 2026
Where: Bethel University, St. Paul, MN
Register online.
Carpenter Nature Center
Apple Tree Care
Join CNC Orchardist Sam Behrends for a classroom presentation covering everything you need to know to get started growing apple trees or taking care of the ones you already have. Topics covered will include planning considerations, tree selection, planting, early care, pest management, seasonal maintenance and pruning.
When: March 2, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Carpenter Nature Center, Hastings, MN
Cost: Non-members $10, members $8
Register online.
When: March 9, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, Hudson, WI
Cost: Non-members $10, members $8
Register online.
Level 1 SAWW Chainsaw Certification
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center is hosting a Level 1 Chainsaw Certification class in partnership with SAWW Training, an umbrella organization that promotes safe and efficient chainsaw use, both professionally and recreationally. In Level 1, you will get an overview of the SAWW Training Program, go over OSHA regulations and requirements, and participate in sessions on body mechanics, personal protective equipment, necessary tools, saws, tree felling, and limbing, bucking and topping.
When: April 1, 2026, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, Hastings, MN
Cost: $160
Register online.
Rainbow Ecoscience
Protecting Beech Trees: Latest on Beech Leaf Disease
Now spreading rapidly across North America, 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.
When: March 3, 2026, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a. m.
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Canada’s Urban Forests: Protocols for Dutch Elm & Beech Leaf Disease
This webinar is built for arborists and landscape professionals facing the ongoing challenges of both Dutch Elm Disease (DED) and the newer issue of Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). While the primary focus will be on the story of Beech Leaf disease, the management of both DED and BLD is similar. Left unchecked, you can count on both issues killing trees, but by acting now, you can save these trees!
When: March 3, 2026, noon
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Supporting Pollinators in Landscapes and Strategies for Healthier Ecosystems
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 Rainbow Ecoscience’s portfolio of 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.
When: March 5, 2026, noon
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Midwest/Eastern US: Oak Disease Issues
Over the past decade, oak trees across the Midwest and the Eastern U.S. have experienced significant decline due to prolonged drought, changing climate, emerging diseases, invasive pests, and general neglect. As keystone species in both urban forests and residential landscapes, oaks play a vital ecological and aesthetic role, making their protection a valuable service.
When: March 30, 2026, noon
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Riveredge Nature Center
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: March 4, 2026, 9 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Where: Riveredge Nature Center, Saukville, WI
Cost: Non-member $75, member $65
Register online.
Apple Tree Grafting
Apple historian Dan Bussey is widely known for his expertise as the author of The Illustrated History of Apples in the US and Canada and his previous work as Orchard Manager for Seed Savers Exchange. Dan has been dedicated to the preservation and management of heirloom species and has brought many of them back from the brink of extinction. Participants will learn how to graft 3 species of apples onto M-2 semi-dwarf root stock. Registered participants get to take home 3 grafted apple trees in 7-gallon felt pots.
When: March 21, 2026
Where: Riveredge Nature Center, Saukville, WI
Cost: Non-member $110, member $100
Register online.
Urban Forestry Today
Growth & Loss: Understanding the Resident Perspectives on Urban Trees
Urban residents often desire and identify closely with trees in the municipal landscape. Join Candace B. Powning as she discusses new research about understanding the effects of sudden tree canopy loss (and regrowth!) in the urban environment. CEUs available.
When: March 5, 2026, 11 a.m.
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Morton Arboretum
Introduction to Pruning
Practice correct pruning techniques and learn which plants to prune now and, more importantly, which to prune later. The colder months are an excellent time to prune most trees and shrubs. Known as dormant pruning, thoughtful removal of branches during this period is easy and encourages proper spring growth. Learn which trees and shrubs to prune at different times of the year and the best practices in pruning different species of trees and shrubs.
In this interactive class at The Morton Arboretum, you will complete a 60-minute online component on your own before attending an in-person session. Spend the in-person session outdoors with an expert who will demonstrate what to prune and how to do it. Then put on your gloves, grab some pruners, and try it yourself.
When: in-person session-March 7, 2026; online components available-March 5, 2026
Where: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
Cost: Non-member $49, member $42
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. This program includes self-paced online components and a live online session.
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
When: Online session – March 11, 2026; online materials available March 1, 2026
Where: Virtual
Cost: Non-members $49, members $42
Register online.
Food Forest Design Workshop
Food forests are an approach to growing edible plants that incorporates all of the layers found in naturally occurring forests. This holistic approach is beneficial in several ways, both for the local population as well as for the environment. This unique garden design course provides general information and guidelines on food forests and how to plan and care for them, including information on edible native species, companion planting and other considerations for better cultivation. This course is for everyone; no special knowledge is required.
When: March 21. 2026, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Thornhill Education Center, Lisle, IL
Cost: Non-member $39, member $32
Register online.
Midwest Invasive Plant Network
Expanding Awareness of Lesser Celandine in the Midwest
There has been a noticeable increase in lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) spreading via moving waters (rivers, creeks), passing through urban areas and even popping up in residential lawns. The Michigan Lesser Celandine Coalition is helping to answer questions of “how it got there, and what are the best management practices for control?”. Learn about the formation and efforts of the Coalition to raise awareness, increase monitoring and reporting and develop best management practices for this invasive plant.
When: March 11, 2025, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Penn State Extension
Spongy Moth
Discover how to identify and manage spongy moths and learn practical steps to reduce the damage this invasive pest causes to forests and communities.
When: March 6, 2026, noon
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Frontiers in Forest Health: Elm Zigzag Update
The elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) is an invasive pest that threatens all elm species already stressed by Dutch elm disease and elm yellows, and has spread across eight states, three Canadian provinces and parts of Europe underscores its growing impact. This webinar equips participants to recognize the sawfly’s distinctive signs, understand the risks it poses to forests and communities and explore practical management strategies to help protect vulnerable elm populations. CEUs available.
When: March 16, 2026, 7 a.m.—8 a.m.
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Bug Battles: How to Defend Your Garden Against Invasive Insects
Invasive insects can pose serious threats to the health of home gardens and landscapes, often remaining undetected until significant damage has occurred. This webinar examines six common pests—hemlock woolly adelgid, allium leaf miner, Japanese beetle, spongy moth, thrips and mites—and provides guidance on identifying early signs of infestation and implementing practical strategies to reduce their impact in home garden settings.
When: March 30, 2026, 5 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Register online.
UW Madison Plant Diagnostics Clinic
Fundamentals of Plant Diseases
Learn about disease-causing organisms and the symptoms they cause, as well as information on environmental factors that favor disease development. Also, learn about disease-like disorders caused by non-biological factors such as nutrient imbalances, pesticide exposures, environmental pollutants and adverse environmental conditions.
When: March 25, 2026, 6:30 p.m.—9 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Register online.
Resource Of The Month
Do you have a question about a tree, shrub or other plant? Ask the UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture experts during their monthly Plant Health Q&A which takes place one Wednesday per month. You must register in advance so sign up early!