* 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 training on urban forestry basics, tree risk fundamentals in Spanish, plant diseases and pests, invasive species, student apprenticeships, nut trees and other urban forestry resources.

University of Minnesota-Extension
Join the University of Minnesota Extension foresters to discuss some of the key issues and questions around forest and woodlands facing landowners. These online sessions will be very informal, open to the public and free of charge. Each session will start with a brief presentation, followed by a discussion framed around participants’ questions on the topic. Each Zoom will be from 9-10 a.m. The remaining 2026 topics and presenters are listed below.

• March 27: Recognizing, Preventing and Managing Oak Wilt.
• April 10: Growing and selling wood: Production forestry on private lands.
• April 17:  Get Ready for Tree Seed Collection in Spring.
• April 24: Management Considerations to Enhance Forest Habitat for Birds.

When: Fridays, 9 – 10 a.m., Jan. 30-April 24, 2026
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Register online.

ISA

ARBOR CHAT: Tree Risk Assessment Fundamentals in Spanish
Join Luis Ignacio Cruz Moran for Arbor Chat: Tree Risk Assessment Fundamentals in Spanish (Evaluación y Gestión del Riesgo de Árboles). This educational program provides arborists with a comprehensive introduction to tree risk assessment following ISA Best Management Practices and ANSI A300 standards. Participants will learn how to identify tree defects, site factors and target characteristics that contribute to tree failure potential.

The course covers fundamental concepts including tree structure, decay identification, root plate stability, load factors such as wind and slope and human targets. Risk rating methodology, documentation practices and mitigation recommendations will be discussed in detail. Registration closes on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 2 p.m. CST.

When: April 1, 2026, 8 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.

Trees And The Design/Build Industries
Many industries work with and around trees, but there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding them. If Tree Professionals, Landscape Architects, Engineers and Architects better understand the needs of each other, as well as the needs of trees, truly sustainable designs are a more likely outcome. Approved for 6.5 CEU/HSW/PDH by the ISA, ASLA, SAF and post course credits by the NSPE, PLNA and NALP.

When: April 10, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: online
Cost: $224
Register online.

ARBOR CHAT: Barkophiles – Why We Love Bark
Bark isn’t just a protective covering—it’s one of the most overlooked, yet striking, ornamental features in our landscapes. From dazzling color shifts to the rich textures of smooth, ridged or peeling surfaces, bark tells a story year-round. Early and later stages of exfoliation reveal hidden layers that add drama and intrigue, making trees living works of art. With bark’s incredible diversity, it provides multi-seasonal interest—especially valuable in regions where winter drags on for six months and gardens crave eye-catching structure and texture. This talk explores why bark deserves more than a passing glance—and how it adds beauty, character and surprise to our landscape all year long. Registration closes April 13, 2026.

When:  April 14, 2026, 2 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.

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. It will include discussions of the latest training, techniques, science, research and tools. Biology, biomechanics, hydrology, pedology – all the important issues facing trees—and tree professionals. Approved for 6.5 CEU/HSW/PDH by the ISA, ASLA, SAF, and post course credits by the NSPE, PLNA, and NALP.

When: April 17, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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. 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: April 24, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: online
Cost: $224
Register online.

Morton Arboretum

IAA and CRTI Urban Forestry Basic Training
The IAA and CRTI Urban Forestry Basic Training course is designed for individuals who are not forestry professionals and who work with or near trees or manage staff or contractors who work with trees. These expert-led sessions include important forestry topics such as planting, pruning, tree biology, providing proper tree care and avoiding tree damage during construction. The second day will focus on basic chainsaw skills and knowledge.

When: April 9-10, 2026
Where: Homer Glen Village Hall, 14240 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Cost: $15
Register online.

Urban Forestry Today

They’re Coming – the 2026 Pests of the Landscape
Join Brian Eshenaur, NYS IPM Program at Cornell University, as he returns to discuss the potential insects and diseases of importance for the upcoming growing season. ISA/0.5 MCA CEU available.

When: April 9, 2026, 11 a.m.
Where: online
Register online or visit www.joinwebinar.com & enter: 300-245-659.

Northwoods Technical College

Garden Seminar
Transform your outdoor space! This seminar offers gardeners of all levels essential guidance for creating and maintaining healthy, attractive yards and gardens. Featured topics include growing herbs, rhododendrons, unusual shade plants and managing invasive species. A morning snack and all class materials are included in the registration fee.

• Best Practices for Growing Herbs. Instructor: Stephanie Shepler, Owner, Flirty Gardens, Chetek
• Pushing Hardiness Limits: Rhododendrons and their Companions in the Northwoods & Unusual Hardy Herbaceous Shade Plants in Northern Wisconsin. Instructor: Mike Heim, former professor of plant sciences at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University
• Unwanted Neighbors: Invasive Plant Species. Instructor: Paul Cigan, Plant Pest & Disease Specialist, Wisconsin DNR, Hayward

When: April 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Rice Lake Campus, 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI
Register online.

TCIA

Nothing Natural About the Urban Environment
Heat, poor soil quality and human intervention all present challenges for PHC professionals trying to care for the urban canopy. Arborjet | Ecologel South-Central Technical Manager, Emmett Muennink (BCMA), will go into detail on how those factors impact the health of trees and manifest as symptoms. Drawing from his years of experience in Texas and beyond, he will also outline best PHC practices for dealing with the soil, root and canopy issues you will encounter in urban environments.

Attendees will learn how urban environmental stresses — including soil conditions, irrigation issues, heat and drought, construction injury and other human impacts — affect tree health. The webinar will also cover proper planting practices and practical solutions such as soil remediation and amending, along with effective insect and disease management strategies. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to navigate urban challenges and maintain healthy soil, roots and trees and the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session!

When: April 16, 2026, 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.

TREE Fund

Tree Health Implications of Long-term Strategies to Treat Emerald Ash Borer: Long-term Effects on Tree Injections and Tree Tissue
Dr. Richard Hauer along with Dr. Andrew Koeser and Dr. Jake Miesbauer will present their 2021 Hyland Johns Grant Program titled, “Tree Health Implications of Long-term Strategies to Treat Emerald Ash Borer: Long-term Effects on Tree Injections and Tree Tissue”

When: April 21, 2026, noon
Where: online
Register online.

Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic

Plant Disease Management by Design: Preventing Plant Disease Problems During the Landscape Design Process
Learn about common diseases in landscape settings and strategies in site evaluation, plant selection, plant installation and post-installation maintenance that will help you design and establish landscapes that will have long-term sustainability.

When: April 22, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.

UAA

Remote Sensing Fundamentals: A Technical 101 for Utility Arborists
This 101 session introduces utility arborists to remote sensing and its role in vegetation management for electric T&D. Participants will learn how data is collected without physical contact using satellites, aircraft, drones and LiDAR. The session covers key sensor types—optical, multispectral, SAR and LiDAR—along with essential concepts like spatial, spectral and temporal resolution. Attendees will also gain a basic understanding of data formats, imagery frequency and how remote sensing integrates with GIS, along with its practical applications.

When: April 22, 2026, 2 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.

WAA

Student-Apprenticeship Conference
This conference includes educational sessions, connections between students and industry professionals and a fun skills competition between students. More details coming soon.

When: April 24-26, 2026
Where: Camp Whitcomb/Mason, W294N8436 Camp Whitcomb Rd., Hartland, Wisconsin
Watch for registration information coming soon.

Streamside Green

Nuts About Trees
Join this informative webinar on identifying and caring for nut-producing trees across the United States. This course explores proper nomenclature, key identification features, regional distribution, ideal soil and climate conditions and managing pests and diseases.

When: April 24, 2026, noon – 4 p.m.
Where: online
Watch for registration details online.

Resource of the month: The Northeast-Midwest State Foresters Alliance blog contains interesting and informative articles on many topics related to urban forestry such as health benefits, planting non-native trees and encouraging youth to embrace the trees around them.