* These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute endorsement by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
See below for information on training topics and events including i-Tree, American elm research, oak health issues, invasives and private equity.
i-Tree
i-Tree Office Hours Are Back
Although school is (almost) out for the summer, i-Tree monthly open office hours will return on each second Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. CT. Join to check out one of the most popular ways for users to ask questions and get tips from the support team. This once-a-month ask-us-anything hour is planned to go through the end of 2026.
As in the past, office hours will remain an informal drop-in session dedicated to answering your questions. There’s no need to register. Join by using the link on the i-Tree website.
EAB Network
Novel Wilt In Sassafras
Sassafras wilt is an emerging threat to sassafras populations in the central hardwood region. Beginning in 2019, localized sassafras wilt was observed in southern Indiana. Symptoms initially raised concern that laurel wilt disease had expanded into the region. However, neither the causal agent (Harringtonia lauricola, previously Raffaelea lauricola) nor its primary vector (Xyleborus glabratus) have been recovered from affected trees in the state. Instead, a novel Ophiostoma sp. and other non-native ambrosia beetles have been recovered from symptomatic trees. Our study aimed to characterize the novel fungus and evaluate its pathogenicity to sassafras. Our results show that the recovered isolates belong to a novel species of Ophiostoma, referred to here as Ophiostoma lauricola sp. Nov, and that it is capable pathogen of sassafras. Attend this webinar to learn more.
When: June 4, 2026, 11 a.m.
Where: online
Register online.
American Elm Tree Resistance Breeding And Restoration
The US Forest Service and partners are breeding American elm trees with resistance to Dutch elm disease. Hear the latest updates from resistance trials and progress on seed orchard plantings.
Dr. Kathleen Knight is a research ecologist with the US Forest Service Northern Research Station. She co-leads the American elm breeding program and studies impacts and management of emerald ash borer.
When: June 18, 2026, 11 a.m.
Where: online
Register online.
City Parks Alliance
Greater & Greener 2026
Greater & Greener is the premier event for innovators and decision-makers from across the global urban parks community. It’s the only event dedicated to exploring the full potential of parks as city-building tools.
When: June 13-16, 2026
Where: Austin, TX
Register online.
UW-Stevens Point
High School Forestry Skills Camp
The Forestry Skills Camp is an immersive training experience for high school students in which you can choose one of three paths. Each path will be taught by professionals in the industry, allowing you to learn more about the careers that are available in forestry and forest products.
The first two days of camp will be training in wilderness first aid, then the following three days will be spent immersed in the path you chose. This camp is designed to build real skills used in the forest industries and each path will provide one forestry credit at UWSP.
When: June 14-16, 2026
Where: Central WI Environmental Station (Amherst Junction, WI)
Cost: $450
Register online.
International Society of Arboriculture
Arbor Chat: Technical Specialist
Urban forests across North America continue to face escalating pressure from invasive and native insect pests. This session introduces azadirachtin – a botanical, systemic insecticide extracted from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) – being widely used to manage a broad range of destructive forest pests such as emerald ash borer, European elm scale, spongy moth and sawflies.
When: June 16, 2026, 2 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.
Tree Care Industry Association
Private Equity 101
It’s no secret that private equity is a hot topic right now – both in the greater world and within the tree care industry. But what exactly is private equity? What are the different types of private equity? What are some practical, relatable insights about private equity that you need to know? This webinar will lay the foundation of private equity, providing TCIA members with the baseline knowledge to help you understand intelligently about this new trend.
When: June 18, 2026, 2 p.m.
Where: online
Cost: Non-members: $20, Members: free
Register online.
Midwest Invasive Plant Network
What Is Go Beyond Beauty?
The Go Beyond Beauty (GBB) program has evolved significantly since its creation over 10 years ago, most recently expanding outside of the northwest lower peninsula of Michigan to other parts of the state via GBB ‘Hubs’. Learn about how this ornamental invasive plant awareness program uses positivity-led messaging that bridges the gap between traditional horticulture, gardening professionals and backyard conservation.
When: June 23, 2026, 11:30 a.m.
Where: online
Register online.
PennState Extension
Oak Wilt, Bacterial Leaf Scorch Or Something Else?
Learn to identify oak wilt, bacterial leaf scorch and other common issues. Gain practical skills in diagnosis, sampling and management to support effective oak health decisions. CEUs available.
When: June 29, 2026, 11 a.m.
Where: online
Cost: $10
Register online.
Resource of the Month: Canopy Vs. Concrete: The Politics Of Trees
Everyone loves trees — so why do so many of our local cities keep cutting them down?
Despite decades of ordinances and pledges to protect them, trees are routinely lost to development, road widening, power lines and city maintenance projects. The Politics of Trees digs into the contradictions at the heart of Kansas City’s relationship with its canopy.
Watch the short Kansas City PBS documentary on YouTube.