* 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 the WAA Summer Conference, leadership, pollinator habitats, safety, tree ID and the ISA Annual Conference.
Urban & Community Forestry Society
Branching Out: Navigating Your First Leadership Role
Whether you recently stepped into a supervisory role or find yourself leading without formal training, this session will provide practical tools, relatable insights and actionable strategies you can immediately apply to your work. Join the conversation and gain the confidence to lead your team with clarity, resilience and purpose. This session is approved for one ISA CEU.
At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Develop strategies for transitioning from peer to supervisor while building accountability and team cohesion.
- Apply practical leadership tools for communication, delegation, conflict management and setting expectations.
- Identify approaches for sustaining team morale, managing personal energy and preventing leadership burnout in demanding urban forestry environments.
When: July 9, 2026, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.
Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA)
- WAA 2026 Summer Conference And Pig Roast
Spanferkel with a Smorgasbord of Arboricultural Knowledge
Two Tracks Of Education
Track One:
- Wood decay biology and ID
- 2026 plant problems
- Effects of urban canopy
- Wisconsin grants
Track Two:
- Electrical hazards
- Oak tree injections
- Climbing ergonomics
Outdoor Demonstrations
- Tool sharpening techniques
Conference Speakers Include:
- Chelsi Abbott – Plant Pathologist & Education Coordinator, Davey Institute
- John Ball – Professor, South Dakota State University
- Jessica Duffrin – Executive Assistant, Town of Westport
- Lee Fredericks – Western Great Lakes Territory Manager, Rainbow Ecoscience
- Brian Hudelson – Director of the Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic, UW–Madison
- Nathan Schuettpelz – Consulting Department Manager, Wachtel Tree Science
- Robert Smail – Research Scientist, WI DNR
- Mike Wendt – Arboriculture Consultant, WendtScapes LLC
When: July 14, 2026, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Community Center at Klipstine Park, Ashwaubenon
Register online.
Wisconsin Forestry Center
Wisconsin Bumble Bees And Pollinators: Identification And Habitat Considerations
Learn how to identify common bumble bee species and common forest pollinators in Wisconsin and how to create habitat to benefit pollinators. The program will start with a presentation inside and then move outside to look for bumble bees and other pollinators on flowers and in the forest.
This field workshop will begin inside; however, there will be long periods of walking outside on gravel or wood chip trails. Trail conditions can be unpredictable, and trail surfaces may be uneven. Dress for the weather, wear sunscreen and bug protection and bring your water bottle. In case of severe weather, please check your email for additional information; however, the plan is to hold this workshop rain or shine!
When: July 15, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Schmeeckle Reserve, Stevens Point
Register online before July 9.
Utility Arborist Association
Ask Me Anything About Safety
Tim Walsh is the Vice President of Safety and Training at The Townsend Company and will lead a learning-focused safety culture across a national workforce. He will take an hour to answer any questions you may have about safety and industry standards and the future of safety in the industry.
When: July 15, 2026, 1 p.m.
Where: online
Watch for registration information to open online soon.
Morton Arboretum
Basic Tree Identification
Tree identification is a useful skill that can deepen your connection with nature. Get to know the common trees you see in local preserves or in your neighborhood in this single-session class at The Morton Arboretum! You will learn how to identify a tree by:
- Recognizing characteristics such as leaves, bark, branches, flowers and fruit
- Using tree identification keys and field guides
- Closely observing your natural surroundings
When: July 18, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side, Lisle, IL
Cost: Nonmember $39; Member $32
Register online.
Tree Fund
Efficacy Of Aphidoletes Phidimyza Predator Releases To Control Aphid Populations On Linden Street Trees
Thomas Whitney, PhD will present their 2023 John Z. Duling Grant Program titled, “Efficacy of Aphidoletes aphidimyza predator releases to control aphid populations on linden street trees.”
When: July 21, 2026, noon
Where: online
Watch for registration to open online soon.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
ISA 2026 Annual International Conference
The Annual International Conference provides a forum for participants to learn and network with others in the arboricultural field. Attendees will enjoy a lineup of keynote speakers and educational breakout sessions led by industry leaders from around the globe, who will share their insights on research, practice and technology.
When: Aug. 10-12, 2026
Where: Marriott at Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI
Register online.
Resource of the Month:
Visit the TCIA Tree Care webpage for tree care advice on everything from planting to removal and everything in between. Tree Care Tips is created and maintained by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and provides homeowners with information on caring for trees and protecting landscapes.