*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 ISA certification exam preparation, plant propagation, winter tree identification, urban forest restoration, research trends and electrical hazards.
Penn State Extension
Arborist Short Course Series
Strengthen your arborist skills with training in tree biology, care and risk management while preparing for the ISA Certified Arborist exam. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of arboriculture practices, earn ISA Certified Arborist CEUs and receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion, making this program a valuable step toward certification and enhanced marketability in the green industry.
- When: Jan. 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 23, 28 and 30 & Feb. 4 and 6, 2026, 8 – 11 a.m.
- Cost: $280
- Where: Online
- Register online.
The Science of Plant Propagation: Stem Cuttings
Discover the science behind one of the most fascinating and accessible methods of plant propagation — stem cuttings — in this engaging one-hour webinar. Explore how a simple cutting can sprout roots and grow into an independent plant and learn what factors determine success or failure in the process. This expert-led session will guide you step by step through the techniques of cutting propagation while highlighting the key internal and environmental influences that shape the outcome. Whether you are a seasoned horticulturist or an enthusiastic home gardener, this program offers a valuable opportunity to expand your knowledge and sharpen your propagation skills. Space is limited. Preregistration is required.
- When: Jan. 8, 2026, 11 a.m. – noon
- Where: Online
- Cost: Free
- Register online.
Wisconsin DNR
Wood Works: The Economic Roots of Wisconsin’s Forest Products Industry
Wisconsin’s forest products industry is more than timber and paper — it is a vital economic engine that supports communities across the state. This data-driven webinar explores the full scope of the industry’s economic impact, from employment and wage generation to production value and regional contributions.
Join the webinar to gain insights into key economic indicators, including job creation, income levels, business output, imports and exports, and the broader ripple effects on local economies. The session will highlight how sustainable forest management and manufacturing continue to drive prosperity in Wisconsin.
- Speaker: Ram Dahal, Forest Economist, Wisconsin DNR
- Who should attend: Anyone interested in Wisconsin’s forest products industry economics
- When: Jan. 13, 2026. Noon – 12:45 p.m.
- Where: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)
- Register online.
Riveredge Nature Center
Winter Identification and Management of Woody Species
Learn how to identify, manage and monitor trees and shrubs during the dormant season with Riveredge restoration ecologists. The first half of the morning will be spent indoors reviewing a large collection of freshly cut live specimens by fruit, bud, twig, branch, bark and trunk. Following lunch, we will take the course outside to review management and identify populations by setting and habitat. Please dress for the weather and bring a lunch.
- When: Jan. 14, 2026, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 County Hwy Y, Saukville, WI 53080 - Cost: Member $65, Non-member $75, Currently enrolled students $35
- Register online.
Urban Forestry Today
The State of Our Urban Forests
Urban trees face ever-challenging growing conditions, including invasive pests and increased storm activity. Initiatives to expand urban forests through planting continue to garner attention, as do emerging technologies. Join Dr. Dave Nowak, Retired Senior Scientist (USDA Forest Service), as he contextualizes current research trends and highlights new directions of discovery.
- When: Jan. 15, 2026, 11 a.m.
- Where: online
- Cost: $25
- Register online.
UCFS
Turning Data Into Action — How Tampa is Rebuilding an Equitable and Resilient Urban Forest
Join the first Learning Series session of the year! Learn how the City of Tampa is transforming its urban forestry efforts by building not just a tree planting program, but a coordinated system that connects data, city departments and community partners. This session highlights how Tampa is translating two decades of canopy loss and urban heat data into strategic, equity-focused tree plantings across both public and private property.
Following major hurricane impacts, the City of Tampa has turned post-storm recovery into an opportunity to restore and reimagine its urban forest. Through the Trees for Tampa initiative, multiple city departments, nonprofits and private partners are working together to restore canopy cover, enhance resilience and promote the benefits of trees to all residents. Approved for one ISA CEU.
- When: Jan. 21, 2026, noon – 1 p.m.
- Where: Online
- Register online.
Streamside Green
Electrical Hazards Awareness Training
Electricity is a serious and widespread hazard to arborists. Even if you’re not working around distribution lines, a simple phone line can be energized with enough voltage to kill. This informative class will keep you in compliance with ANSI to train each employee on electrical hazards and, most importantly, help keep you and your employees safe!
- When: Jan. 23, 2026
- Where: Online
- Registration opening soon.
Resource of the Month
Visit the Massachusetts Greenfield Tree Committee website to download their Starting and Operating a Community Nursery Toolkit. This document describes every step the group took to start a nursery in their community, as well as lessons learned, things to keep in mind and additional resources.