* 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 biopesticides, invasives, urban trees and fire, tree diseases, ecological restoration, safety and woodland trees and management.
PennState Extension
Biopesticide Basics
Biopesticides are a valuable component of integrated pest management, providing targeted, often more sustainable approaches to pest control. This two-part webinar series introduces the fundamentals of biopesticides and examines how they can be applied effectively in real-world systems. Participants will build a clear understanding of what biopesticides are, how to select appropriate products and which factors influence their success. Drawing on practical experiences – including insights from controlled environment agriculture – this course offers actionable guidance to support confident decision-making and implementation. Designed for both beginners and those seeking to strengthen existing practices, the series requires no prior experience with biopesticides.
When: Aug. 3 & 4, 2026, 11a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: online
Cost: $20
Register online by July 31.
Invasive Species: Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is among the most aggressive invasive plants in North America, known for damaging infrastructure, displacing native species and forming dense monocultures along waterways and other disturbed landscapes. This webinar examines the plant’s origins, its introduction and spread across the United States and the biological traits that make it such a persistent management challenge. Participants will gain practical guidance on identifying Japanese knotweed in the field and learn about current best practices for effective control and long-term management.
When: Aug. 7, 2026, noon
Where: online
Register online by Aug. 7.
Invasive Species: Beech Leaf Disease Nematodes
Beech leaf disease (BLD) is an emerging and destructive threat to native and ornamental beech trees across North America. This webinar examines the tiny but powerful culprit –Litylenchus crenatae mccannii, a foliar nematode responsible for the disease – and explains how it is identified and diagnosed, how it spreads within and between trees and what current research reveals about its biology, transmission and host interactions.
Participants will also gain insight into remaining knowledge gaps, the broader ecological impacts of BLD and the management implications for forest health and landscape professionals working to protect beech resources.
When: Sept. 4, 2026, noon
Where: online
Register online by Sept. 4.
Urban & Community Forestry Society
Introduction To Urban Trees, Fire Behavior And Zone 0 (Part 1)
As wildfire impacts continue to grow across communities, arborists and urban foresters are increasingly called upon to assess, reduce and communicate wildfire risk. In this introductory session of the Wildfire And The Urban Forest series, we will explore the role urban trees and vegetation play in wildfire behavior, focusing on the pathways of ignition and spread in urban areas and the Wildland-Urban Interface.
When: Aug. 5, 2026, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.
Blueprint For Wildfire Resilience: Using Maps, Plans & Data To Protect Urban Trees (Part 2)
Blueprint For Wildfire Resilience highlights the growing role of GIS, spatial risk modeling and interactive planning tools such as StoryMaps – technologies that are helping communities visualize risk, communicate priorities, engage stakeholders and make more informed decisions about urban forest management and wildfire mitigation. Whether you’re developing plans, managing trees, advising decision-makers or collaborating across departments, you’ll leave with a stronger understanding of planning tools that can help integrate urban forestry into community wildfire resilience strategies.
When: Sept. 9, 2026, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: online
Watch for registration info coming soon.
Turning Knowledge Into Action Workshop: Applying Wildfire Science And Planning in Urban Forest Management (Part 3)
Understanding wildfire risk is only the first step – creating safer, more resilient urban forests requires turning knowledge into action.
In the Turning Knowledge into Action Workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to join the conversation in small breakout groups with wildfire resilience and fire prevention experts to discuss local concerns, ask questions and explore practical solutions. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how wildfire science, risk assessments, planning frameworks and community engagement strategies can support informed decision-making and effective mitigation efforts. Whether you’re an urban forester, arborist, planner, community leader or wildfire practitioner, this workshop provides an opportunity to dig into the details with experts and peers, explore challenges unique to your community and identify meaningful next steps.
When: Oct. 14, 2026, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: online
Watch for registration info coming soon.
International Society Of Arboriculture
ISA Annual Conference
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Annual International Conference offers a forum for participants to learn and network with others in the arboricultural profession. This event provides a lineup of keynote speakers and educational breakout sessions led by industry leaders from around the globe, sharing their thoughts and views about research, practice and technology.
When: Aug. 10-12, 2026
Where: Detroit, MI
Register online.
Utility Arborist Association
Solar Site Vegetation Management 101
Renewable energy is here to stay as part of a diverse energy strategy. Get ahead of the curve or catch up with new responsibilities added to vertically integrated utilities’ vegetation management portfolio. From construction to operations, solar site vegetation establishment and maintenance are crucial to safety, reliability, efficiency, environmental concerns and customer relations as for rights of way.
When: Aug. 12, 2026, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: online
Register online.
The Morton Arboretum
Natural Areas Management
Remnant and restored natural areas such as woodlands, prairies and wetlands act as reservoirs for plant, animal and insect diversity. This class will visit a variety of managed ecosystems in the Chicago area and discuss current conservation challenges and strategies. Participants will learn how site managers plan for restoring and managing these critical habitats. This program includes self-paced online components and in-person sessions located at local sites of conservation interest.
Instructor: Dave Hodge, environmental scientist and owner, Turning Leaf Conservation
When:
Self-paced components available online Aug. 5, 2026, noon
In-person sessions: Aug.15 & 22, 2026, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: location varies, see program schedule
Cost: nonmember $60, member $51
Register online.
Thrive Outside Wellness Adventure
Nature and social connections have both been proven to have positive mental health benefits. Gather a group of friends and explore the Morton Arboretum to discover resources and activities rooted in nature and mindfulness. This is a self-guided wellness adventure through the beautiful, peaceful setting of the Morton Arboretum’s west side. You and your group will follow an adventure map to discover up to 10 outdoor wellness stations placed throughout the grounds. Each station introduces you to a different nature-based mental health practice and invites you to try it for yourself. Ages 13 and up.
- Two-hour experience: Unlock four wellness stations and all the adventure that comes with them
- Four-hour experience: Access to all 10 wellness stations, plus a Thrive Outside drawstring bag packed with goodies to enjoy throughout the day
When: Aug. 8, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Morton Arboretum, Thornhill Shelter (parking lot P-21), West Side
Register online.
Woodland Trees
Learn to identify the trees you see every day in the woodlands and neighborhoods of the Chicago region. Explore the ecology of various tree species and find out why they grow in each habitat. Learn about special considerations for restoring our native tree species. This program includes self-paced online components and an in-person session at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Katrina Lewin, plant records coordinator, The Morton Arboretum
When:
Online materials available Aug. 12, 2026, noon
In-person session: Aug. 20, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Morton Arboretum, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Cost: nonmember $49, member $42
Register online.
Intro To Ecological Restoration
Ecological restoration is a process for recovering forests, grasslands and other ecosystems that have been degraded. Engage with experts in natural resource conservation and fellow participants and volunteers to challenge your assumptions and have conversations about ecological restoration. Explore what we mean when we say ecological restoration, consider examples in concept and practice and discuss the implications of this work. This program meets in person at the Arboretum. Ages 16 and up.
Instructor: Spencer Campbell, senior manager of natural areas, The Morton Arboretum
When: Aug. 29 & 30, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Morton Arboretum, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Cost: nonmember $60, member $51
Register online.
Ecosystem Concepts
Develop your knowledge of ecological food webs and species interdependence and learn how to manage natural areas in ways that support biodiversity. In this class at the Morton Arboretum, participants will discuss influential variables that determine habitat quality and shape an ecosystem – such as light, water, fire and herbivory. An emphasis on the cyclical nature of the seasons and life history of native species will provide insights for short-term and long-term natural areas management.
This program includes an online component you will complete on your own and a scheduled in-person field session at the Morton Arboretum.
Instructor: Dave Hodge, environmental scientist and owner, Turning Leaf Conservation
When:
Self-paced components available online Sept. 2, 2026, noon
In-person session Sept 12, 2026, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Morton Arboretum, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Cost: nonmember $49, member $42
Register online.
Wisconsin Forestry Center
Oak Wilt Biology And Management
Learn how to recognize, prevent and manage oak wilt in this field-based workshop designed for landowners and nature enthusiasts. Join Dr. Holly Petrillo, Professor of Forestry at UW-Stevens Point and Alex Hornung, forest health specialist, for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a short classroom presentation on oak wilt biology, followed by a field tour of a diseased and managed oak wilt site.
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.
When: Aug. 18, 2026, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Schmeekle Reserve, Stevens Point
Register online by Aug. 13. Space is limited.
Tree Fund
Can Mandatory Minimum Clearance Requirements Between Trees And Powerlines Successfully Reduce Injuries And Death To Workers And The Public?
Lawrence Kahn will present their 2023 Safe Arborists Techniques Fund Grant Program.
When: Aug. 25, 2026, noon
Where: online
Register online.
Resource Of The Month: Managing Small Woodlots
In early 2026, UW–Madison Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources developed a three-part series of classes specifically for small woodlot owners. The series addresses woodland owners’ common concerns and questions, giving you advice and resources to steward your land. Explore this page to watch the recordings and access resources.