Alex Hornung, Wisconsin DNR Forest Health specialist for Central Wisconsin, discusses the tree disease phomopsis with Chief Forester Heather Berklund during a site visit near Minocqua in July 2026. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Forest Health Communications, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Alex Hornung, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Specialist for Central Wisconsin, will discuss oak wilt biology at a workshop this month.
Hornung will take part in a Wisconsin Forestry Center/Wisconsin Natural Resources Foundation workshop on oak wilt biology and management, focused on information for landowners and the public. The discussion will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Schmeeckle Reserve, 2419 N. Point Drive, Stevens Point. She will be joined by Dr. Holly Petrillo, Professor of Forestry at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
The event will start with a short classroom presentation on oak wilt biology, followed by a field tour of a diseased and managed oak wilt site. Participants will learn to recognize, prevent and manage oak wilt. The field workshop will include long periods of walking outside on gravel or wood-chip trails. The trail conditions may be unpredictable and uneven. Participants should dress for the weather, wear sunscreen and insect protection and bring a water bottle. The event is likely to be held rain or shine.
Online registration is open for the event, with deadline of Thursday, Aug. 13. There is a $25 fee for general audience members.
Cigan Hits The Airwaves To Talk Forest Health
Paul Cigan, DNR Forest Health specialist for Northwest Wisconsin, appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Garden Talk program on July 17 to discuss forest health topics including oak wilt, emerald ash borer, spruce budworm and tent caterpillars. After many visits to the show hosted by Larry Meiller, who recently retired, Cigan this time chatted with the show’s new host, Jill Nadeau.
Hillstrom To Visit Christmas Tree Convention
Mike Hillstrom, the DNR’s Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator, will make a presentation on forest health to the Heartland National Christmas Tree Organizations’ Convention, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, at Hann’s Christmas Farm, 848 Tipperary Road, Oregon, WI 53575.
Hillstrom will team up with Brooke Sanneh of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for a presentation titled “What’s Creeping In From the Forest: Insects, Diseases and Plants Impacting Christmas Tree Health.”
Interested participants are invited to inquire about registering for the event.
Williams To Appear At ‘Learn About Your Land’ Events
Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist for Northeast Wisconsin, will speak at multiple “Learn About Your Land” teaching events scheduled for September. The program includes University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Forestry educators, DNR Forestry staff and other natural resources professionals.
The classes are designed to give information and support to those who want to take care of their woods, hike and hunt on their land and make memories with their families, providing knowledge and resources to help people get the most from their woodland.
Registration will open later this month. For more information, contact Olivia Kovacs of UW-Madison Extension by email or by phone at 608-509-3012.
Williams is scheduled to appear at the following events:
- Marinette County: A registration fee of $30 will cover all three classes. Classes will meet at Gov. Thompson State Park in Crivitz, though online attendance will be offered for the first two classes. The schedule: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, Monday, Sept. 21 and Saturday, Sept. 26.
- Oneida County: Williams will appear at Kemp Station, 9161 Kemp Rd., Woodruff, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.