Species in the knotweed complex grow very quickly, causing large infestations on roadsides like this one. / Photo Credit: Randy Westbrooks, Invasive Plant Control, Inc., Bugwood.org
By Wisconsin DNR
With the scourge of knotweed about to gear up for another growing season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering information.
The DNR has created two fact sheets to instruct general and urban landowners on the best control methods for the fast-growing invasive plant.
Staining, in the shape of a many-pointed star, is evident in the cut ends of silver maple logs. / Photo Credit: Chris Firgens, Oconto County Forest
By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665
Columbian timber beetle (Corthylus columbianus) is an ambrosia beetle native to the eastern United States.
In Wisconsin, we have had reports of Columbian Timber Beetle (CTB) attacking silver maple in the northeastern and lakeshore areas of the state, dating back to the early 1990s. The insects have caused significant staining from repeated attacks. In southern Wisconsin, CTB can attack oaks to a lesser degree, including bur, northern red and white oak.
Continue reading “Columbian Timber Beetle Fact Sheet Debuts”
The main page of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ new StoryMap on Japanese Stilt Grass on the Coulee Experimental State Forest. / Graphic Credit: Carter Hellenbrand, Wisconsin DNR
Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@wisconsin.gov
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Health program has created a new StoryMap documenting the history of Japanese stilt grass on the Coulee Experimental State Forest in La Crosse County.
Users will be able to see an overview of Japanese stilt grass, how to identify it and what control efforts have been implemented since this plant was discovered in 2020.
Continue reading “Japanese Stilt Grass History StoryMap Debuts”
Ken Raffa, professor emeritus with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology. / Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin-Madison
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Do you pity the poor tree, forced to stand defenseless against the ravages of insect pests, fungi and disease?
Then, you have not listened to Dr. Ken Raffa discuss the impressive natural defenses trees have developed.
Raffa, a professor emeritus with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Entomology Department, recently appeared on Proforest Podforest podcast to discuss the topic “Inside the Tree’s Natural Defense.”
Continue reading “UW-Madison’s Raffa Talks Trees’ Natural Defenses”
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Forest Health specialists with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are booked to give public presentations during May.
The list of events that are open to the public: Continue reading “Forest Health Staffers Plan Public Appearances”
By Andi Sedlacek, DNR Communications Director
Andrea.Sedlacek@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-3032
*To read more articles like this, check out the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine online.
A simple idea, to celebrate planting trees, and it’s grown into a national holiday: Arbor Day.
Arbor Day’s roots began in the late 1800s in Nebraska where, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, residents of Nebraska City felt a lack of trees in their community. The secretary of the Nebraska Territory at the time, J. Sterling Morton, proposed a statewide tree-planting holiday, and on April 10, 1872, the first Arbor Day was celebrated. Continue reading “Humble Holiday Keeps On Growing”
By Shahla Werner, Urban Forestry Council Member and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Plant Protection Section Manager
Urban foresters are increasingly aware of the importance of tree species, age and size diversity to ensure resilient tree canopy and all the associated benefits in their communities. The 20-10-5 rule, which specifies that no more than 20% of trees planted should be from one family, no more than 10% from one genus and no more than 5% from one species (including cultivars), can be helpful in setting tree diversity goals. Applying these guidelines can provide urban forests some protection against huge losses caused by invasive forest pests. Continue reading “Resources to Help Urban Foresters Set And Meet Tree Diversity Goals”
For the last few years, our urban forestry team has been writing social media posts for Wisconsin communities to post during Arbor Week. We encourage you to use social media to celebrate the many benefits of trees and inform the public about the importance of tree care.
Feel free to use the suggested messages provided below or develop your own creative tree campaign. We encourage you to use pictures of local trees in your posts to inspire community members to get out and explore the forest outside their door. Continue reading “Celebrate Arbor Day Using Social Media (See Our Suggested Posts Below)”
Schools that connect students to nature and trees can register as a Tree Campus K-12 site. This Arbor Day Foundation program recognizes schools that inspire the next generation through experiences with nature inside and outside of the classroom. Schools need to meet four program goals to qualify. Continue reading “Tree Campus K-12”
*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 trainings about wood products, urban forest wildfire response, emerald ash borer (EAB), invasive plants and the educational resource of the month. Continue reading “Upcoming Trainings”
