Mike Hillstrom became the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator on Sept. 9, 2024. He replaces Andrea Diss-Torrance, who retired on Jan. 24 after a 30-year career with the DNR. Hillstrom’s office will remain in Fitchburg, where this photo was taken. / Photo Credit: Art Kabelowsky, Wisconsin DNR

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

So, what’s bugging Mike Hillstrom these days?

That question has taken on new importance for forestry professionals, now that Hillstrom has stepped into an expanded role with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Forest Health team. Hillstrom started Sept. 9 as the DNR’s invasive forest pest coordinator.

Continue reading “Hillstrom Moves Into New Role With DNR” →

Early leaf disease causes aspen trees in Northeast Wisconsin to look thin, with small, off-color leaves. / Photo Credit: Linda Williams, Wisconsin DNR

By Linda Williams, Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff;
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665

Did you notice the many aspen trees in the Northwoods starting to drop their leaves in early September? These leaves were yellow with brown blotches or were brown and curled, and there were a lot of them falling.

Continue reading “Aspen Leaves Dropping Early” →

Whether hunting for turkey, deer or other prey, don’t use invasive plants as a natural hunting blind. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Erika Segerson-Mueller, DNR Invasive Plant Program Specialist, Oshkosh Service Center;
Erika.SegersonMueller@wisconsin.gov or 715-492-0391

As fall settles in and hunting seasons start to open across the state, many Wisconsinites’ thoughts have turned to tree stands, blinds and all things hunting.

Planning out your perfect capture means giving yourself the best chance possible, whether slipping into or out of your tree stand or ground blind. One popular idea is camouflaging your path – using plants or trees as a natural blind so you can reach your spot without being seen by deer or other animals.

Continue reading “Don’t Be Blinded By Invasives While Hunting” →

Callirhytis piperoides is a gall that seems to erupt from an oak leaf’s midrib and can be on top or bottom of the leaf. It is found on the leaves of young northern red oak. Galls will fall off the leaf so that the insect can complete its development within the gall on the ground. / Photo Credit: Linda Williams, Wisconsin DNR

By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff;
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665

Have you noticed any galls on oak leaves or twigs? Don’t be too surprised. There are many different types of galls that form on oaks – some are smooth, some are spiky and others are fuzzy.

Continue reading “Galls On Oak Leaves Are Plentiful, Varied” →

Fall webworm is seen on a tree branch in Oshlkosh on Sept. 9, 2024. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR

By Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health specialist, Oshkosh;
Bill.McNee@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0942

The native insect known as fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is back in the news.

The caterpillars don’t draw much attention on their own; instead, what catches the eye at this time of year are the large webs (or “tents”) that they create on the tips of tree branches.

Continue reading “Fall Webworm Spins Up Attention” →

A closeup photo shows that pine false webworm eggs look like a string of sausages, displayed here on a white pine needle. / Photo Credit: Liunda Williams, Wisconsin DNR

By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff;
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665

Pine false webworm (Acantholyda erythrocephala) is not a very common insect in Wisconsin, but damage from larval feeding can occasionally be seen. The insects prefer to feed on white pine in Wisconsin, although reference material says they will also feed on red pine, jack pine and scotch pine.

Damage was reported as minor in the central part of the state from 1953 to 1961. In 1995, 1997, 2002, 2004 and 2006, it was once again observed as a minor pest feeding on red or white pine in the central part of the state, particularly Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties. In 2024, a few scattered young white pine trees in Oneida and Vilas counties were observed with significant defoliation.

Continue reading “Pine False Webworm Makes Appearance” →

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov , 608-335-0167

The members of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Forest Health team are often asked by media to educate their listeners, readers and viewers about the forest health topics of the day.

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is in frequent contact with Forest Health team members and makes its broadcasts and articles available to the public online.

Continue reading “Listen Up: Forest Health Chats On WPR” →