By Wisconsin DNR
With 145 invasive plants regulated under Wisconsin’s Invasive Species Rule NR40, it can be challenging to identify some of these plants while out in the woods.
The task can be further complicated by the presence of native lookalikes – plants that have a similar appearance to harmful invasive species but are actually native plants that benefit wildlife, pollinators and ecosystems in Wisconsin.
Continue reading “Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know”
The logo for the Silvicast, a podcast hosted by Wisconsin DNR silviculturists Greg Edge and Brad Hutnik and produced by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Wisconsin Forestry Center. / Graphic Credit: UW-Stevens Point
By Art Kabelowsky, Wisconsin DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
They talked about pulling it, smothering it, using herbicide on it, making turkey calls and making curtain rods from it.
They even wondered if they should just “kill it with fire.”
But it seems Midwestern foresters’ never-ending battle against buckthorn requires a brainier approach.
Michael Hillstrom, invasive forest pest coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Wisconsin DNR
Michael Hillstrom, Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will present a public talk on invasive species and forest health on Sunday, June 22.
Hillstrom’s talk will be part of a two-hour presentation, running from 10 a.m. to noon at Lake Kegonsa State Park, 2405 Door Creek Rd., Stoughton. It is open to the public.
The event is one of several statewide gatherings organized by the DNR as part of Invasive Species Awareness Weekend.
Partners in Community Forestry Conference: Nov. 19-20, 2025
This gathering unites passionate individuals, communities, organizations and leaders to explore innovative solutions, share insights and collaborate on the future of urban forestry. Join leaders across the industry to focus on strengthening the bonds between people and trees, fostering sustainable practices and creating green, thriving urban landscapes.
Keep an eye on the website or sign up for emails for more information.
WAA Summer Conference: July 31, 2025
Location: Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI
Watch the WAA website for more information and registration. Continue reading “Save The Date: Upcoming Conferences”
A worker manually applies fungicide, imbued with blue dye, to a freshly cut tree stump to fight the spread of fungal diseases such as Heterobasidion root disease. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Kyoko Scanlon, DNR Forest Pathologist, Fitchburg
Kyoko.Scanlon@wisconsin.gov
The manufacturer, Lallemand Plant Care, recently decided to remove Rotstop® C fungicide from the North American market.
As a result, the product is no longer available for purchase in North America. If you already have the product and have stored it in an appropriate space, you may still use it as a preventative treatment for Heterobasidion root disease (HRD) as long as the expiration date has not arrived.
Continue reading “Rotstop® C No Longer Available In North America”
Going camping? It’s important to remember not to move firewood. Instead, buy it within 10 miles of where you will use it. This will help to prevent the spread of invasive pests. / Photo Credit: Istockphoto.com
By Wisconsin DNR
Camping season is about to enter full swing, and campfires are a Wisconsin summer staple.
That makes this a good time for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to remind the public of the importance of protecting Wisconsin’s forests and trees by not transporting firewood long distances.
Even after a tree has died, firewood can carry pests or diseases — on its surface or inside the log — which can attack or infect other trees. To help prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases, always get your firewood near where you will use it.
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.
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”
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)”
