Young spruce budworm larvae begin feeding as buds break, causing the new growth to crook where feeding damage occurs. Webbing shown in the photo is also common. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Linda Williams, Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665
The spruce budworm outbreak is continuing for yet another year in some areas of northern Wisconsin.
Continue reading “Spruce Budworm Outbreak Continues In 2026”
The 2025 winners of the Invasive Species Action Awards. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Mackenzie Manicki, DNR Invasive Plant Specialist, Madison
In Wisconsin, June is Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM), and plenty of activities are planned to educate and motivate residents and visitors into action.
Invasive species are defined as nonnative organisms whose introduction can cause harm to the environment, the economy, or pose threats to human health.
Continue reading “Invasive Species Action Month: Action Awards, Awareness Weekend”
By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@Wisconsin.gov
Note: This is the second installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a monthly series of Forest Health News articles.
Monarch butterflies are dependent on native milkweed for survival. But did you know there are invasive plants within the milkweed family that negatively impact this relationship?
Continue reading “Invasives Spotlight: Black and Pale Swallow-wort”
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 native plants that benefit wildlife, pollinators and ecosystems in Wisconsin.
Continue reading “Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know”
A stand of dead or dying black locust trees. / Photo Credit: Norbert Frank, Bugwood.org
By Ryan Franke, University of Minnesota
The Blanchette Forest Pathology Lab at the University of Minnesota is leading a project to study black locust in Minnesota and Wisconsin and requests the help of foresters and the public in locating stands of dying black locust (Robinio pseudoacacia) this summer.
The university plans to collect native pathogenic fungi from stands of dying black locust and testing them for their suitability to biologically control black locust clones.
Continue reading “University of Minnesota Seeks Reports On Dying Black Locust Stands”
* 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 i-Tree, American elm research, oak health issues, invasives and private equity. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events”
A bag of Tim-bor Professional, a borate-based chemical that fights Heterobasidion root disease. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Kyoko Scanlon, Forest Pathologist, Fitchburg
Kyoko.Scanlon@wisconsin.gov
People who have been dealing with Heterobasidion Root Disease (HRD) may be familiar with the product name “Cellu-Treat®.” It has been used to treat fresh cut stumps to prevent HRD.
But Cellu-Treat® is not the only chemical available for HRD. Another borate-based chemical, Tim-bor® Professional, can also be used legally for the same purpose in Wisconsin. Both products are manufactured by Nisus Corporation, and their labels are almost identical (Cellu-Treat label, Tim-bor label).
Continue reading “Fungicide For HRD Stump Treatment Available In Smaller Size”
A 3-D printed trap used to collect hemlock woolly adelgid DNA. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator, Fitchburg
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-7690
This spring, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to set traps to detect the invasive insect hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; HWA).
The project, funded by the Wisconsin Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, calls for traps to be set to detect the invasive insect. No detection of HWA has been made to date in Wisconsin forests. Continue reading “Cooperative Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Trapping Effort Begins”
Japanese honeysuckle climbing up nearby trees. / Photo Credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@Wisconsin.gov
Note: This is the first installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a monthly series of Forest Health News articles.
Many people recognize honeysuckle as a fast-spreading invasive shrub that can quickly displace native vegetation. But did you know that some honeysuckles exist as a vine?
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an invasive perennial vine that can grow to a length of 80 feet or longer. Birds will often eat and disperse the berries the vine produces, allowing for the creation of new populations.
A self-service firewood point of sale at Mirror Lake State Park in Sauk County. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
With camping season about to enter full swing, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges campers to think twice before giving invasive species or harmful hitchhikers a ride in their firewood.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and campfires are a Wisconsin summer staple. And campers should know it’s a big help to the state’s trees when they help to prevent the spread of invasive pests by making smart firewood choices.
