Training

Fall Workshops On Tree Resilience A Success

By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744

root samples

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

DNR Urban Forestry successfully partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension’s Horticulture Team to host several fall workshops on Tree Resilience: Planting, Pruning & Care. Dr. Rich Hauer (former UW-Stevens Point professor and current Eocene Director of Urban Forestry) was the lead instructor, with Adam Alves (Dane County Parks) providing assistance. Four workshops were held around the state during the week of Sept. 21 in Dane, Waukesha, Jackson and Outagamie counties. Over 175 registrants from municipalities, private companies and other organizations attended the workshops. Continue reading “Fall Workshops On Tree Resilience A Success” →

Upcoming Training & Events

class observing tree roots

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

*These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute endorsement by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

See below for information on training topics and events, including oaks, diseases, fungi, volunteer leadership in natural resources, winter tree ID, fruit trees, invasives, research project presentations and insect identification. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events” →

Kelsey Taylor Joins DNR’s Battle Against Forest Invasive Plants

head and shoulders photo of a woman

Kelsey Taylor joined the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Health team as Forest Invasive Plants Coordinator in October 2026. / Photo Credit: Kelsey Taylor

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

Often, the best way to solve a problem is to look at it from many angles and through a variety of experiences.

That makes Kelsey Taylor ready to take on the set of challenges she’ll face as the new Forest Invasive Plant Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – battling buckthorn, scrapping with stilt grass and going after garlic mustard.

Continue reading “Kelsey Taylor Joins DNR’s Battle Against Forest Invasive Plants” →

Free Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Survey Training Opportunity

Mitch Lannan of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, shows a hemlock branch infected by hemlock woolly adelgid. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DATCP

By Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Are you interested in learning how to help protect the health of Wisconsin’s hemlocks? A new interactive opportunity is being offered this fall by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to monitor for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA).

Continue reading “Free Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Survey Training Opportunity” →

Upcoming Training & Events

People participating in training

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

*These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute endorsement by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

See below for information on training topics and events, including invasive species, biochar, climate change, tree care, emergency response, tree ID and biology, insurance issues, municipal programs, volunteer opportunities and research project presentations. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events” →

Forest Health Staffers Plan Public Appearances

Workers inspect a tree's health.

Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health specialist for Northeast Wisconsin, inspects a tree during a training session. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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

Linda Williams, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health specialist for Northeast Wisconsin, will speak at multiple “Learn About Your Land” teaching events scheduled in September.

Continue reading “Forest Health Staffers Plan Public Appearances” →

Urban Forestry Fall Workshop: Tree Resilience: Planting, Pruning And Care

pruners

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

This Urban Forestry workshop is brought to you by UW-Madison Division of Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Join us to learn about tree biology and the standards of care that have been developed by the American National Standards Institute to help get trees off to a great start. Led by Rich Hauer, Director of Urban Forestry at Eocene Environmental Group, we will build on tree biology to discuss pruning and planting methods to optimize tree health.

This day-long workshop begins with a morning classroom session covering:

  • Biological Basis of Tree Action
  • Terms, Technology and Standards of Care Best Management Practices
  • Tree Planting, Growth and Longevity Proper Tree Pruning

Continue reading “Urban Forestry Fall Workshop: Tree Resilience: Planting, Pruning And Care” →

Upcoming Training & Events

group learning about trees outside

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

* 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 planting, urban forestry risks, invasive species, tree selection, emergency response, tree biology, climbing and several upcoming conferences. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events” →

Students Graduate From The Community Tree Management Institute

By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744

a group of people examining tree leavesCongratulations to the latest class of Wisconsin Community Tree Management Institute (CTMI) graduates! The CTMI wrapped up its sixth cohort mid-June.

CTMI is an advanced training course designed specifically for people responsible for urban forest management who do not have a degree and/or experience in urban forestry. Conversely, they may have technical skills but lack leadership and management experience.

Over six days of intensive training, students acquired the knowledge and skills needed to manage municipal trees and green space. Their exposure to various teaching perspectives gave them a well-rounded 38-hour training experience. The retreat-like setting created by the small class size and interactive learning curriculum reinforced the focus on support-network development with other students, staff and instructors. The capstone of the institute required each student to complete an applied project that benefited their community by utilizing their new skills and knowledge. Continue reading “Students Graduate From The Community Tree Management Institute” →

Upcoming Training & Events

group of adult learning to identify trees

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

* 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 biopesticides, invasives, urban trees and fire, tree diseases, ecological restoration, safety and woodland trees and management. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events” →