Training

Kelsey Taylor Joins DNR’s Battle Against Forest Invasive Plants

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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

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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

Posted on by janness
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

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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

Posted on by janness
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

Posted on by janness
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

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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

Posted on by janness
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” →

Forest Health Staffers Plan Appearances

Posted on by akabelowsky
Two workers inspecting a tree's leaves.

Mike Hillstrom and Linda Williams of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team look over a tree during a walking tour put on by the Cambridge Tree Project on July 10, 2025. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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

Mike Hillstrom, Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR Forest Health Team, will make a presentation on forest health to the Heartland National Christmas Tree Organizations Convention, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, at Hann’s Christmas Farm, 848 Tipperary Road, Oregon, WI 53575.

Continue reading “Forest Health Staffers Plan Appearances” →

Upcoming Training & Events

Posted on by janness

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

group of adult learning to identify treesSee below for information on training topics and events, including the WAA Summer Conference, leadership, pollinator habitats, safety, tree ID and the ISA Annual Conference. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events” →