Training

Spongy Moth Egg Mass Surveying Video Released

Posted on by akabelowsky

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

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Health team joined with the DNR Office of Communications to produce an instructional video aimed at helping large landowners and land managers in the fight against spongy moth.

The video, less than 2 minutes in length, shows how to conduct a survey of spongy moth egg masses in the fall. With that information, people can predict how much damage to expect from the caterpillars in the spring, giving them time to make advance plans for the most effective control options.

Continue reading “Spongy Moth Egg Mass Surveying Video Released” →

WAA Summer Conference And Tree Climbing Competition July 26-28

Posted on by janness

Join the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) for its summer conference. It will be held at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Center in River Falls, Wisconsin, on Friday, July 26, 2024. The program will have a little something for everyone, Planting for the Future and feature two educational tracks, one indoors and one outdoors.

Topics include:

  • Storm damage to trees
  • Construction project management
  • Tree stress and management
  • Tree diversity options
  • Mentoring the new generation
  • Training new climbers
  • Company training
  • Aerial lift to climbing transitions
  • Drone applications

Continue reading “WAA Summer Conference And Tree Climbing Competition July 26-28” →

Register Now For May 15 Webinar On Inflation Reduction Act Grants And Community Engagement

Posted on by janness

children playing in parkThe Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant program uses federal funds to support projects that positively impact trees and people within disadvantaged communities in Wisconsin.

Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations conducting their projects in Wisconsin may apply for an Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction grant. Eligible projects must occur in or benefit those living in disadvantaged communities. To learn if your community is eligible, check the DNR’s map of identified communities, also available formatted as a list. Applications are due June 3, 2024.

DNR staff will host another webinar on May 15 on the Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant application process and allow time for questions and answers. This webinar will begin with a presentation by UW Extension staff on ways to engage with your community through urban forestry. See the links below to access recordings of previous webinars and register for the May 15 webinar.

      • If you have attended a previous IRA webinar, you are encouraged to register for this session as well, which will include new information on community engagement.

For more information, visit the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry webpage.

Continue reading “Register Now For May 15 Webinar On Inflation Reduction Act Grants And Community Engagement” →

10 Easy Ways To Engage Your Community In Urban Forestry

Posted on by janness
  1. Partner with community groups such as 4-H, Scouts, rotary clubs and neighborhood associations to plant and care for trees.
  2. Set up informational tables at community events and farmers markets to recruit volunteers, educate residents and conduct surveys.
  3. Host workshops to teach community members about urban forestry and tree care.
  4. Post resources or hold a Q&A on social media.
  5. Conduct surveys to determine which tree species residents would like to see in their community.
  6. Cohost events with other departments or organizations with similar goals.
  7. Connect with environmental science classes in your school district to provide hands-on education activities.
  8. Post educational signs with QR codes that link to more information where urban forestry work is being done.
  9. Knock on residents’ doors to explain in person or with a flyer what you will be doing before starting tree work in the vicinity of their homes.
  10. For even more ideas, watch the Arbor Day Foundation’s recorded webinar, “How to Collaborate and Engage More Equitably in Your Tree City.”

Continue reading “10 Easy Ways To Engage Your Community In Urban Forestry” →

Spring Invasive Plant Management Workshop

Posted on by janness

Many residents and land managers in southeastern Wisconsin search for effective and efficient practices to control exotic invasive plants in our natural areas. The Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium is teaming up again with Johnson’s Nursery to offer Invasive Plant Management Workshops in 2024.

Take this class to ensure that you are using the most appropriate, efficient, up-to-date and least environmentally damaging methods in those efforts. Continue reading “Spring Invasive Plant Management Workshop” →

Urban Forestry Today’s Summer Tree Summit

Posted on by janness

Tree Canopy, Environmental Justice & Urban Forestry: Understanding The Relationship
With Dr. Dexter Locke, USDA Forest Service

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is bringing back its Urban Forestry Today’s Summer Tree Summit, kicking it off with a discussion of how to define environmental justice in the context of urban tree canopy cover and urban forest management. Join Dexter Locke from the USDA Forest Service as he explains these important terms and concepts and their practical ramifications for urban foresters and residents.

Continue reading “Urban Forestry Today’s Summer Tree Summit” →

Register Now For The WAA/DNR Annual Conference, Feb. 25-27, 2024

Posted on by janness

Join the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) for the 2024 Wisconsin Annual Urban Forestry Conference. The conference will be held from Feb. 25-27 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. To register online, visit the Wisconsin Arborist Association conference webpage. An early bird discount is available until February 2, 2024.

The DNR and the WAA have developed three days of enriching educational programming on the latest research, innovations, developments and arboriculture and urban forestry industry issues.

This conference is intended for professional arborists, community foresters, nursery professionals, park and recreation directors and staff, tree care workers, landscape architects, green industry professionals, community administrators, volunteers and students. Continue reading “Register Now For The WAA/DNR Annual Conference, Feb. 25-27, 2024” →

UW-Extension Landscape And Grounds Maintenance Short Course

Posted on by janness

The Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Short Course is for landscape professionals to learn up-to-date, science-based information to help increase the economic and environmental sustainability of the landscapes you care for. This online training will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in February. To register, visit the short course website.

Topics include:

  • Crown Restoration Pruning of Storm Damaged Trees
  • Insects to Watch for in 2024
  • Planting for Resilience: Trees and Shrubs for the Future
  • Low Developing the Next Landscape Staple Perennials
  • Bee Lawns: Practical Applications for Industry Professionals
  • Disease or Not Disease? That’s the Question
  • Turf vs. Drought: The Epic Throwdown
  • The Benefits of Growth Regulators (PGR’s) for Trees and Shrubs

Pruning, Coppicing And Tree Release Training At Riveredge Nature Center

Posted on by janness

woman pruning

Join Matt Smith, a professional restoration ecologist with over 22 years of experience, for an entirely outside, hands-on field demonstration in pruning, coppicing and tree release for restoration and landscaping. This training will take place on Feb. 23, 2024, at Riveredge Nature Center, Newburg, WI (35 miles north of Milwaukee).

For more information and to register, visit the Riveredge Nature Center website.