The Conservation Professional Training Program is a program of UW–Madison Division of Extension providing conservation training courses to help you deliver smarter solutions to farmers and rural landowners. From introductory courses for new employees to advanced training for conservation advisors, we provide diverse trainings to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed.
Conservation Calendar
We offer face to face, online and blended training to conservation agencies, private sector consultants and landowners across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and the US. View conservation-related events and trainings offered by us and our partners throughout the state.
Events Key
Extension Events
Partner Events
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
Wisconsin Coun
Wisconsin Counties Association’s Annual Conference
Every autumn for the last 81 years, county officials from around the state have gathered at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) Annual Conference and Marketplace for educational opportunities, introduction to […]
1 event,
Healthy Soils
Healthy Soils for a Sustainable Future: Soil Health and Greenhouse Gases
This webinar is intended to help technicians and educators work with landowners to help them better understand and navigate methods for reducing GHG emissions from soil through soil carbon and N management while also addressing other social or economic considerations.
1 event,
Invasive Plant
Invasive Plants: Know Them, Control Them
This webinar will provide you with the basic information needed to recognize and manage invasive plants- common or coming- to western Wisconsin. Information provided will help you: understand the impact of invasive […]
1 event,
’Ques
’Question, Persuade, Refer’ Virtual Training Sessions
As part of its efforts to provide resources to help address farmer mental health wellness, the Wisconsin Farm Center is hosting a series of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) virtual training […]
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2 events,
National Association of State Conservation Agencies Annual Meeting
The National Association of State Conservation Agencies would like to welcome you to our virtual conference on October 5 – 7. As much as we’d love to meet with everyone […]
Wisconsin Coun
Wisconsin Counties Association’s Annual Conference
Every autumn for the last 81 years, county officials from around the state have gathered at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) Annual Conference and Marketplace for educational opportunities, introduction to […]
2 events,
North America Invasive Species Management Association Conference
The NAISMA Board of Directors, Staff, and Planning Committee are excited for this year’s opportunity to bring our high quality agenda, professional development, and networking opportunities to invasive species managers in North America and beyond
3 events,
Precision Live
Precision Livestock Farming
This virtual field day will highlight new technologies in Precision Livestock Farming either in development or recently launched.
2 events,
Conservation A
Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART)
This webinar will take a deeper look at the science behind CART and the methodology the ranking tool uses to rank different applications across multiple ranking pools for funding consideration. […]
2 events,
How Did We Get
How Did We Get Here?
This webinar will provide a light-hearted but historically accurate overview of the evolution of county land conservation programs from the perspective of two "seasoned" County Conservationists, with a focus on nonpoint pollution.
The History an
The History and Ecology of the Horicon Marsh
The story of the Horicon Marsh is one of creation, destruction, and revival. Created by the glaciers yet scarred by humans, this important wetland has been restored by conservationists who […]
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1 event,
Wisconsin Coun
Wisconsin Counties Association’s Annual Conference
Every autumn for the last 81 years, county officials from around the state have gathered at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) Annual Conference and Marketplace for educational opportunities, introduction to […]
0 events,
3 events,
Leaf-Free Stre
Leaf-Free Streets: Reducing Urban Phosphorus
Trees have long been a valued feature of the urban landscape. They provide a host of benefits such as habitat, aesthetics, energy savings, and noise reduction. Trees are also an important part of the urban hydrologic cycle.
Sustainable Fo
Sustainable Forest Harvesting
The topics for this virtual field day will include: Different harvest options for different goals What to expect during a harvest What the land looks like when harvested responsibly Deer […]
Grazing Virtua
Grazing Virtual Field Day
This grazing field day will focus on pasture management, soil health, regenerative agriculture as well as opportunities that are provided by Conservation Districts and the National Conservation Resource Service. Learn […]
1 event,
The Iowa Water
The Iowa Watershed Approach for Urban and Rural Resilience
The Iowa Watershed Approach for Urban and Rural Resilience (IWA) is working in nine watersheds across the state to help reduce flood impacts, improve water quality, and increase community flood resilience. The presentation will include a description of the IWA and will discuss innovative tools and resources that are being used to support and carry out program goals.
0 events,
0 events,
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1 event,
Wisconsin Coun
Wisconsin Counties Association’s Annual Conference
Every autumn for the last 81 years, county officials from around the state have gathered at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) Annual Conference and Marketplace for educational opportunities, introduction to […]
2 events,
Composting
Composting
This presentation will review the principles of composting, tracking your compost temperature, maintaining proper moisture and temperature, aeration and turning, types of composters and bins, techniques such as sheet composting […]
Offering Virtu
Offering Virtual Experiences on Your Farm
With social distancing in place and in-person interactions limited, some farmers are thinking outside of the box. Come hear from our awesome panelists about the "virtual experiences" they are offering […]
5 events,
Lake Management Online Course
This online, instructor-led course will teach you how to evaluate what is needed to properly protect, manage, and restore your pond, lake, or reservoir. You will receive detailed instructions, including […]
Advancing Wisc
Advancing Wisconsin’s Rural Bioeconomy
Wisconsin’s agricultural expertise and abundant natural resources offer fertile ground for building an enhanced bioeconomy that is sustainable, resilient, and — by utilizing waste streams as feedstocks for new products — circular.
National Forum
National Forum-Imagine a Day Without Water
As water leaders across the country call for greater investment in our critical water systems, the National Forum will showcase innovative policies and investments to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable water service for all.
On-Farm Solar
On-Farm Solar Energy
Solar companies are actively looking to place industrial arrays on farmland, while many small farmers are interested in installing solar panels for home and community use. his webinar will consider: Where is solar most compatible with commercial farming? What types of financing and technical development are available? What policy changes need to happen to accelerate solar development, while balancing the interests of farmers, citizens, and energy companies?
Profitability
Profitability Strategies: Solving Agronomic Challenges
Putting more inputs behind crops, but not achieving higher yields? Curious about how to begin promoting soil health, but not sure which regenerative practices to start with? Ready to increase […]
7 events,
SSWIG Cover Cr
SSWIG Cover Crop Field Day
Roger Bindl will be sharing information on his trial with cover crop seeding rates of a 10 species mix. Stop by to learn about cover crop seeding rates, earth worm […]
The Power of B
The Power of Birds to Amplify Conservation, Stewardship, and Community Outreach
Would you like to tap into a network of 46 million Americans who contribute nearly $80 billion to the U.S. economy annually? If so, it may be time for your […]
Quantifying Co
Quantifying Conservation Effects on Multiple Wetland Ecosystem Services
This webinar will highlight the Integrated Landscape Modeling Partnership (ILMP) and its application to wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region in the northern Great Plains.
SSWIG Cover Cr
SSWIG Cover Crop Field Day
Roger Bindl will be sharing information on his trial with cover crop seeding rates of a 10 species mix. Stop by to learn about cover crop seeding rates, earth worm […]
Cover Crop Sho
Cover Crop Showcase
The Showcase will demonstrate how cover cropping improves soil water infiltration. Improved soil reduces surface water runoff and farmland erosion. The challenges of runoff will also be discussed during the Showcase. Learn […]
2 events,
The Door Penin
The Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands
The Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands Ramsar Site is an 11,443-acre wetland complex that occupies a major section of the Lake Michigan shoreline in Door County. Join Kari Hagenow to explore the “quiet side” of Door County. Learn what makes this site so special, the threats that these wetlands continue to face, and how you can be a good steward while visiting this beautiful and diverse place.
0 events,
1 event,
Building Land Resilience
This workshop will explore strategies for building regenerative farming systems and working landscapes. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of regenerative principles, observational exercises and tools to implement […]
5 events,
Wisconsin Coun
Wisconsin Counties Association’s Annual Conference
Every autumn for the last 81 years, county officials from around the state have gathered at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) Annual Conference and Marketplace for educational opportunities, introduction to […]
PFAS – W
PFAS – What You Need to Know
The issue of controlling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasingly becoming a major environmental and public health issue in the State of Wisconsin. Hear from a county expert on […]
Animal Agricul
Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate
Tune in to hear lessons learned along with program deliverables and impacts. This webinar will also cover the issue of methane production in beef cattle and some specific techniques that either increase or decrease production per day, per body weight, and per production outcome (like weight gain).
Designing Silv
Designing Silvopasture Plantings
Join us to learn about approaches to planning for woodland conversion and trees into pasture including tools and methods, mapping, tree spacing and patterning, and more. Register here.
4 events,
Grow More Work
Grow More Workshop
The online Grow More workshop will present a model for conservation outreach that is based in current social science and communication principles. Participants will learn about key aspects of farmer decision making and work with other conservation professionals to identify messaging strategies to reach new audiences and increase the use of farm conservation practices.
Managing Water
Managing Water Level Impacts on Wisconsin Beaches
This webinar will include a panel of experts who will discuss a range of water level issues, including basin hydrology, water level forecasts, nearshore water level impacts, and useful tools for examining coastal processes. In addition, participants will hear a local case study of designing a beach for resiliency, which provides important lessons from design conception to currently faced challenges.
Climate Change
Climate Change and Ecosystems: Lessons from the Past
How do species adapt to changing climates and how can we help them? Some of our best examples come from the end of the last ice age when the world […]
Pollinator Hab
Pollinator Habitat Restoration: Planning and Contracting
In this webinar, planners will learn how to plan and contract pollinator habitat plantings. Guidance will help planners improve the success of habitat restoration plantings with adequate site preparation, implementation, […]
1 event,
Grow More Work
Grow More Workshop
The online Grow More workshop will present a model for conservation outreach that is based in current social science and communication principles. Participants will learn about key aspects of farmer decision making and work with other conservation professionals to identify messaging strategies to reach new audiences and increase the use of farm conservation practices.
4 events,
Fence Options
Fence Options for Grazing Cover Crops & Corn Residue
This event will feature expert knowledge and farm information focused on the Five Principles of Soil Health and especially livestock integration. Learn more here.
Grow More Work
Grow More Workshop
The online Grow More workshop will present a model for conservation outreach that is based in current social science and communication principles. Participants will learn about key aspects of farmer decision making and work with other conservation professionals to identify messaging strategies to reach new audiences and increase the use of farm conservation practices.
Discussions on
Discussions on Nutrient Management Farmer Training in a COVID World and Beyond
2020 hasn’t been a normal year. You are invited to join with DATCP and other county staff to discuss short-term solutions around nutrient management training under COVID-19 restrictions and longer-term […]
Annual vs. Per
Annual vs. Perennial Forages
Daniel Olson is a dairy farmer and forage consultant from Lena, Wisconsin. His focus is on increasing the profitability of progressive operations (primarily dairy farms) all across the U.S. by […]
1 event,
PFAS – W
PFAS – What’s in Your Water?
This webinar will provide a basic understanding of PFAS. Some of the questions that will be answered include: What is PFAS? Where did it come from? Where is it found? What are the potential issues related to PFAS?
0 events,
0 events,
Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate
Wisconsin Pest Management Update
Wisconsin Pest Management Update
Wisconsin Pest Management Update
Conservation News
GROW MORE TRAINING MOVES VIRTUAL
Wisconsin Land + Water and the National Wildlife Federation are invite natural resource and agricultural outreach professionals who work directly with producers on farm conservation practices to join a free virtual “Grow More” training from 9:00-11:30 a.m. on October 27-29. This three-day workshop will present a model for conservation outreach that is based in current social science and communication principles. Participants will learn about key aspects of farmer decision-making and work with other conservation professionals to identify messaging strategies to reach new audiences and increase the use of farm conservation practices. Presenters are from the National Wildlife Federation’s Sustainable Agriculture Team.
Learn MoreNEW TRAINING ON NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN A COVID WORLD
Join Wisconsin DATCP and other county staff to discuss short term solutions around nutrient management training under COVID-19 restrictions and longer-term solutions to improving the programs’ effectiveness.
Learn More