Conservation Professional Training Program

Grazing cover crops
2022-10-20 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Hosted by Roger Bindl, at S10620 Weidner Rd, Spring Green. This pasture walk will be focused on grazing cover crops and will showcase information collected as part of an ongoing research project with the Sand County Foundation and four graziers from SSWIG.
Info here.

Life Hacks Over Lunch: A Meet-up Series for Watershed Professionals
2022-10-21 11:30 - 12:30
This free, virtual meet-up series is a peer-learning opportunity for watershed professionals to share ideas and advice for solving real-life challenges of watershed projects.
If you work with farmers and communities on watershed-scale projects to improve water quality and have ever found yourself thinking, “I don’t want to recreate the wheel,” this meet-up series is for you.
In each meet-up, one person kicks things off by presenting a challenge or issue to the group to “hack.” Conversation, collaboration, and commiseration will ensue.
Info here.

"Birds of North America" plus Climate Discussion
2022-10-23 14:00 - 16:30
Sunday movie matinee at 2:00pm, followed by a discussion on its relation to climate change
A moving dramatic play by Anna Ouyang Moench.
John and his daughter Caitlyn are birders. As they scan the skies over their backyard in suburban Maryland looking for elusive birds, years go by. Relationships begin and end. Children grow up and parents age. The climate and the world change in small and vast ways. BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA takes a close look at the relationship of a father and daughter over the course of a decade as they struggle to understand the parts of one another that defy understanding.
Info here.

Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
2022-10-25 - 2022-10-27
Please save the dates for the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference 2022.
Info here.

Smart Salting for WI Roads Workshop
2022-10-25 07:30 - 12:00
Free training for winter maintenance professionals who remove snow, apply road salt or maintain snow removal equipment used on roads.
Learn how using the right amount of salt can save time, budget and our waters.
The training will include: best management practices to keep paved areas safe, benefits of using a liquid salt system, guidance on how to determine the right amount of salt to use, and case studies from local applicators.
Info here.

Harvest Your Conservation Potential
2022-10-25 12:00 - 15:00
Come celebrate fall and harvest season with other women who share your commitment to land conservation! Gather ideas and information for establishing your land conservation plan and how to use the upcoming winter months for planning, research and connections with NRCS.
All women farmers, landowners and conservationists from Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee and surrounding counties are welcome to attend– whatever your background, from beginners to experts!
Info here.

Understanding Bird Populations and How They Change
2022-10-25 19:00 - 20:30, 2022-11-01 19:00 - 20:30
October 11 – November 1 (Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm each week)
In less than a single human lifetime, 2.9 billion breeding adult birds have been lost from the United States and Canada, across every ecosystem, and including some of the most abundant and familiar bird species. In this course we will examine how we determine the abundance and distribution of different bird species, for both bird populations in Wisconsin and at the national level. State and federal monitoring programs will also be discussed. We will also consider how bird populations have changed, what species are currently “at-risk” and why, and how monitoring programs can be used in management and conservation. We will also review the many organizations that work on studying bird populations.
Info here.

Smart Salting for WI Roads Workshop
2022-10-26 08:30 - 11:30
Free, hands-on training for winter maintenance professionals who remove snow, apply road salt or maintain snow removal equipment used on roads.
Learn how using the right amount of salt can save time, money and our waters. Participate in small group discussions, equipment open house, and a calibration demonstration.
The training will include: best management practices to keep paved areas safe, benefits of using liquid application systems, guidance on how to determine the right amount of salt to use, and case studies from local applicators.
Info here.

Nutrient Management and Water Quality
2022-10-27 13:00 - 14:00
This monthly webinar series highlights recent outcomes, emerging opportunities, and conservation tools and data developed to assist with conservation planning and impact and efficiency assessment. The series illustrates the scope of Farm Bill conservation efforts on privately owned croplands, forests, and rangelands; documents the conservation achievements and outcomes of those efforts; and shows the utility of science-based outcomes for helping inform future conservation delivery.
Info here.

WI Land+Water Presents: Climate and Conservation Webinar Series
2022-11-01 10:00 - 11:00
WI Land+Water is hosting a series of Climate and Conservation webinars featuring climate experts that will share important climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, tools, and resources to help county conservation staff and board supervisors integrate climate into local programming.

Join Laurie Nowatzke, USDA Midwest Climate Hub Coordinator to learn more about the vast resources available in the Midwest Climate Hub.
www.climatehubs.usda.gov
Info here.

What's New at the National Wetlands Inventory Program
2022-11-01 14:00 - 15:30
Please join us for a webinar highlighting what’s new at the National Wetlands Inventory Program. This presentation will feature important NWI updates for anyone using or producing NWI wetlands data. The presenters will provide background on NWI’s renewed commitment to working with the USGS NHD/3DEP program in an effort to bring these datasets closer together. In addition, they will provide details on new guidance documents, information on mapping wetlands to the Federal standard, introduce a new linear data layer option for those interested in mapping beyond the standard, showcase new and improved QAQC tools, and report on the status of mapping in the U.S. The NWI Program is also excited to introduce new staff members and provide information on how to best communicate with the Program and request support!
Info here.

2022-11-03 - 2022-11-04
Sand County Foundation’s Leadership for Midwestern Watersheds is a popular forum for professionals who lead projects that reduce agricultural runoff in watersheds of the central United States.
Leadership for Midwestern Watersheds is developing a “community of practice” among conservation practitioners who work to improve water quality with landowners, agencies, and businesses, one watershed at a time.
The annual LMW meeting series features presentations and facilitated discussions on subjects essential to successful watershed projects. Examples include: farmer engagement, geospatial planning tools, project financing, and water quality monitoring. To date, more than 300 attendees from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and beyond have participated, including many watershed projects supported by state nutrient reduction programs and USDA-NRCS Landscape Conservation Initiatives.
Info here.

Shoreline Stabilization Field Tours - Bayfield and Sawyer County
2022-11-03
As a follow up to the December 15, 2021 Virtual Training on the Shoreline Stabilization Pamphlet each County received back in Spring 2022, don’t miss the upcoming Tour of Shoreline Projects to showcase some of the practices in the field!
Variety of Stabilizations – rock, tree revetments, tree drops, fish sticks, bags,
geogrid lifts, and vegetated rock (see pamphlet for photos of examples)
See the flyer for more information.
Register here.

WI Land+Water Presents: Climate and Conservation Webinar Series
2022-11-03 10:00 - 11:00
WI Land+Water is hosting a series of Climate and Conservation webinars featuring climate experts that will share important climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, tools, and resources to help county conservation staff and board supervisors integrate climate into local programming.
Join Danielle Shannon and Stephen Handler from the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) to discuss how forests are impacted by the changing climate and adaptation strategies to maintain them.
www.niacs.org/
Info here.

Bison 101
2022-11-03 15:00 - 16:00
In honor of National Bison Day (November 5), please join us for this very special webinar. Guest presenters from Tanka Fund (https://tankafund.org/) will share basics when it comes to starting and operating a bison ranch.
Tanka Fund’s goal is to convert one million acres of virgin prairie to regenerative agriculture built around a buffalo-based economy. Through their work, they are restoring health and prosperity to Native communities.
Info here.

Shoreline Stabilization Field Tours - Iron, Oneida, and Price County
2022-11-04
As a follow up to the December 15, 2021 Virtual Training on the Shoreline Stabilization Pamphlet each County received back in Spring 2022, don’t miss the upcoming Tour of Shoreline Projects to showcase some of the practices in the field!
Variety of Stabilizations – rock, tree revetments, tree drops, fish sticks, bags, geogrid lifts, and vegetated rock (see pamphlet for photos of examples)
See the flyer for more information.
Info here.

Leaves Down, Look Up! A Tree Health Workshop
2022-11-04 13:00 - 15:30
Late fall is a great time to inspect your trees for structural health. In this workshop, Wisconsin Forestry Center staff invite you to investigate trees to identify potential hazards and structural health concerns. We will talk about common tree diseases and structural concerns of our urban trees, and how to find reputable help in caring for your trees. In advance of the workshop, we will accept pictures of your trees so we can talk about your specific trees during the workshop. We will also have a walking tour of the trees around campus to show you real-life examples.
Info here.

WI Land+Water Presents: Climate and Conservation Webinar Series
2022-11-08 10:00 - 11:00
WI Land+Water is hosting a series of Climate and Conservation webinars featuring climate experts that will share important climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, tools, and resources to help county conservation staff and board supervisors integrate climate into local programming.
Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) and Water Resource Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

Join DNR Lakes Specialist and WICCI Water Resource’s Co-chair, Dr. Katie Hein to discuss results from the latest state climate report and recommendations for water resources in Wisconsin.
wicci.wisc.edu
Register here.

Salt Wise Stories: City of De Pere
2022-11-09 12:00 - 13:00
Tony Fietzer, Street Superintendent with the City of De Pere, will overview De Pere’s salt reduction strategies, successes, and next steps.
Info here.

Cutting Through Greenwashing—Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC)
2022-11-09 13:00 - 14:00
We know that Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People, and organic certification can create healthy soil, but what if you want to go above and beyond? What does “regenerative” agriculture actually mean, and how is it different from “Regenerative Organic”? Join the Rodale Institute and Regenerative Organic Alliance to discuss the Regenerative Organic Certification program and how farmers across the world are implementing this certification on their farm, and how it will change the way our food is produced for generations to come.
Info here.

More than the sum of their parts? Interactions of invasive species and other environmental change
2022-11-09 15:00 - 16:00
International concern about the consequences of human-induced global environmental changes has prompted a renewed focus on reducing ecological effects of biological invasions, climate change, and nutrient pollution. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the relative magnitude of invasion plus another environmental change on native organisms relative to invasion or environmental change effects alone. The good news is that the bad news isn’t quite as bad as we thought, and that tangible local-scale invasive species management is beneficial even with other environmental changes.
Info here.

The Great Midwest Crane Fest
2022-11-10 - 2022-11-12
Witness the marvel of Wisconsin’s largest crane congregation and participate in guided crane-viewing tours, photography seminars, conservation-related lectures and extraordinary events. Explore the beautiful landscapes and rich histories connecting the festival hosts, the International Crane Foundation and Aldo Leopold Foundation.
Info here.

Tree Fruits
2022-11-10 18:00 - 20:00
Learn proper planting, pruning and training techniques for several types of fruit trees. The class covers selection, planting, fertilization, watering, staking and some common insects and diseases. You will receive electronic copies of publications from the UW-Madison Dept. Learning Store.
Info here.

17th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference
2022-11-12 - 2022-11-13
The Emerging Farmers Conference is for new and emerging growers and producers. This conference is for farmers, by farmers, and led by farmers. The goal is to empower emerging farmers with knowledge, resources and connection. For the first time, this conference features field day! Saturday will be a day of learning, networking and story-sharing at Shoreview Community Center. Sunday will be a field day where farmers have the opportunity for hands-on learning. The field day will begin at the U of M St. Paul campus in the morning. You will board a coach bus that will take you around Minneapolis to explore food & agriculture opportunities in an urban setting. Choose from sessions including a commercial kitchen tour at The Good Acre, urban hydroponics freight farm tour at North Market, and a hands-on microgreen demo at the University of Minnesota Greenhouses.
Info here.

Wisconsin DNR Technical Standard 1072 Horizontal Directional Drilling
2022-11-14 11:00 - 12:00
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources published a new technical standard that provides criteria for projects employing horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The standard includes procedures and practices to protect water quality by reducing sediment discharge from work areas, reducing potential for runoff to carry construction materials into waters of the state, and clarifying expectations for spill prevention and response procedures that are relevant to HDD construction methods. This includes practices to reduce the risk of runoff carrying drilling fluid from inadvertent releases (IRs), also known as a frac-out or inadvertent return, to water resources through prevention and response planning.
WI DNR staff will be leading this training.
Info here.

Is My Water Safe to Drink? - Common Questions about Private Wells
2022-11-15 01:00 - 14:30
Your drinking water well doesn’t have to be a mystery. In this free 90-minute webinar training hosted by The Private Well Class you’ll learn the answers to common questions, such as:
How do I get my well water tested?
What do I need to do to take care of my well?
Is my well susceptible to contamination?
Info here.

WI Land+Water Presents: Climate and Conservation Webinar Series
2022-11-15 10:00 - 11:00
WI Land+Water is hosting a series of Climate and Conservation webinars featuring climate experts that will share important climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, tools, and resources to help county conservation staff and board supervisors integrate climate into local programming.

Implementing Carbon Farming

Join WI Land+Water Climate Resilience Program Manager, Christina Anderson discuss efforts to implement and account for emission reductions on the farm.
Info here.

WGF Annual Meeting
2022-11-15 16:00 - 18:30
Wisconsin’s Green Fire 2022 Annual Meeting will be a celebration of our 5th Anniversary! We will be sharing updates on WGF’s work in the past year, revisit conservation successes across the state, and look forward to future plans in the coming year.
Info here.

Invasive Mussel Collaborative Tools and Accomplishments
2022-11-16 13:00 - 14:00
Research Work Group presented by Ashley Elgin, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The IMC Research Work Group is tasked with coordinating and prioritizing research to maximize and advance dreissenid control outcomes. We recently developed a project inventory to collate information on dreissenid mussel-related projects across organizations and regions. We also worked with managers and researchers to rank dreissenid mussel research priorities, the results of which can help inform future research efforts.
Toxicity Test Work Group presented by Diane Waller, U.S. Geological Survey
The IMC Toxicity Testing Work Group is tasked with developing a framework for dreissenid testing which will provide guidance for researchers on testing and reporting methods and inform managers and regulatory agencies on how toxicity data on molluscicides have been generated. We developed a database of dreissenid toxicity studies, both laboratory and open water studies, that will be accessible on the IMC website. We also drafted a guidance document on “best practices” for toxicity testing based on published standard methods, a literature review, and recommendations from an expert panel.
Coastal Site Priorities Work Group: Tools for Identifying Priority Sites for Experimental Mussel Control in the Great Lakes presented by Jeff Tyson, Great Lakes Fishery Commission
The presentation will cover the process that the Coastal Site Priorities Working Group used to identify appropriate sites to implement experimental invasive mussel control. Additionally, the presentation will cover the tools developed for customizing experimental invasive mussel site priority development based upon agency or researcher specified priorities.
Info here.
