Managing your Community’s Floodplains Webinar: Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage (ICC)
2022-02-23 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
ICC coverage provides payment to help cover the cost of mitigation activities that will reduce the risk of future flood damage to a building. When a building covered by a Standard Flood Insurance Policy suffers a flood loss and is declared to be substantially or repetitively damaged, ICC will pay up to $30,000 to bring the building into compliance with State or community floodplain management laws or ordinances. Usually this means elevating or relocating the building so that it is above the base flood elevation (BFE). Non-residential structures may also be floodproofed. ICC coverage applies solely to buildings and only covers the cost of the compliance measures undertaken. It is filed separately from the normal flood insurance claim.
Info here.

SER’s CERP Program: Is Practitioner Certification Right for You?
2022-02-23 09:00 - 10:00
Join us for an information session on SER’s Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) program — the only international certification program for ecological restoration practitioners! During this session, you will learn about the various benefits that certification can provide to practitioners at all career stages, as well as the steps you can take to begin your application. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the program with a diverse panel of active practitioners who are currently certified through CERP. Register today!
Info here.

WI-ENG-33 Streambank and Shoreline Protection Design
2022-02-23 09:00 - 12:00
Training will review the new 580 Streambank and Shoreline Protection standard, WI NRCS instruction 210-580, and review streambank and shoreline design procedures. Lead Presenter: Mike Dreischmeier, NRCS SW Area Engineer.
3 PDHs will be provided.
If you do not receive a confirmation email when submitting the registration, please contact Penny at Penny@wisconsinlandwater.org
Info here.

Assessing the Toxicity of PFAS Chemicals to Aquatic Organisms
2022-02-23 13:00 - 14:00
Among the many questions surrounding per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are their potential effects on aquatic communities. While much of the initial research effort has focused on ecological effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), there is a much wider range of PFAS that can occur in the environment―both as a result of more recently developed compounds and the breakdown products of other PFAS. Effective management of PFAS in aquatic systems requires understanding of the potential effects of a more complete range of PFAS chemicals.
EPA is working to explore the relationships between PFAS toxicity and chemical structure for several aquatic species to help identify and predict the toxicity of PFAS and PFAS mixtures of greatest ecological concern in support of the development of water quality guidelines. This involves measuring the toxicity of PFAS with varying structural features, determining variation in sensitivity across species, and grouping PFAS chemicals by their inferred toxic modes of action (MoA). This webinar will discuss initial findings that sublethal toxicity is strongly related to fluorinated chain length as well as the structure of the non-fluorinated “head” group, and that differences in toxicity of certain PFAS across structures suggest that multiple PFAS MoAs likely exist.
Info here.

Benefits of Perennial Forages, Shrubs, and Trees for Livestock
2022-02-23 14:00 - 15:00
NCAT Gulf States’ Felicia Bell will be hosting NCAT Grazing Specialist Justin Morris for this workshop on the benefits of shrubs and trees for livestock production.
Often looked upon as a nuisance or unusable to the landowner, shrubs and trees can be a valuable resource for any livestock operation. In this workshop, Justin will discuss how shrubs and trees can:

Improve carrying capacity and stocking rate
Improve animal health
Insulate the farm or ranch from drought
Improve profitability

Info here.

Dahlias - Proven Performers!
2022-02-23 18:30 - 19:30
Dahlias are versatile plants that fill summer and fall gardens with an abundance of flowers. But the many colors, sizes and shapes available can make it difficult to select the best ones for your garden and bouquets. We’ll discuss some of the easiest varieties to grow and enjoy as cut flowers. Plus, Melinda will cover new and traditional ways to include them in any size landscape, garden or container.
Info here.

Wisconsin Cover Crops Conference
2022-02-24
Farmers and agricultural professionals from around Wisconsin are coming together to share & learn about all things cover crops. Whether you’re a seasoned cover cropper or an absolute beginner, there will be something for everyone!
Topics include maintaining soil health while managing manure, easy points of entry for beginning cover croppers, assessing soil health, using cover crops as an alternative forage, and soil health systems & extreme weather events. Many of the presenters will be Wisconsin grain and livestock farmers speaking from experience about what has worked and hasn’t worked in their Wisconsin conservation cropping systems.
Info and registration here.

Wisconsin Cover Crop Conference
2022-02-24
Farmers and agricultural professionals from around the state are coming together to share & learn about all things cover crops. Whether you’re a seasoned cover cropper or an absolute beginner, there will be something for everyone!
Topics include creating new opportunities for in-season manure, managing equipment for planting green, adaptive rye management, incorporating cover crops in vegetable rotations, cover crops as forage, and MORE! Many of the presenters will be Wisconsin grain and livestock farmers speaking from experience about what has worked and hasn’t worked in their Wisconsin conservation cropping systems.
Info here.

Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) Organic Farming Conference
2022-02-24 - 2022-02-26
The MOSES Conference brings together all kinds of farmers and ag professionals to learn the latest organic production methods and build a supportive community of resilient organic and sustainable farms. Whether you’re certified organic, using organic practices on your sustainable farm, or considering the switch to organic, you’ll find the latest information and make the right connections to help you succeed.
Info here.

2022 Agricultural Outlook Forum
2022-02-24 - 2022-02-25
The 2022 Forum will feature a keynote address by the Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, a presentation on the 2022 agricultural economy by USDA’s Chief Economist Seth Meyer, a panel of distinguished guest speakers, and 30 breakout sessions organized by agencies across USDA and covering a range of timely issues impacting the sector. More than one hundred government, industry, and academic leaders will share their perspectives and insights on a wide array of topics including commodity and food price outlooks, U.S. and global agricultural trade developments, climate change, and innovations in agricultural production and sustainability.
Info here.

WI Cover Crops Conference
2022-02-24
This will be a statewide conference geared toward helping Wisconsin farmers, agronomists, and conservation professionals use cover crops more effectively. Many of the presenters will be Wisconsin grain and livestock farmers speaking from experience on the successes and challenges of adopting cover crops in Wisconsin cropping systems.
Dr. Abby Wick, North Dakota State University Extension Soil Health Specialist and Associate Professor will be the keynote for the event and share information on soil health in northern climates. A pre-conference social and educational event will kick off the conference at 4pm on February 23rd (additional registration fee).
Info here.

Public Meetings on the Proposed Changes to Agricultural Water Requirements in the Produce Safety Rule
2022-02-24 07:45 - 17:00
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be holding two virtual public meetings on the recently released proposed rule “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water.” The purpose of the public meetings is to discuss the proposed rule, which was issued under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. These public meetings are intended to facilitate and support the public’s evaluation and commenting process on the proposed rule.
The public meetings will be held according to the schedule below. The times for each meeting have been adjusted to provide persons in different regions of the country an opportunity to comment.
Info here.

WI-ENG-32 Natural Stream Channel Design
2022-02-24 09:00 - 12:00
Training will review the recently revised 582 Open Channel standard and review natural channel design procedures. Lead Presenter: Steve Becker, NRCS State Conservation Engineer.
3 PDHs will be offered.
If you do not receive a confirmation email upon submission, please contact Penny at Penny@wisconsinlandwater.org for registration assistance.
Info here.

High Tunnel Winter Greens Research from Dixon Springs
2022-02-24 12:00 - 13:00
High tunnel systems allow growers to provide markets with fresh, locally-grown products for a larger part of the year. During this presentation, research results will be shared on the utilization of high tunnels to maximize winter vegetable production. This project evaluated different cultural growing techniques, including planting date, black plastic mulch and row cover, for carrots, lettuce, spinach, and kale within a high tunnel at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois. Winter production can be a great avenue to diversify farm operations, increase income opportunities, and provide more local, Illinois-grown crops into the marketplace.
Info here.

Medicinal Grazing and Unexpected Outcomes
2022-02-24 12:00 - 13:00
Chemical dewormers for small ruminants are becoming less effective at a startling rate. Join Kirsten Robertson on her journey to becoming chemical dewormer free with her goats and sheep. In the process of mimicking nature, her farm sprang alive and so did she. Join us! You won’t be sorry.
Info here.

Environmental DNA (dDNA) as a Tool to Detect the Arrival of Invasive Carps in the Lake Michigan Basin
2022-02-24 19:00 - 20:00
Dr. Cari-Ann Hayer, Program Manager of the Aquatic Invasive Species Detection and Monitoring Program for Lake Michigan for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will present “Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a Tool to Detect the Arrival of Invasive Carps in the Lake Michigan Basin”.
Info here.

Soil Organic Matter and Healthy Soils
2022-02-26 10:00 - 11:30
You may have heard a lot about soil health and soil organic matter. What are these two concepts, and how are they connected? Thea will discuss what soil organic matter is, the factors that determine whether the amount of organic matter in soil grows or diminishes, and the co-benefits of soil organic matter with respect to soil health. She will also discuss one specific form of soil organic matter – biochar – a brief overview of its history and its use as a soil amendment.
Info here.

Focus on Forage Webinar Series
2022-02-26 12:30 - 13:30
Join the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nutrient and Pest Management Program and Division of Extension on Jan. 26, Feb. 2, and Feb. 9 for the 2022 Focus on Forage webinar series. Webinars are free and run from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required at http://go.wisc.edu/FarmReadyResearch. One certified Crop Advisor CEU is available for each webinar.
Dates, presenters, and topics are:

Jan 26, 2022 – Getting the Most Out of Your Silage. Luiz Ferreretto, UW-Madison Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist, will summarize his research work on the use of inoculants to improve the fermentation, aerobic stability and nutritive value of conventional and alternative silages and forages, including sorghum-sudangrass. Additionally, Damon Smith, UW-Madison Field Crop Pathology Extension Specialist, will discuss disease and mycotoxin considerations, including the growing prevalence of tar spot, when making high quality corn silage.
February 2, 2022 – Alternative Forages – A Fit for Wisconsin Farms? Matt Akins, UW-Madison Dairy Extension Specialist, and Mike Ballweg, UW-Madison Extension Sheboygan County, will highlight their research work on growing and feeding forage cocktail mixes, providing an update of 2021 yield and forage quality data. Brody Stapel, co-owner of Double Dutch Dairy, will provide his perspective and suggestions for growing and feeding cocktail mixes and annual forages to a high production Wisconsin dairy herd. Lastly, Kevin Jarek, UW-Madison Extension Outagamie County and Carrie Laboski, UW-Madison Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, will share research on managing nitrogen applications annual ryegrass and forage cocktail mixes for forage yield and production and environmental quality.
February 9, 2022 – Benefits of Including Grass in the Dairy Ration. Debbie Cherney, Professor of Animal Science, Cornell University, will share her research on the benefits of incorporating high NDFD grasses into dairy rations. She will discuss forage management and quality, as well as impacts on ration formulation and lactation performance. Kimberly Schmidt, UW-Madison Extension Shawano County, will provide an update on ongoing Wisconsin research into feeding winter cereals and other alternative forages to the dairy herd.

Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society Conference
2022-02-27 - 2022-03-03
Save the date for the MAPMS Conference.
The purpose of the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society (MAPMS) is to promote science based technologies for the management of aquatic resources by

Providing opportunities for educational advancement
Supporting relevant scientific research
Facilitating exchange of information
Promoting the protection and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems
Expanding and developing public interest in aquatic resources and their sustainable management

Info here.

Fox Valley Fish Fair
2022-02-27 11:00 - 15:00
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) will host a select number of vendors selling captive raised and sustainably harvested freshwater and saltwater fish, plants, and invertebrates.
Info here.

Irrigation Basics
2022-02-28 13:00 - 14:00
Tech Talks is an online training series organized by the Technical Training and Certification Program.
Info here.

Supporting Learning and Empowering Leaders on the Farm
2022-02-28 15:00 - 16:00
Come learn from Julie Sullivan from San Juan Ranch and staff from Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming about supporting the self-directed learning of your crew and apprentices. We will explore balancing learning and doing while farming, the experiential learning cycle for adult learners, and how to build respect and investment in your worker to create a more supportive workplace. A farmer round table discussion will follow.
Info here.

Wildlife Management Adaptation Planning and Practices Course
2022-02-28 16:00 - 17:00
2/28/2022 – 4/20/2022
The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin, and the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub are offering a wildlife habitat-focused version of the Adaptation Planning and Practices online course for land managers and professionals.
This unique opportunity provides hands-on training in considering climate change information and identifying adaptation actions relevant to wildlife habitat management and conservation. Participants will receive coaching and feedback while using the Adaptation Workbook to develop their own real-world climate adaptation project. The course consists of seven weekly web sessions, three discussion sessions, with independent work time occurring between sessions.
Course information will focus on terrestrial wildlife management, including population management as well as habitat management. We will give preference to project teams from the Midwest and Northeast US, but applicants from other regions should apply and may be accepted if space allows.
Through this course, participants will be able to:

Identify locally-important climate change impacts, challenges, and opportunities
Develop specific actions to help wildlife adapt to changing conditions
Use the Adaptation Workbook to create their own “climate-informed” projects
Better communicate with stakeholders about key climate change impacts, challenges, and opportunities
Access post-training support from NIACS staff during project planning and implementation

Info here.

Cover Crops - Green Thumb Gardening
2022-02-28 18:00 - 20:00
The Green Thumb Gardening class series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! Dane County Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener.
Info here.

Wisconsin Land and Water 69th Annual Conference
2022-03-02 - 2022-03-04
Info here.

Women Leaders Conference
2022-03-04
The UWM School of Continuing Education’s Women Leaders Conference is returning.
New this year, the conference will be in-person as well as livestreamed! Join over 500 women leaders at the historic Pfister Hotel or online from the convenience of your office or home for:

Two keynote speakers
12 breakout sessions
Inspiring content
Meaningful dialogue
Helpful tips and takeaways
Meals and receptions
Opportunities to connect with leaders from service industries, engineering and manufacturing, nonprofit and public entities

Info here.

Explore Your Sense of Place: Leopold Week Kick-Off with Buddy Huffaker
2022-03-04 10:00 - 11:00
What does it mean to connect to a “sense of place,” and why is it important? Join Buddy Huffaker, Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Executive Director, for an orientation and overview of Leopold Week 2022.
Info here.

Great Lakes Policy Update: A Look Back to Key Developments in 2021 and Look Ahead to the Rest of 2022
2022-03-04 10:00 - 11:00
With the help of Marc Smith, director of Great Lakes policy for the National Wildlife Federation, GLLC members and other participants will explore recent new laws, investments and legislative proposals related to the caucus’s policy agenda.
Info here.

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge: 10 years strong and beyond
2022-03-04 10:30 - 11:30
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (Walworth County, WI and McHenry County, IL) was first established by the USFWS in 2012. The Refuge boundary employs a “Cores and Corridors” concept for wildlife preservation with a focus on migratory and grassland birds. Vince Mosca and Paul Bruett will discuss the establishment of this Urban National Wildlife Refuge and its goals and will share progress made in land acquisition over the last 10 years. Finally, they’ll talk about the Refuge’s role in regional climate change resiliency and biodiversity management.
Info here.

Kemp Apple School: Apple Tree Care in the Northwoods
2022-03-05 09:00 - 14:00
Learn the ins and outs of growing apples in the Northwoods. Whether you are thinking about planting a small orchard or wondering why you keep losing your crop, this workshop will provide some helpful information. We’ll discuss orchard establishment, tree care, and how to put together a management plan for your trees. This program is designed for the home gardener with a handful of apple trees.
Info here.
