Conservation Professional Training Program

A Taste for Maize: More than Popcorn & Corn on the Cob!
2022-07-26 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
Celebrate the gastronomic experience and diverse cultural heritage of maize. Join our chefs as they conduct live recipe demonstrations and share their culinary knowledge.
Info here.

Rotational grazing
2022-07-26 10:30 - 11:30
Rotational grazing 100 Dairy Heifers on 80 acres for 6 months. May thru Oct. Corral design, using a pasture barrier between pasture fences and the woods, Clipping mature forages to set back vegetative growth for improved forage quality
Info here.

Info Ag
2022-07-26 - 2022-07-27
Since 1995, InfoAg has been the leading event in precision agriculture, attracting 1300+ attendees from 20 countries every year and offering a unique opportunity to engage the top practitioners searching for technology-driven solutions.
Today’s InfoAg now highlights a broader reach of tools, technologies, products, and practices that crop advisors can use to advance modern agriculture. The event features a tradeshow alongside education sessions that address the challenges of the retail agronomist through precision ag, environmental stewardship and sustainability, and product innovation.
Info here.

Organic Weed Control Intensive
2022-07-24 09:00 - 16:00
Join Kat Becker from Cattail Organics and Sam Tilton from Lakeshore Technical College to re-envision weed control on your vegetable farm. In this full day, workshop-style event you will build your knowledge of weed management systems, view and try a wide variety of tools, and learn from Kat, Sam, and other experienced farmer peers right in the field. You will leave with the strategies you need to develop a detailed, comprehensive, and actionable plan for managing weeds into the future.
Info here.

Paddling and Policy - 50 years of the Clean Water Act on the Wisconsin River
2022-07-23 12:00 - 17:00
On this afternoon flatwater paddling trip we’ll combine leisurely paddling with some rich riverbank discussions about the history of the CWA and its implementation in Wisconsin with our trip leaders Bob Martini, Todd Ambs, and Denny Caneff – all experienced paddlers and longtime river champions.
At the time of the 1972 passage of the Clean Water Act (CWA), few water bodies in Wisconsin needed clean up more than the Wisconsin River. Often called America’s hardest working river, the Wisconsin River Valley in the 1970s hosted a heavy concentration of pulp and paper mills, along with no less than 26 hydro-electric dams between Lake Tomahawk and Prairie Du Sac.
Meeting the standards established in the Clean Water Act required years of negotiation and some noteworthy collaboration between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the many pulp and paper mills and other industries along the river. The results of that effort are a true environmental success story. Our trip leaders Bob Martini, Todd Ambs, and Denny Caneff are experienced paddlers, longtime river champions, and conservationists who have been critical parts of those efforts
On this afternoon flatwater paddling trip between Brokaw and Wausau, we’ll combine leisurely paddling with some rich riverbank discussions over lunch about the history of the CWA and its implementation in Wisconsin. We’ll critically assess the state of the river today, including some longstanding threats to water quality the CWA has not addressed, including non-point pollution, newly emerging contaminants such as PFAS, and the ways in which environmental inequities are especially experienced in river communities.
Info here.

National Moth Week
2022-07-23 - 2022-07-31
National Moth Week celebrates the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths. “Moth-ers” of all ages and abilities are encouraged to learn about, observe, and document moths in their backyards, parks, and neighborhoods. National Moth Week is being held, worldwide, during the last full week of July. NMW offers everyone, everywhere a unique opportunity to become a Citizen Scientist and contribute scientific data about moths. Through partnerships with major online biological data depositories, NMW participants can help map moth distribution and provide needed information on other life history aspects around the globe.
Info here.

Twilight Pasture Walk: Getting your farm dreams funded
2022-07-21 17:00 - 20:00
Join WFU at Gwenyn Hill Farm for a pasture walk specializing in rotational grazing for multi-species.
Info here.

2022 Surface Water Grant Webinar: For Applicants
2022-07-21 16:00 - 17:00
Are you curious about the WDNR’s Surface Water Grant Program?
Would you like to learn more about funding opportunities, applying, and managing grant projects?
Please sign up for and attend this webinar. Attendees will meet program staff and learn about grants available for the protection and restoration of lakes, rivers and wetlands. We’ll share a few tips on applying and managing projects and provide some time to answer your questions as you look toward preparing a pre-application in advance of the Sept 15 deadline.
Info here.

Pollinator Habitat Field Day at Sapsucker Farm
2022-07-16 13:30 - 15:00
Join pollinator biologist Sarah Foltz Jordan of the Xerces Society, and farmers Jim & Debbie Morrison of Sapsucker Farm for a buzz-worthy field day focused on pollinator habitat in an orchard setting. Attendees will learn about native bee diversity and habitat needs, including how to identify and support the rusty-patched bumble bee, a federally endangered bee that has recently been detected near the farm, and is persisting in very low numbers across the Midwest. Participants will tour the farm from the perspective of a bee, looking at foraging & nesting resources, protection from pesticides, and the many habitat strategies that Sapsucker Farm has employed, including their innovative and successful approaches to planting and managing diverse native flowers in the understories of their orchards.
Info here.

WiWiC Field Day: Sweet Springs Farm
2022-07-15 14:00 - 18:00
The field day will cover a wide variety of cover crops growing and many of the prairie and other perennials will be blooming. All women farmers, landowners and conservationists from Vernon, Crawford, Grant and surrounding counties are welcome to attend– whatever your background, from beginners to experts! Features include: a large prairie up on top of the hill, numerous prairie areas in our valley, trout stream and valley fields that grow veggies and herbs with lots of cover crops.
Info here.

Tips & tricks learned along the way with grazing
2022-07-14 18:00 - 19:00
Hosted by Bill Powers at N2641 Burns Rd, Mauston. The focus of this pasture walk will be coming together to share tips & tricks learned along the way with grazing.
Info here.

Crop Production Course
2022-07-14 17:00 - 18:30
Grow a diversity of fruits and vegetables for your home and/or business

​Identify sustainable agriculture practices
Create a crop plan
Manage a greenhouse
Buy and maintain farm equipment and machinery
Set up a drip irrigation system
Manage soil nutrients
Manage weeds and use cover crops
Identify pests and implement pest management strategies
Learn how to prepare crops for market and comply with food safety regulations
Connect with agencies that provide services for new farmers

2022 Course Details: This year they are offering an 8-week session of this course.
Info here.

Funding Opportunities for Nature-Based Solutions in the Great Lakes
2022-07-14 13:30 - 15:00
This free webinar will help Great Lakes communities gain a better understanding of funding opportunities and resources that support nature-based solutions.
Funders include both federal and non-federal entities, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). Another funder, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation will offer perspectives on how local foundations complement their national counterparts.
You will learn details about different funding programs, including timelines and examples of successfully funded projects, as well as be able to join dedicated question and answer sessions with the organizations.
Info here.

Funding Opportunities for Nature-Based Solutions in the Great Lakes
2022-07-14 13:30 - 15:00
This free webinar will help Great Lakes communities gain a better understanding of funding opportunities and resources that support nature-based solutions. REGISTER HERE.
Funders include both federal and non-federal entities, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). Another funder, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation will offer perspectives on how local foundations complement their national counterparts.
You will learn details about different funding programs, including timelines and examples of successfully funded projects, as well as be able to join dedicated question and answer sessions with the organizations.

Carbon Markets
2022-07-14 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar will introduce carbon offset credits and markets with an emphasis on forest carbon offset projects in the United States. The presentation will define carbon offsets and forest management practices that qualify for offset projects. The presentation then will walk-through the steps to developing a forest carbon project whose offset credits are traded in the voluntary and compliance markets. The webinar will also cover emerging programs and current trends in forest carbon offset programs.
Info here.

When Self-Help Isn't Enough
2022-07-13 16:30 - 17:30
This presentation is designed to reduce avoidable delays in receiving appropriate mental health care. In this session that is tailored for members of the agricultural community, participants will learn to identify and address the internal roadblocks one may experience when making the decision to seek professional assistance with mental health issues.
Info here.

Nature-Based Shoreline Approaches in Cold Climates
2022-07-13 13:30 - 15:00
Nature-based shoreline approaches are more prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Gulf regions, but this is changing for many Great Lakes and New England communities. As these areas are starting to use these approaches more frequently, they can benefit from discussions about the techniques and performance in colder climate regions.
This webinar focuses on how cold climate regions are advancing the science and use of nature-based shoreline approaches. Learn about two projects that 1) identified Great Lakes nature-based shoreline techniques and considerations; and 2) conducted monitoring to provide a greater understanding of the effectiveness, impacts, benefits, and limitations of living shoreline approaches in New England. Both projects will share local examples and resources.
Info here.

Nature-Based Shoreline Approaches in Cold Climates
2022-07-13 13:30 - 15:00
NOAA’s Coastal Resilience Grants are helping communities interested in increasing resilience to sea level rise, erosion, and flood events. This free webinar is part of a series designed to share lessons learned from these projects. REGISTER HERE
Nature-based shoreline approaches are more prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Gulf regions, but this is changing for many Great Lakes and New England communities. As these areas are starting to use these approaches more frequently, they can benefit from discussions about the techniques and performance in colder climate regions.
This webinar focuses on how cold climate regions are advancing the science and use of nature-based shoreline approaches. Learn about two projects that 1) identified Great Lakes nature-based shoreline techniques and considerations; and 2) conducted monitoring to provide a greater understanding of the effectiveness, impacts, benefits, and limitations of living shoreline approaches in New England. Both projects will share local examples and resources.

Incorporating Industrial Hemp into our Rotation
2022-07-13 12:00 - 14:00
Our research has shown that industrial hemp offers a host of soil health benefits, including exceptional weed suppression as a cover crop – but how can it fit into a crop rotation, and is it profitable? Join us to discuss opportunities for growing, marketing, and incorporating industrial hemp into your crop rotation.
Info here.

Walking on Two Legs: An Indigenous Framework to Guide Research and Restoration in Fire-adapted Landscapes
2022-07-13 11:00 - 12:00
Worldwide, Indigenous peoples are leading the revitalization of their/our cultures through the restoration of ecosystems in which they are embedded, including in response to increasing “megafires.” Yet, despite growing recognition that just and effective conservation is only possible through partnerships with, or led by, Indigenous peoples, decolonizing approaches to restoration have received insufficient attention. Further, reconciliation will be incomplete without Indigenous-led restoration of Indigenous lands, knowledges, and cultures. In this webinar, we will introduce the concept of “walking on two legs” to guide restoration scientists and practitioners in advancing the interconnected processes of Indigenous-led restoration and reconciliation in Indigenous territories. As an action-oriented framework articulated by Secwépemc Elder Ronald E. Ignace, “walking on two legs” seeks to bring Indigenous knowledges into balance with western scientific knowledge in service of upholding an Indigenous stewardship ethic that is embedded in Indigenous ways of relating to land and embodies principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility. Grounding our discussion in the context of fire-adapted ecosystems of western Canada and unceded and traditional Secwépemc territory, Secwepemcúl̓ecw, we will share two case studies of collaborative and Indigenous-led research and restoration to demonstrate how “walking on two legs” provides a pathway to uphold respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples, knowledges, and territories through Indigenous-led restoration.
Info here.

Pest Scouting
2022-07-12 18:30 - 20:00
Whether in your hoophouse or out in your field; whether aphids, cucumber beetles, cabbage loopers, or all of the above—don’t let insect pests get the best of your crops!
Organic and sustainable growers have many options to help prevent and control pests of all types on their farms, but preparation, observation, and timely action are essential.
Join Dr. Laura Ingwell from Purdue University to learn about common pests to prepare for, tools and techniques for effective pest scouting, and how to respond when pest issues start, but before they become a problem. Dr. Ingwell specializes in high tunnels, and has plenty of advice for spotting and managing pests out in the field as well.
Info here.

Grazing Warm Season Grasses- Pasture walk
2022-07-12 18:00 - 20:00
Come out and enjoy a pasture walk at Clover Valley State Habitat Area. This pasture walk will focus on grazing warm season grasses.
Info here.

Construction Plan Assembly Webinar
2022-07-12 13:30 - 15:00
This 60-90 minute training will focus on the structure and assembly of a construction plan and what is needed to assemble a plan that others can use and understand. Trainers: DATCP/NRCS (King, Blohowiak). Please note that NO engineering CEUs or PDHs will be offered because the training is not related to a particular job approval practice.
Join us on Tuesday, July 12, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Please register for this free webinar at https://conta.cc/3z5IAdp by Friday, July 8. This webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
If you do not receive a confirmation email after submitting your registration or if you have any questions, please contact chris@wisconsinlandwater.org.

Soil Health Dos and Don'ts
2022-07-12 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for this webinar during which soil health techniques such as cover crops, crop rotations, pest management, nutrient management, cash crop establishment, and water management will be discussed.
Participants will be instructed on several soil health topics. These include:
• Cover Crop selection, seeding, termination and benefits
• Benefits to soil health by using crop rotations and crop rotations to avoid.
• Pest Management techniques including scouting and monitoring of pests, beneficial insects, pesticide carry-over and breaking the cycle of non-essential pesticide use.
• The 4-Rs in soil health system concerning nutrient management techniques.
• Cash crop establishment techniques in cover crop systems. Discuss benefits of planting green or planting after chemical termination.
• Benefits of soil health systems on water management. Specifically reductions in irrigation amounts and management techniques.
Info here.

Cats, Dogs and Cows, Oh My! Climate change and the impacts on pets and livestock.
2022-07-12 12:00 - 13:00
Part of Badger talks. Presented by Dr. Jennifer Van Os, Assistant Professor, Animal & Dairy Science (Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare) and Dr. Erin Lashnits, Clinical Assistant Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine
Info here.

Climate Intersections Conference
2022-07-12 - 2022-07-14
The North Central Region Water Network is excited to announce that we are hosting a regional conference exploring the ways climate intersects with our lives, our water and our land!
Info here.

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
2022-07-12 - 2022-07-14
Roehl Acres of Loyal has been selected as the host farm for the 2022 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Clark County. Owned by the Dennis and Suzie Roehl family, Roehl Acres is an over 500 registered dairy cattle farm, cropping 750 acres.
Info here.

Seeing the Land Through the Eyes of Birds
2022-07-11 13:00 - 14:00
The Role of Birds on the Farm Course: Lesson 9 – Seeing the Land Through the Eyes of Birds
Upon successfully completing this lesson, participants will be able to:

Describe the different types of cover requirements.
Explain why water and food resources are critical year-round.
Share how plants support insect food for birds, especially caterpillars.
Specify keystone plant species used in plantings.

Info here.

Abundant Agritourism
2022-07-08 11:00 - 13:00
Share an afternoon of virtual learning, discussion, and exploration of agritourism from the perspective of two farmers and an agritourism platform excelling in farm-focused fun. Learn about overnight stays, u-pick flowers, hosting musicians, on-farm workshops, and more!
Info here.

Upper Mississippi River restoration history: From dam planning to partnership successes
2022-07-08 10:30 - 11:30
Most people have a mental picture of the Mississippi River shaped through the writings of Mark Twain, media images of floods, school lessons in geography, and/or personal experience. Many, however, are not aware of how extensively humans have altered the river’s ecosystem and what it takes to make a large floodplain river like the Mississippi a more sustainable ecosystem. Mississippi River habitat restoration is an art that blends an understanding of historical events, science, insight, communication, and societal desires. In this presentation, Mississippi River Habitat Specialist Jeff Janvrin will touch on these topics and highlight examples of progress through partnerships in recent decades.
Info here.
