Organic Agriculture as a Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy
2022-09-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Join this webinar to learn about organic agriculture’s role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Climate change threatens agricultural production with weather extremes, drought, loss of biodiversity, and more. This webinar will discuss the role of organic agriculture in presenting climate change solutions and adaptation strategies, as we seek to increase the resilience of our food system.
Info here.

Understanding Algal Blooms: State of the Science Conference
2022-09-07
The Understanding Algal Blooms: State of the Science Hybrid Conference will highlight current scientific knowledge related to algal blooms. Research and outreach leaders will present findings from recent studies and identify important areas of uncertainty.
Info here.

Brine Blends
2022-09-07 10:00 - 13:00
When temps drop below 15F salt brine doesn’t cut it, but where do you start? Calcium, magnesium, beet juice, proprietary products? 90/10, 80/20? The options for concocting the perfect solution can be overwhelming. Matt Wittum, Highway Superintendent with the Town of Linn, tackles the topic of blending additives into brines and welcomes your input.
Info here.

Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference
2022-09-08
For the past seventeen years, the Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference has been a hallmark occasion for the watershed community of practice in southeastern Wisconsin to come together to discuss strategies and projects to improve the health of our watersheds.
The Clean Rivers Clean Lake Conference will take place again in 2022. Topics will focus on opportunities and strategies that southeastern Wisconsin municipalities and counties can use to achieve water quality improvement goals.
Info here.

Field Day at Gehrke Family Farm
2022-09-08 10:00 - 13:00
Join for a field day learning about Diverse Species Cover Crop Mixes, Using Chemicals on Interseeding Plots, and Soil Health.
Event Topics:
DIVERSE COVER MIXES AFTER WHEAT – Options and management of diverse cover crops after wheat and how to plan for the following cash crop.
INTERSEEDING CHEMICAL PLOT – Seeing and discussing different chemical options when interseeding cover crops into corn.
SOIL HEALTH DISCUSSION – Discussing soil health, how it can be implemented on your farm as well as impacts to your operation.
Info here.

Field Day: Bouressa Family Farm
2022-09-08 13:00 - 17:00
Come experience the Bouressa Family Farm. Rachel grew up as fifth generation on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin and in 2014 Rachel returned to her family’s farm to raise direct-market, 100% grass fed and finished beef.
Farm animals are on pasture year round, with access to fresh grass daily during the warmer months and grassy hay and alfalfa in the winter. Rachel believes in the value and need for perennial, restorative agriculture and agricultural systems modeled after natural ecosystems.ons sustainable and organic farming and conservation practices and has participated in multiple NRCS programs.
Info here.

Silvopasture and how to manage animals, trees, and forages across the landscape
2022-09-08 17:00 - 18:00
Hosted by the Savanna Institute at 6511 Hillside Rd, Spring Green. We will branch out to learn more about Silvopasture and how to manage animals, trees, and forages across the landscape at this pasture walk.
Info here.

Seed Library Workshop
2022-09-09 09:00 - 10:00
Are you interested in starting a native or agricultural seed library at your school, library or home? This webinar will feature several speakers who have created seed libraries of different types. Presenters will describe how to initiate a seed library and challenges faced.
Info here.

Northern pike life history along Green Bay’s west shore
2022-09-09 10:30 - 11:30
WDNR Fish Biologist Tammie Paoli will provide an overview of the unique life history of northern pike along Green Bay’s west shore. Pike are a self-sustaining, native top predator in Green Bay that provide recreational fishing opportunities. Learn about challenges to pike populations such as wetland habitat loss, invasive species including Phragmites, and land-use practices that may impact pike spawning habitat.
Info here.

Lifting Hearts Therapy Garden Fall Harvest
2022-09-10 11:00 - 13:00
Join us for the second annual fall harvest picnic at Westport Farm! Hosted by the HMoob (Hmong) elders who grow food at our Lifting Hearts Therapy Garden, you’ll enjoy a bountiful, homecooked meal outdoors. Try a variety of delicious HMoob dishes and learn about HMoob growing practices and traditions out on the land.
This is also a great chance to meet our new Executive Director Angela West Blank! She’d love to connect with you out on the land and learn why local conservation matters to you.
Info here.

Field Day: Blackbrook Farm
2022-09-10 13:00 - 16:00
Come and be inspired by a tour of Blackbrook Farm, operated by our own WiWiC Conservation Coach Ayla Dodge and her husband.
Hear and see firsthand how they are overcoming unique challenges presented by their farm’s sandy soils in both their vegetable operation and pasture establishment for the livestock they have integrated into their operation.
Ayla will also share how they have worked with the NRCS to implement conservation on their farm by establishing some pollinator habitat and using cover crops.
Info here.

Lower Wisconsin Riverway with Mike Hedemark & Arlyne Johnson
2022-09-10 15:00 - 16:30
WWA members Arlyne Johnson and Mike Hedemark invite you to join Katie Beilfuss, Outreach Programs Director for the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, for a gathering about wetland management and care. We’ll discuss what wetlands are, the diversity and abundance of wetlands in Wisconsin, why wetlands are important, and how you can care for the wetlands on your land and in your community.
Info here.

One Water Summit
2022-09-12 - 2022-09-15
The US Water Alliance’s One Water Summit gathers the most diverse group of water stakeholders in the country for a completely unique and urgent conversation about the future of water through engaging plenaries and workshops, dynamic institutes and site-visits, and plenty of networking time between individuals, organizations, and delegations. Our Summit also serves as a time to award the US Water Prize, where we recognize outstanding One Water leaders across the nation.
Info here.

Soil Health and Sustainability for Field Staff
2022-09-13 - 2022-09-15
Course Description:
This training is designed to provide field level conservationists and resource soil scientists with an overall understanding of soil health and sustainability principles to guide them with recommendations for land management. The training can be tailored by land use or specialty emphasis area using modules for cropland, pasture, range, eastern forests, sod and nursery crops, organic specialty crops, and/or salinity and sodicity. Upon completion of this course participants will be able to evaluate soil health, have an understanding of soil quality/soil health indicators and their relationship to onsite/offsite effects of management; communicate soil health concerns to employees, partners and land managers through conservation technical assistance and planning that complies with national policy; and apply soil health and sustainability principles and conservation technology holistically to supply safe, healthy and abundant food and fiber and sustain ecosystem functions on agricultural lands.
Target Audience:
NRCS staff in the 400 & 800 Series and Partners, particularly those involved in resource inventory and conservation planning with land managers or assessment of dynamic soil properties for soil survey.
Primary Objectives:
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
Define or describe soil health terms and basic concepts to develop an understanding of the soil ecosystem, soil biology, and soil functions;
Discuss soil chemical, physical, and biological properties and the soil functions they affect;
Evaluate and compare management practices for limiting physical and chemical disturbance;
Apply agroecology technologies that build or degrade soil function
Be knowledgeable of soil features that indicate good soil health using field observations;
Use farmer input (goals) and background data to initiate inventory and assessment of soil resources;
Analyze collected data to identify soil health problems and priorities for improvements;
Understand how improving soil health improves productivity and profitability;
Understand the costs of poor soil health on air and water quality; and
Use soil health demonstrations to promote conservation.
NE Area: Waupaca, WI. Tuesday-Thursday Sept 13-15, sign up here.
SE Area: Fond du Lac, WI. Tuesday-Thursday Sept 27-29, sign up here.

Soil Health and Sustainability for Field Staff
2022-09-13 - 2022-09-15
This training is designed to provide field level conservationists and resource soil scientists with an overall understanding of soil health and sustainability principles to guide them with recommendations for land management. The training can be tailored by landuse or specialty emphasis area using modules for cropland, pasture, range, eastern forests, sod and nursery crops, organic specialty crops, and/or salinity and sodicity. Upon completion of this course participants will be able to evaluate soil health, have an understanding of soil quality/soil health indicators and their relationship to onsite/offsite effects of management; communicate soil health concerns to employees, partners and land managers through conservation technical assistance and planning that complies with national policy; and apply soil health and sustainability principles and conservation technology holistically to supply safe, healthy and abundant food and fiber and sustain ecosystem functions on agricultural lands.
Primary Objectives
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

Define or describe soil health terms and basic concepts to develop an understanding of the soil ecosystem, soil biology, and soil functions;
Discuss soil chemical, physical, and biological properties and the soil functions they affect;
Evaluate and compare management practices for limiting physical and chemical disturbance;
Apply agroecology technologies that build or degrade soil function
Be knowledgeable of soil features that indicate good soil health using field observations;
Use farmer input (goals) and background data to initiate inventory and assessment of soil resources;
Analyze collected data to identify soil health problems and priorities for improvements;
Understand how improving soil health improves productivity and profitability;
Understand the costs of poor soil health on air and water quality; and
Use soil health demonstrations to promote conservation.

Info here.

WI Soil and Water Conservation Society Fall Conservation Tour
2022-09-14 10:00 - 14:30
Join SWCS for their 2022 fall conservation tour – starting at Big River Resources (N10185 370th Street, Boyceville, WI). Find the flyer here.
Info here.

Certified Organic Mushroom Production
2022-09-14 13:00 - 14:00
Certified organic mushroom production is a gray area in the National Organic Program. Is it a crop? Or is it something else entirely? The answer is a little complicated. Incorporating certified organic mushrooms into your operation can offer an opportunity to diversify cashflow and markets. Dive into the standards with one of Rodale Institute’s organic regulatory experts, Zach West, to learn more about how these fungi can benefit your production.
Info here.

Turning IPM into an Educational Board Game Simulation
2022-09-14 14:00 - 15:00
The IPM Hour is a monthly online seminar covering a variety of IPM-related topics and research. It is held the second Wednesday of each month at noon Pacific Time and features a presentation (or two) with Q&A and discussion.
Info here.

Conservation Connections: An introduction to NRCS and FSA resources and programs - Half the 40 Acres
2022-09-14 16:00 - 18:00
Join farmer Robert Pierce for a tour of his farm, Half the 40 Acres, south of Madison and learn about various programs and opportunities to enhance conservation practices on your land. Learn about soil health and see Robert’s composting operation.
“For me, it’s pretty simple; everything starts with healthy soil. To grow good food you need good soil and that has always been my priority here on the farm.” Farmer Robert Pierce
Tour Robert’s new high tunnel and gain information on potential NRCS EQIP funding for such farm enhancements.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency FSA and other conservation staff will be on hand to answer questions and help connect you to additional resources and opportunities.
Info here.

Language of the Land: Bringing Nature Home
2022-09-15 20:00 - 21:00
Did you know that how we landscape our yards affects nature far beyond property lines? Join Douglas Tallamy, author of Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, to learn how the small actions we take as individuals can make a big environmental impact. Tallamy will discuss how native plants best support local wildlife and will provide tips on how to simultaneously garden and benefit local ecosystems.
Info here.

Native Plant ID and Pollinator Habitat Training
2022-09-16
This training will cover plant ID of native species that are commonly used in pollinator plantings, components of a good pollinator habitat, some discussion on habitat assessment, common weeds to look out for, and a field tour to practice our plant ID in multiple different habitat types. Lunch will be provided. Please bring a water bottle, and dress for hiking.
Info here.

Survey 123 Basic Requirements and Outline
2022-09-16 09:00 - 12:00
Entry level instruction on how to use ArcGIS Survey 123 to create mobile-based apps for collecting data in the field. Students will use their own laptop and smartphone or tablet in class to create and deploy an app to collect sample data. Basic instruction and emphasis on using ArcGIS Online resources, learning GIS software terms and workflows. Focus on building an app from an existing template, making basic modifications, publishing the report, collecting data, and how to create reports.
Who should take the class:
Geared toward conservation staff with basic to intermediate ESRI GIS skills. Some knowledge of ArcGIS Online is helpful, intermediate understanding of excel. Students will need an ArcGIS Online account either through their organization or a personal account.
Equipment/Software Required for Training

Laptop with MS Office (Excel)
Smartphone or tablet (Apple or Android)
Survey 123 Connect Installed on Laptop
MS Office with Excel on laptop
Survey 123 installed on mobile device
ArcGIS Online Account

Find the full outline and description here.
Andy Maracini, Winnebago County Land Conservation Department, will be running the training.
Info here.

Life Hacks Over Lunch: A Meet-up Series for Watershed Professionals
2022-09-16 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.

Urban Growers Collective Farm Tour
2022-09-17 13:00 - 16:00
Join the MOSES 2022 Changemaker Award recipients as we tour two of their farms. Urban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. They aim to address the inequities and structural racism that exist in the food system and in communities of color. Hear about the exciting programs they are implementing to not only raise delicious, healthy food, but also to help create systemic change and economic opportunities for their urban community. Come see their well-established South Chicago Farm, and a newer farm project close by called Green Era Urban Farm and Renewable Energy Campus that will support local compost development.
Info here.

2022 WCA Annual Conference
2022-09-18 - 2022-09-20
Wisconsin Counties Association 2022 Annual Conference
Info here.

Great Lakes Coastal Symposium
2022-09-19 - 2022-09-21
The Coastal Symposium will feature presentations, networking opportunities, workshops, and field trips. Over three days, participants will explore the state of our coastal systems in the face of a rapidly changing climate, discuss current topics related to coastal wetland management, and provide input on management and conservation approaches for this upper Great Lakes setting. Participants will spend time in the classroom and in the field sharing experiences and best practices for managing coastal waters, vegetation, and wildlife.
Info here.

NASCA Webinar - Two-Plus Years Later - Best Practices Adopted
2022-09-20 09:00 - 22:00
NASCA Webinar featuring Best Practices for programs, operations and communications from across the nation that were adopted by state conservation agencies and conservation districts during the pandemic, and will be continued to be utilized in a new way of doing conservation and state agency business.
Info here.

Introduction to Flood Insurance through the NFIP
2022-09-20 09:30 - 10:30
This webinar will introduce to you key concepts of the National Flood Insurance Program including:
1) Flood insurance compared to disaster assistance
2) Eligibility to purchase flood insurance
3) Coverages
4) Loss settlement (claims) and appeals
While the new pricing methodology is not the main focus of this webinar, some aspects of Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action will be discussed.
Info here.

Utilizing Fire and Grazing to Manage Invasive Perennial Grasses
2022-09-20 13:00 - 14:00
Presented by: Chris Helzer, Director of Science for The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska
Info here.

Soil Health-Waushara Co
2022-09-21
Soil Health – Waushara County
Location: Lake Poygan/ Pine River
Field driveway just west of N1742 County Rd D, Berlin, WI
Date: September 21, 2022
Time: 9:30am – 3:00pm
Join us to discuss practices that benefit your farm and help water infiltrate into your soil. See how different management practices conserve soil and nutrients, and witness the results in real time with a rainfall simulator.
Get an earthworm’s view of the field from a soil pit and learn how to assess your own fields’ soil health; participating farmers will also be able to take a free soil-health test kit back to their farm to measure compaction, infiltration and soil stability, compliments of a grant.
Lunch is included in the registration. Pre-registration by Sept 19 is requested to ensure enough meals and handouts for all participants.
Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email.
Please complete one form for all participating from your farm or business
There is no registration fee.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited funding, priority for attendance (and soil health kits) will be given to those who farm in and adjacent to the Lake Poygan/Pine River watersheds. If capacity limits are reached, those outside the target area may be placed on a waiting list.
Register here.
