Conservation Professional Training Program

Barrier Removal and Aquatic Organism Passage in Lake Systems
2021-08-10 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Aquatic species need to move, oftentimes migrating between different ecosystems and locations throughout their lives. Lakes provide crucial habitat for many species but sometimes the connections between lakes and other systems are blocked – either by a physical barrier like a dam or undersize road culvert, or by an abiotic barrier like unsuitable water temperatures or poor water quality. This webinar will introduce how different barriers impact aquatic organisms and how barrier removal reconnects critical pathways to support resilient and self-sustaining populations, often benefitting the human communities connected to these systems. Case studies from the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership will be showcased to demonstrate success of barrier removal projects within lake systems and the response in aquatic organism passage.

Info here.

How to Start Your Own Pollinator Garden Webinar
2021-08-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Bees, butterflies and birds – our hard-working pollinators – are on the decline. Without these vital creatures, our flowers, fruits and vegetable wouldn’t pollinate and grow. YOU CAN HELP! Growing pollinator-friendly gardens provides vital food sources and creates a sustainable environment for these and many other garden-friendly creatures. Join us for an informative, interactive workshop where we will learn everything we need to know to start and maintain a pollinator garden.
Info here.

Managing Scarce Water Resources
2021-08-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Part 1: Boosting Water Quality through Sound Agronomy
Part 2: Linking Water Use Efficiency with the Carbon Cycle and On-Farm Sustainability
Info here.

Smart Salting for WI Roads Workshop
2021-08-10 08:00 - 13:00 | Online
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.

WI Agri-Business Association Leadership Development Academy
2021-08-10 - 2021-08-12 | Madison College
As our current business leaders retire from the work force, many companies are finding that they need to “push” our emerging leaders up the corporate ladder much quicker than planned. While there is a lot of potential talent in these emerging leaders, there are certain skills that need to be developed. The WABA Leadership Development Academy has been designed specifically to help emerging leaders in developing these skills needed to make them better leaders.
This class is limited to only 22 people!
Here is an overview of topics covered:

Leadership Essentials & Personal Assessment
Effective Communication
Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence & Decision Making
Making Connections with Key Agriculture Leadership
Team building, Networking, & learning from each other
Managing Conflict & Difficult Situations
Interest Based Problem Solving
Leading Organizational Change & Transitions

Info here.

Basic Wetland Delineation Training Workshop
2021-08-09 - 2021-08-10
This workshop introduces participants to the basics of wetland delineation fieldwork and the paperwork that needs to be filed. Lectures on vegetation, soils, hydrology and methodology prep participants for field work. Participants combine classroom instruction with field exercises taught by leading government experts in hydrology, vegetation, soils and wetland policy.
Info here.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Identification Training
2021-08-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Rest Lake Park, Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin
Do you want to learn more about how you can help monitor for aquatic invasive species when you are out on the lakes and rivers? Join us for this free training. We will start on land, and learn to identify several species. We will then travel aboard a pontoon to test your new skills on the water. An array of tools and resources are available for loan. Meet at Rest Lake Park in Manitowish Waters. Registration required by 8/6. Free.
Info here.

Medicinal Herb Production
2021-08-07 12:00 - 16:00
The 2020 MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year, Jane Hawley Stevens and David Stevens, have been growing organic herbs on their 130-acre farm for the past 32 years and have developed a thriving business making herbal wellness products. Tour the farm and learn how they plant, grow, harvest, dry, and pack their medicinal herbs.
Info here.

Waseda Farms Tour
2021-08-07 10:30 - 12:30
Waseda Farms is home to cattle grazing on more than 500 acres of beautiful perennial grass pastures in Baileys Harbor. The Certified Organic farm raises cattle, pigs and chickens and grows fruits, vegetables, and herbs in their 2-acre garden. Tour the historic organic farm on an exploratory tractor & wagon ride. Through improved farming practices that are better for people, animals, and the earth, Waseda Farms works to inspire better eating and better living. How do these practices benefit our earth? Join the family members of Waseda Farms on this interesting and inspiring tour to find out.
Info here.

Nitrate Webinar Series
2021-08-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Presented by the Wisconsin DNR, University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this webinar series will touch on the science and economics around workable approaches for farmers shown to minimize nitrogen losses to groundwater.
The webinars will take place Aug. 6, Aug. 13, Aug. 20 and a fourth date to be determined. Each 60-minute webinar will take place over the lunch hour with time provided for a Q&A session.
More info here.

Field Day: Turtle Creek Regenerative Farm
2021-08-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Turtle Creek Farm, Turtle Creek Gardens, N5105 Pinnow Rd, Delavan, WI
Join us for a farm day with organic farmer, Janet Gamble, at Turtle Creek Gardens! We will learn about organic farming, integration of livestock, and practices that make the farm diverse and abundant. Topics covered include integration of diverse species, waterways, native plantings, pollinator habitat, cover crops, annual flower plantings, tree lines, perennial hedgerows, swale to drain water off fields and the conservation practices behind them.

Wisconsin Vegetation Standards Training
2021-08-05 09:00 | Online
Establishing permanent vegetation benefits our soil, water, and wildlife resources. This course will review the main conservation practices that require the establishment of permanent vegetation. We will discuss species characteristics and other information needed to develop appropriate seed mixes. We will review information found on seed tags and how to calculate pure live seed and demonstrate the custom and standard seed mix calculators.
Register by August 3, 2021: https://conta.cc/3BiDIAy

Invasive plants: ID and management
2021-08-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
The Green Thumb Gardening series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! University of Wisconsin–Division of Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in-depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener.
Follow this link to learn more.

Non-Metallic Mine Reclamation: Permit Determinations
2021-08-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
On August 4 from 10:00-11:00 a.m., tune in to the final webinar in Non-Metallic Mine Reclamation webinar series, which will cover reclamation permitting and following topics:

Approval/Denial
Modifications–process and requirements
Conditions
Automatic and expedited permitting
Permit duration

Register by Monday, August 2 at https://conta.cc/3bjt3Jy

Fall harvest
2021-08-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Online
Workshop participants will learn basic horticulture principles and practices associated with organic vegetable production while exploring how to harvest, wash, and pack vegetables for a variety of local market outlets. In this peak part of the season, we will be working with the New Entry Food Hub to explore aggregation and distribution of local produce, in addition to working in the field to harvest and maintain crops. Additional themes will focus on food safety and post-harvest handling.
Follow this link to learn more.

Field Day: Full Circle Community
2021-08-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Full Circle Community Farm, Full Circle Community Farm, W2407 Hofa Park Rd, Seymour, WI
Join us for a tour of Full Circle Community Farm and see pollinator and riparian buffers that were established last year. Full Circle Community Farm is a multi-generational organic farm using conservation practices and managed grazing to raise cattle, pigs, chickens. Full Circle also raises 10 acres of organic vegetables for a 200 person CSA and larger accounts. Hear about the successes, challenges, and lessons learned in the first year of a new conservation planting.

Veterans Harvest: A Virtual Conference for Veterans in Agriculture
2021-08-03 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
*Please note that this conference is part of the AgrAbility National Training Workshop Virtual Sessions. If you are already registered for those sessions, you do not need to register again for this conference.

August 3: “Celebrating Veteran Total Farmer Health” by Linda Emanuel and Shay Foulk, AgriSafe Network
August 10: “Programming for Veterans in Agriculture: How Maine Does It” by Anne Devin, Maine AgrAbility
August 17: “Update on USDA’s support for Veterans” by Bill Ashton, USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison
August 24: “Panel Presentation on State/Regional Programs for Farmer Veterans” moderated by Cindy Chastain, National AgrAbility Project

Info here.

Utilizing 4R Nutrient Management Best Practices
2021-08-03 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Part 1: Keeping Agriculture Sustainable through 4R Basics
Part 2: Improving Water Quality through 4R Phosphorus Management
Info here.

Focusing In: Using Imagery and Analytics Across Agriculture and Forestry
2021-08-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2021-08-03 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Organizations use imagery daily for visualization and reference purposes, but visualization is only one of the many ways that imagery can deliver value. Join our latest agriculture and forestry joint webinar focusing on how imagery can provide greater insight and influence better decision-making.
This webinar will teach you how to

Enrich map visualization with a variety of imagery sources (public domain, ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World, and drone imagery).
Perform field analysis through imagery.
Disseminate actionable information to help identify risk and assess financial impact.

Info here.

Salt Symposium 2021
2021-08-03 - 2021-08-04 | Online
Salt Symposium celebrates the minimization and optimization of salt use. We work with professionals from across industrial and economic sectors by examining state-of-the-art research developments and advanced best practices for reducing salt use.

National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration
2021-08-02 - 2021-08-05 | Online
NCER is an interdisciplinary conference on large-scale ecosystem restoration presenting state-of-the art science and engineering, planning and policy in a partnership environment. NCER brings together scientists, engineers, policy makers, planners and partners from across the country actively involved in large-scale ecosystem restoration.
Since its inception, NCER has become the preeminent conference on ecosystem restoration in the United States. Today, we are in a new era. Resources are tight, and we face an uncertain climate future. Renewed vigilance on the use of public funding requires that we demonstrate progress in achieving restoration goals, clearly prove its value, efficiently and effectively share lessons learned and provide better coordination among all stakeholders ensuring the best use of future funding to achieve results. Restoration increasingly engages non-traditional conservation partners, opening new doors and creating new challenges.
More info here.

Ephraim swamp field trip
2021-07-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Door County Land Trust Easement
Ephraim Swamp is an important wetland bound on the north, east, and south sides by the Niagara Escarpment and upland areas. These rare coastal wetlands play a crucial role in preserving the quality of water that flows into Ephraim’s Eagle Harbor and help to prevent flooding in the Village of Ephraim and adjacent coastal areas. Ephraim Swamp’s wetlands harbor a diverse array of uncommon plants and animals, including the federally endangered Hine’s Emerald dragonfly which can be found foraging for insects in the swamp.
Follow this link to learn more.

Every farm matters
2021-07-30 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
With more and more landowners owning smaller and smaller farms, it can be easy to think that your farmland doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. During this workshop, learn why that’s not true and what it means to be part of a watershed. Hear from fellow landowners about why we should all care about intentional and thoughtful farmland management that prioritizes stewardship.
Find out more about this event and the four-part virtual book camp that continues through August 20 here.

Mussel workshop
2021-07-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Sugar River
Be a part of a research project in the Sugar River! As part of a grant from the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Partnership Program, USRWA and Wisconsin DNR are hosting a mussel workshop. During this workshop, attendees will learn about the ecology of mussels, identification of different mussel species, and field exercises to help survey mussels in their natural habitat.
This workshop is a follow-up to our September 2017 event when we relocated 400 Plain Pocketbook mussels into the Sugar River. Our goal is to survey how many of those original 400 mussels are still there, and how they’ve progressed. This is a wonderful activity for all ages and abilities. A light dinner and beverages will be provided! Water is generally 2-3 feet deep in the sections we are targeting, so high boots/waders or quick-drying shorts are encouraged. Some additional pairs of waders will be available for people to use.
Follow this link to learn more.

Restore native habitat
2021-07-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Marbleseed, stiff goldenrod, golden alexander. These native plants, and more, are an important part in the balance of nature in Wisconsin that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in each particular region. These natives need our help to successfully survive and thrive amidst increasing invasive species such as garlic mustard and Canada thistle. Learn about strategies that help manage invasive species while supporting natives in a healthy ecosystem. Connect with conservation experts, meet other inspiring Wisconsin women that share your love of the land, and learn about NRCS resources to support your conservation goals.
Follow this link to learn more.

Aligning mosquito control with pollinator protection
2021-07-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Mosquitoes are a public health nuisance; not only can their obnoxious bites ruin your picnic, but the diseases they carry sicken millions of people across the globe every year. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is the agency tasked with monitoring and controlling mosquitoes, ticks, and black flies in the Twin Cities.
In this presentation learn how MMCD makes control decisions for pollinator protection using Integrated Pest Management. This will cover the control materials we use, the training staff undertakes, and the various studies about non-target species that have been done in conjunction with the University of Minnesota and other state agencies.
Follow this link to learn more.

Strip-till, no-till, animal integration, and solar field day
2021-07-27 10:00 - 12:30
Join Chris Gunderson at his rolling 1,600 acre farm in Spring Valley, Minnesota to learn about his approach to controlling erosion and filtering and storing water with regenerative agriculture methods such as strip-tilling, no-till,and animal integration grazing cattle after corn harvest on his row crop fields.
Find out more here.

Old lineage, new threats: The Ouachita map turtles of the Lower Wisconsin River
2021-07-23 14:00 | Online
Learn about some of the modern-day challenges to turtle nest survival, focusing on the map turtles of the Lower Wisconsin River, one of Wisconsin’s Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance.
Independent research biologist Greg Geller will trace the development of an electric fence designed to increase nest success and relate its use in turtle conservation efforts. He’ll also touch on a new frontier in turtle biology–the search for sound production in turtles and its possible function–and share the sounds produced by Ouachita map turtle hatching, the first documented for any species in North America.
Follow this link to learn more.

What can we do about pesticide drift?
2021-07-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
What can you do when pesticide contamination from a neighboring farm threatens the health and financial viability of your farm? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , state and local agencies receive thousands of complaints about drifting pesticides each year.
Follow this link to learn more.
