Conservation Professional Training Program

National Monitoring Conference
2023-04-24 - 2023-04-28 | WI
This hybrid conference provides opportunities for water stakeholders – federal, state, tribal and local water professionals, nonprofits, academia, water consultants and industry, and volunteer and community scientists – to network, develop new skills and partnerships, and exchange information.
Info here.

Manganese
2023-04-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) and Office of Water (OW) host this webinar series to communicate the latest information on solutions for challenges facing small drinking water systems. The series allows EPA to communicate directly with states to provide training and foster collaboration and dissemination of information. This, in turn, provides states with information and resources needed to communicate the latest scientific advancements and current guidance to their small systems. It also provides a forum for states to share information with each other.
Info here.

Siting Clean Energy and Spent Nuclear Fuel Facilities: Rural Opportunities and Impacts
2023-04-25 13:00 - 14:30 | WI
Processes for siting clean energy technologies and spent nuclear fuel management facilities can impact rural communities – creating new economic opportunities, inspiring cross-sectoral partnerships, altering
regional land and resource use, and reshaping local perceptions of risk. Dr. Vincent lalenti, U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Consent-Based Siting Team, will discuss federal efforts to make people and communities central to siting federal consolidated interim storage facilities. Dr. Sarah Mills, University of Michigan, will discuss the positive and negative impacts of wind and solar energy in rural communities and how to help rural communities proactively plan for renewables. The discussion to follow will explore differences between the various risks and benefits associated with siting different kinds of energy-related facilities.
Info here.

2023 Wisconsin Rural Partners (WPR) Summit
2023-04-26 - 2023-04-27 | WI
WRP’s Annual Rural Summit is an event that brings together people who care about the future of rural Wisconsin – and their community.
Info here.

Badger Crop Connect Spring 2023
2023-04-26 12:30 - 13:30 | WI
The UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Ag Institute and the UW-Madison Nutrient and Pest Management Program will be hosting the fourth annual Badger Crop Connect webinar series for the 2023 growing season. The purpose of this series is to provide agronomists, crop consultants, and farmers with timely crop updates for Wisconsin. These free webinars will be offered, on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 12:30 PM, with the spring webinars beginning in April. Registration is required. You must register for each webinar separately. The entire series is split into three sets of webinars: spring, summer, and fall. Find a list of upcoming webinars and more information on the Badger Crop Connect Webpage.

The Science (and Art) of Plant Disease Diagnosis
2023-04-26 18:30 - 20:30 | WI
Learn about the fascinating and complex process involved in identifying plant diseases. Learn about how to visually assess for plant disease symptoms, as well as about the range of lab tests that are often needed to confirm the identity of plant diseases.
Info here.

WiWiC CONSERVATION Educator Network SPRING CONFERENCE 2023
2023-04-28 | WI
Join this inaugural convening of Wisconsin conservation educators to collaboratively strengthen outreach and support for women landowners and farmers.
Hosted by Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC), this first-of-its-kind gathering will bring together conservation educators from across the state to connect, network and empower women working on the land, fanning the flames of Wisconsin’s conservation ethic among this increasingly powerful demographic.​
All Wisconsin conservation educators, both men and women, who are interested in learning effective ways of working with women landowners are welcome, from agency staff to non-profit organizations and educators in volunteer roles.
​Conservationists early in their careers, including students, are highly encouraged to attend. WiWiC is committed to making sure anyone who wants to come can come. If a complimentary registration to cover the $25 fee would help make that happen, please contact Esther Shekinah: eshekinah@michaelfields.org
​The WiWiC Conservation Educator Network launched in 2021 to bring together conservation educators for shared learning and networking, both through state-wide virtual meet-ups and a series of summer happy hours. Based on strong response to these events, the idea of an in-person, centrally-located, day-long conference came together. The beautiful Sentry World venue seemed like a perfect setting to gather.
Info here.

Participatory Science: Spotted Lanternfly, Mock Strawberry, Garlic Mustard Aphids
2023-04-28 09:00 - 10:00 | WI
Save the dates! Join University of Minnesota Extension foresters to discuss some of the key issues and questions around forest and woodlands facing Minnesota landowners. These online sessions will be very informal and open to the public and free of charge. Each session will start with a brief presentation, followed by a discussion framed around participant questions on the topic.
Info here.

Building Blocks for Sharing Science
2023-05-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-06-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-07-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-08-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-09-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-10-17 09:00 - 11:00 | WI
Building Blocks for Sharing Science are short, fast-paced trainings that focus on developing skills and situations commonly encountered by environmental professionals.
Some of the topics addressed in this learning series are:

Thoughtful selection of inclusive language
Redirecting disruptive behavior in meetings for more positive outcomes
Developing effective data visuals, survey tools, and graphic products
Designing compelling grant proposals
How to estimate and convey the value of ecosystem services

Register and learn more.

UW Agronomy and Soils Field Day
2023-08-30 08:00 - 12:00 | Arlington Agricultural Research Station, N695 Hopkins Road, Arlington, Wisconsin
This year’s theme is “integrating new ag technologies,” with presentations centering around new technologies for field crops, pest management and nutrient management, plus alfalfa interseeded into corn silage. Lunch is available for $10, sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants.

Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference
2023-12-07 - 2023-12-08 | Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, 1305 Kalahari Dr, Baraboo, WI, 53913, United States
The WWASH conference is building upon the legacies of two pivotal events, the Wisconsin Cover Crop Conference and the Discovery Farms Conference. Joining these conferences allows us to present a conference with more keynotes and a wider range of featured topics in breakout sessions to an integrated audience. Attendees will experience thought-provoking discussions and walk away with a better understanding of the intersections of agronomy, water quality and soil health.

Optimizing Nitrogen Use and Reducing Nitrate Leaching
2024-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
How do we optimize the use of commercial nitrogen and reduce nitrate leaching? Learn about how agronomic results and water quality impacts connect with lessons from an on-farm trial from the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) from 2023. Guolong Liang and Monica Shauer, research director for NOPP, will discuss the importance of nitrogen optimization and the strategies to reduce nitrate leaching.

2024 Annual CAFO Update Meetings
2024-01-29 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-01-30 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-02-06 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-02-07 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-02-08 07:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-12 10:00 - 15:30, 2024-02-13 10:00 - 15:30 | WI
Jointly sponsored by UW Madison Division of Extension’s Conservation Professional Training Program and Wisconsin DNR, the CAFO Update Meetings are designed for livestock operations near or at WPDES permit size (CAFOs) — owners/management and key staff, their agronomic and engineering consultants, and agency staff and others who work with these operations.

Wisconsin’s Unique Karst Landscapes and the Impacts on Water Quality
2024-01-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Dr. Maureen Muldoon and Laura Paletta will share how Wisconsin’s unique karst landscapes and Silurian bedrock impact the ground beneath our feet and groundwater resources. They will provide information on best management practices to utilize in these areas to lessen soil and nutrient loss impacts.

Soil Health Practices Impact on Phosphorus Pools and Availability
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Chelsea Zegler and Dr. Jamie Patton continue their conversation from last year on how soil test phosphorus (STP) impacts water quality. Learn how different cover crops and soil health practices change water dynamics, the location and the availability of phosphorus in different soil types.

Equipment Considerations in Cover Crop Systems
2024-02-15 11:30 - 12:30, 2024-02-22 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
Starting February 15, 2024, the Farmers for Soil Health education team, supported by Soil Health Institute and Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture presents a webinar series focused on cash crop planting and equipment considerations in cover crop systems. The first webinar will kick off with a moderated discussion among leading experts. In each successive webinar, a farmer with cover crop experience will be featured and engage in discussion with webinar participants.
Register for our interactive lunch and learn format webinars where you will have the opportunity to learn about different farmer’s unique methods for ensuring successful cash crop planting.
Equipment Considerations in Cover Crop Systems with Steve Groff & Barry Fisher moderated by Abbey Wick
February 15th Webinar, 12:30 – 1:30 EST
This webinar spotlights Steve Groff and Barry Fisher’s work with cover crops in Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. Dr. Abbey Wick will serve as our moderator.
REGISTRATION

Equipment Considerations in Cover Crop Systems with Ryan Britt
February 22nd Webinar, 12:30 – 1:30 EST
This webinar spotlights farmer Ryan Britt and his experience with cover crops in North Central Missouri. You can view Ryan’s video in advance here.
REGISTRATION

Equipment Considerations in Cover Crop Systems with Michael Vittetoe
February 29th Webinar, 12:30 – 1:30 EST
This webinar spotlights farmer Michael Vittetoe and his experience with cover crops in Washington County, Iowa. You can view Michael’s videos here: Part One | Part Two
REGISTRATION

Equipment Considerations in Cover Crop Systems with John Pike
March 7th Webinar, 12:30 – 1:30 EST
This webinar spotlights farmer and consultant John Pike and his work with cover crops in Marion, Illinois. You can view John’s video in advance here.
REGISTRATION

Equipment Considerations in Cover Crop Systems with Christopher Hudson
March 14th Webinar, 12:30 – 1:30 EST
This webinar spotlights Christopher Hudson and his work with cover crops in Middletown, Missouri. You can view Christopher’s video in advance here.
REGISTRATION

Climate Smart Mitigation and COMET Tools
2024-02-27 09:00 - 16:30 | Online
This course will provide an overview of climate science principles, terminology, and resources, focusing on best management strategies for engaging clients in effective dialogue around climate smart land management practices.
Participants will become familiar with the current and predicted future impact of weather extremes and climate change on Wisconsin’s working lands, as well as the use of climate smart conservation practices to address mitigation and adaptation strategies to promote resilient working lands.
Participants will be exposed to verification tools and models used to demonstrate efficacy of implemented conservation practices in sequestering carbon or abating GHG emissions in agriculture, grazing, and forestry systems.

Grazing and Water Quality: Lessons Learned From Edge-Of-Field Research
2024-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
How do grazing methods affect runoff water quality? Eric Young, USDA-ARS Research Soil Scientist, and Kelsey Hyland will discuss lessons learned from edge-of-field grazing research and strategies to maximize water quality benefit in these systems.
