Conservation Professional Training Program

Discussions on Nutrient Management Farmer Training in a COVID World and Beyond
2020-10-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
2020 hasn’t been a normal year. You are invited to join with DATCP and other county staff to discuss short-term solutions around nutrient management training under COVID-19 restrictions and longer-term solutions to improving the programs’ effectiveness. The discussion will also enable us to continue some of the discussion from the Virtual Partner Meetings hosted in September. The meetings will be held virtually through Zoom, and registration is required to ensure you receive the link. Contact Ryan.Erisman@wisconsin.gov with questions.

Register at:
October 29th Register here.
November 4th Register here.
November 5th Register here.

Fence Options for Grazing Cover Crops & Corn Residue
2020-10-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Jared Luhman Farm, 23008 350th St, Goodhue, Minnesota
This event will feature expert knowledge and farm information focused on the Five Principles of Soil Health and especially livestock integration.
Learn more here.

Pollinator Habitat Restoration: Planning and Contracting
2020-10-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
In this webinar, planners will learn how to plan and contract pollinator habitat plantings. Guidance will help planners improve the success of habitat restoration plantings with adequate site preparation, implementation, and periodic maintenance during the plant establishment period. We also will discuss how to assemble a suite of practices to make the process easier for landowners.
Learn more here.

Climate Change and Ecosystems: Lessons from the Past
2020-10-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
How do species adapt to changing climates and how can we help them? Some of our best examples come from the end of the last ice age when the world warmed by 5-10F. Learn how past climates and ecosystems are studied, what has been learned, and insights for today.
Learn more here.

Managing Water Level Impacts on Wisconsin Beaches
2020-10-27 10:00 - 11:15 | Online
This webinar will include a panel of experts who will discuss a range of water level issues, including basin hydrology, water level forecasts, nearshore water level impacts, and useful tools for examining coastal processes. In addition, participants will hear a local case study of designing a beach for resiliency, which provides important lessons from design conception to currently faced challenges. Speaker presentations will be followed by a Q&A with webinar participants.
Presenters
• Deanna Apps, Physical Scientist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District
• Adam Bechle, Coastal Engineering Outreach Specialist, Wisconsin Sea Grant
• Julie Kinzelman, Laboratory Division Director, City of Racine – Public Health Department

Grow More Workshop
2020-10-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
The online Grow More workshop will present a model for conservation outreach that is based in current social science and communication principles. Participants will learn about key aspects of farmer decision making and work with other conservation professionals to identify messaging strategies to reach new audiences and increase the use of farm conservation practices. Presenters will be from the National Wildlife Federation’s Sustainable Agriculture Team. Details will be available soon. Contact Penny at Penny@wisconsinlandwater.org with any questions.

Designing Silvopasture Plantings
2020-10-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Join us to learn about approaches to planning for woodland conversion and trees into pasture including tools and methods, mapping, tree spacing and patterning, and more.
Register here.

Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate
2020-10-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
The Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate (AACC) project was conducted with the goal of building capacity among Extension professionals and other livestock advisors to address climate change issues. The AACC project team learned some pivotal lessons early during the multi-regional project that were foundational to the development of key products and delivery of regional and national programs to over 1,400 professionals. Tune in to hear lessons learned along with program deliverables and impacts. This webinar will also cover the issue of methane production in beef cattle and some specific techniques that either increase or decrease production per day, per body weight, and per production outcome (like weight gain).
Register here.

PFAS - What You Need to Know
2020-10-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
The issue of controlling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasingly becoming a major environmental and public health issue in the State of Wisconsin. Hear from a county expert on what you need to know, as well as your role as a county official in addressing this ongoing issue.

Register here.

Building Land Resilience
2020-10-25 - 2020-10-26 | Online
This workshop will explore strategies for building regenerative farming systems and working landscapes. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of regenerative principles, observational exercises and tools to implement regeneration at any scale. Ecological Design will share insights, lessons, and stories from their 20 years of transitioning urban and rural lands. This two-part workshop is for farm managers and land stewards.
Learn more here.

The Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands
2020-10-23 10:30 - 23:30 | Online
What comes to mind when you hear Door County? Your first thoughts might be of wineries, quaint shops, and bluff overlooks. But you may not be aware that the peninsula also boasts a Wetland of International Importance. The Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands Ramsar Site is a 11,443-acre wetland complex that occupies a major section of the Lake Michigan shoreline in Door County. Stretching from Newport State Park southward to The Ridges Sanctuary, the site contains several regionally- and globally-significant wetland communities including Great Lakes ridge and swale, northern sedge meadow, calcareous fens, boreal rich fens, northern wet-mesic forest, and Great Lakes alkaline shoreline among others. The Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands Ramsar Site also houses 15 plant species listed as threatened or endangered by the State of Wisconsin and three plant and animal species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Join Kari Hagenow to explore the “quiet side” of Door County. Learn what makes this site so special, the threats that these wetlands continue to face, and how you can be a good steward while visiting this beautiful and diverse place.
Learn more here.

Cover Crop Showcase
2020-10-22 16:30 - 18:00 | Matt Leinke farm, N8900 Sunny Point Road, Beaver Dam, WI, 53916
The Showcase will demonstrate how cover cropping improves soil water infiltration. Improved soil reduces surface water runoff and farmland erosion. The challenges of runoff will also be discussed during the Showcase.
Learn more here.

Quantifying Conservation Effects on Multiple Wetland Ecosystem Services
2020-10-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
This webinar will highlight the Integrated Landscape Modeling Partnership (ILMP) and its application to wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region in the northern Great Plains. The ILMP is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and its aim is to identify, evaluate, and develop geospatial models to quantify services derived from wetland ecosystems and to determine the effects of conservation practice implementation. This webinar will explore wetland ecosystem services, conservation benefits, and the tradeoffs inherent in conservation practice implementation and wetlands restoration.
Learn more here.

WREP
2020-10-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Funding will be provided through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), which is part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a Farm Bill conservation program. Partners looking to learn more about opportunities for WREP funding for fiscal year 2021 are encouraged to attend the WREP workshop.
To participate contact Lisa McCauley National WREP Program Manager at lisa.mccauley@usda.gov

The Power of Birds to Amplify Conservation, Stewardship, and Community Outreach
2020-10-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Would you like to tap into a network of 46 million Americans who contribute nearly $80 billion to the U.S. economy annually? If so, it may be time for your land trust to consider (or reconsider) birds. Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in North America with over half of birders under the age of 54. Through its conserved lands, land trusts have a natural connection to the birding community and the ability to conserve wildlife within these habitats.
Learn more here.

SSWIG Cover Crop Field Day
2020-10-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Roger Bindl Farm, S10466 Paulus Road, Spring Green, Wi
Roger Bindl will be sharing information on his trial with cover crop seeding rates of a 10 species mix. Stop by to learn about cover crop seeding rates, earth worm counts, and more!
Learn more here.

Profitability Strategies: Solving Agronomic Challenges
2020-10-21 14:30 - 15:30 | Online
Putting more inputs behind crops, but not achieving higher yields? Curious about how to begin promoting soil health, but not sure which regenerative practices to start with? Ready to increase overall farm profitability with cutting-edge agronomic decisions? Experts consider how to solve in-field challenges while benefiting yield, soil health, and overall farm profitability in our latest webinar – tune in.
Register here.

On-Farm Solar Energy
2020-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Solar companies are actively looking to place industrial arrays on farmland, while many small farmers are interested in installing solar panels for home and community use. Join this webinar for a listening session facilitated by Pasa’s Policy Strategist Sara Nicholas, solar developer Doug Neidich (Greenworks), sheep farmer and solar grazier Caroline Owens (Owens Farm), and environmental advocate David Masur (PennEnvironment). This webinar will consider: Where is solar most compatible with commercial farming? What types of financing and technical development are available? What policy changes need to happen to accelerate solar development, while balancing the interests of farmers, citizens, and energy companies?
Register here.

National Forum-Imagine a Day Without Water
2020-10-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
As water leaders across the country call for greater investment in our critical water systems, the National Forum will showcase innovative policies and investments to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable water service for all. Speakers include: Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee; Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder in Residence, PolicyLink; Mayor Bryon Brown, Buffalo, NY; Rick Callender, CEO, Valley Water; Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources, CA; Superintendent Karen Dettmer, Milwaukee Water Works; Catherine Flowers, Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice; Radhika Fox, CEO, U.S. Water Alliance; Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, Gila River Indian Community; Oluwole McFoy, General Manager, Buffalo Sewer Authority; Kevin Shafer, ED, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.
Register here.

Advancing Wisconsin's Rural Bioeconomy
2020-10-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
Wisconsin’s agricultural expertise and abundant natural resources offer fertile ground for building an enhanced bioeconomy that is sustainable, resilient, and — by utilizing waste streams as feedstocks for new products — circular. This emerging economic model based on the utilization of renewable organic material has the potential to accelerate rural economic development in many ways. New technologies could transform local, renewable waste materials and non-food crops into new revenue streams for farmers and producers. Existing industries could access new markets with novel bio-based or biodegradable materials, growing their economic impact and job base. Converting organic materials into valuable products would keep excess nutrients off the landscape and out of our waterways, improving water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Join us to learn and discuss how a circular bioeconomy can make Wisconsin and other rural communities more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous.

Learn more here.

Lake Management Online Course
2020-10-21 - 2020-10-23 | Online
This online, instructor-led course will teach you how to evaluate what is needed to properly protect, manage, and restore your pond, lake, or reservoir. You will receive detailed instructions, including numerous case-study examples, of commonly implemented lake and pond restoration and management techniques. The interactive nature of the course will provide attendees with the opportunity to discuss the specific issues and problems impacting the condition of their waterbody.

Learn more here.

Offering Virtual Experiences on Your Farm
2020-10-20 14:30 - 15:30 | Online
With social distancing in place and in-person interactions limited, some farmers are thinking outside of the box. Come hear from our awesome panelists about the “virtual experiences” they are offering on their operations. The experiences range from alpaca Zoom meetings for adults to virtual tours and field trips for children. Our panelists will discuss the fun, innovative – and profitable – ways they are sharing their farm with others via screens and video cams.
Register here.

Composting
2020-10-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
This presentation will review the principles of composting, tracking your compost temperature, maintaining proper moisture and temperature, aeration and turning, types of composters and bins, techniques such as sheet composting and vermiculture, and more! Natural Resources Outreach Specialist Mindy Habecker has been an instructor for the Master Composter program for a number of years and has many resources to share.
Register here.

The Iowa Watershed Approach for Urban and Rural Resilience
2020-10-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
The Iowa Watershed Approach for Urban and Rural Resilience (IWA) is working in nine watersheds across the state to help reduce flood impacts, improve water quality, and increase community flood resilience. The program represents a vision for Iowa’s future that voluntarily engages urban and rural stakeholders throughout the watershed to work together to achieve common goals. The presentation will include a description of the IWA and will discuss innovative tools and resources that are being used to support and carry out program goals.
Register here.

Grazing Virtual Field Day
2020-10-14 10:30 - 12:30 | Online
This grazing field day will focus on pasture management, soil health, regenerative agriculture as well as opportunities that are provided by Conservation Districts and the National Conservation Resource Service.
Learn more here.

Sustainable Forest Harvesting
2020-10-14 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
The topics for this virtual field day will include:

Different harvest options for different goals
What to expect during a harvest
What the land looks like when harvested responsibly
Deer management

Learn more here.

Leaf-Free Streets: Reducing Urban Phosphorus
2020-10-14 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Trees have long been a valued feature of the urban landscape. They provide a host of benefits such as habitat, aesthetics, energy savings, and noise reduction. Trees are also an important part of the urban hydrologic cycle. The functions and value of trees have recently gained attention as viable tools in the management of urban stormwater. Research on the interactions between urban trees and stormwater quantity and quality has revealed a double-edged sword. A community with dense overhead tree canopy may benefit from reduced stormwater runoff volume through interception, transpiration, and infiltration but may also suffer from excess nutrients leached to nearby receiving waters from leaf litter. This presentation will highlight ongoing research that will help environmental managers assess how municipal leaf collection and street cleaning programs can limit the amount of phosphorus in stormwater runoff.
Learn more here.

The History and Ecology of the Horicon Marsh
2020-10-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Online
The story of the Horicon Marsh is one of creation, destruction, and revival. Created by the glaciers yet scarred by humans, this important wetland has been restored by conservationists who had the foresight to think about the future of this wetland. Despite the degradation, Horicon Marsh was listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1990 and is one of the best of the best wetlands in the world. Though significantly changed, it is a true testament to the resiliency of nature when allowed to be preserved.
Learn more here.

How Did We Get Here?
2020-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
This webinar will provide a light-hearted but historically accurate overview of the evolution of county land conservation programs from the perspective of two “seasoned” County Conservationists, with a focus on nonpoint pollution. Why did Wisconsin abolish Soil & Water Conservation Districts in 1982? Why does that make us unique nationally? What have been key program developments since? Who were the key players? What have been some of our biggest challenges, accomplishments, and setbacks? As we plan to address our current and future program challenges, attendees will gain a better appreciation of our rich history, and the lessons learned along the way. Presenters are Perry Lindquist, Waukesha Co., and Dan Masterpole, Chippewa Co.
Register here by noon on October 8.

Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART)
2020-10-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
This webinar will take a deeper look at the science behind CART and the methodology the ranking tool uses to rank different applications across multiple ranking pools for funding consideration.
Register here.
