Conservation Professional Training ProgramConservation Professional Training ProgramLooking to stay up to date on your CEUs? Have producers asking conservation-specific questions you don’t feel confident answering? Looking to host a training and want to avoid conflicts for your audience? You have come to the right place.
Explore our Conservation Calendar for information on conservation-related events and trainings hosted across Wisconsin and beyond.
Events Key
Extension Events
Partner Events
Save the date for the MAPMS Conference. The purpose of the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society (MAPMS) is to promote science based technologies for the management of aquatic resources by Providing opportunities for educational advancement Supporting relevant scientific research Facilitating exchange of information Promoting the protection and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems Expanding and developing public […]
Tech Talks is an online training series organized by the Technical Training and Certification Program. Info here.
Come learn from Julie Sullivan from San Juan Ranch and staff from Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming about supporting the self-directed learning of your crew and apprentices. We will explore balancing learning and doing while farming, the experiential learning cycle for adult learners, and how to build respect and investment in your worker […]
2/28/2022 - 4/20/2022 The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin, and the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub are offering a wildlife habitat-focused version of the Adaptation Planning and Practices online course for land managers and professionals. […]
The Green Thumb Gardening class series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! Dane County Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener. Info here.
The UWM School of Continuing Education’s Women Leaders Conference is returning. New this year, the conference will be in-person as well as livestreamed! Join over 500 women leaders at the historic Pfister Hotel or online from the convenience of your office or home for: Two keynote speakers 12 breakout sessions Inspiring content Meaningful dialogue Helpful […]
What does it mean to connect to a “sense of place,” and why is it important? Join Buddy Huffaker, Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Executive Director, for an orientation and overview of Leopold Week 2022. Info here.
With the help of Marc Smith, director of Great Lakes policy for the National Wildlife Federation, GLLC members and other participants will explore recent new laws, investments and legislative proposals related to the caucus’s policy agenda. Info here.
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (Walworth County, WI and McHenry County, IL) was first established by the USFWS in 2012. The Refuge boundary employs a “Cores and Corridors” concept for wildlife preservation with a focus on migratory and grassland birds. Vince Mosca and Paul Bruett will discuss the establishment of this Urban National Wildlife Refuge and […]
Learn the ins and outs of growing apples in the Northwoods. Whether you are thinking about planting a small orchard or wondering why you keep losing your crop, this workshop will provide some helpful information. We’ll discuss orchard establishment, tree care, and how to put together a management plan for your trees. This program is […]
The Upper Mississippi River: Partners, Restoration, and Research The Mississippi River is both a nationally significant ecosystem and navigation system. Learn how a multi-agency partnership is planning and implementing successful river restoration projects Hear from biologists, researchers and educators that work on the Mississippi. Join us for a Mississippi River Roundup where we showcase, “Resiliency […]
MCCC’s 2022 Annual Meeting and Conference will be held in conjunction with the Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference (CTTC). Info here.
The Green Thumb Gardening class series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! Dane County Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener. Info here.
Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety. Info here.
Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety. Info here.
Coastal communities increasingly realize the need for adaptation planning, but many are unsure where to begin. This interactive course is designed for coastal management practitioners who are just starting to address the challenges resulting from climate change. Participants will learn the foundational concepts of a five-step adaptation-planning process. Info here.
Please join us for the 32nd annual Great Lakes Conference: Connecting Science and Management. This conference will feature presentations on fish consumption and environmental justice, predator-prey ratios, and lake trout recovery; high water levels, freak waves and flooding; environmental surveillance and assessing health; and connecting people to the Great Lakes. Info here.
Negative climate tipping points, with catastrophic consequences, are undeniably bearing down upon us. Pathways to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, are narrowing. Yet, researchers have also begun to identify cases where policy interventions can leverage tipping points to jumpstart positive changes. From electric vehicle markets to […]
CTC plans to be in-person at Ohio Northern University. Connect with other great farmers and CCA’s, experience new ideas, and increase your net income. Steve Groff, author of the new book, The Future-Proof Farm, will be the opening speaker at our General Session. He will also speak during a breakout session and be on a […]
We are working to maximize all that we have learned about technology and hosting hybrid meetings this past year to bring you the best program possible! Experts from across the state and country will join us (in-person and remotely) to speak on topics you care about including: Regulation & Guidance Building Resiliency to Climate Change […]
Soil Health for Fruit and Vegetable Growers With sessions on Practices for Fruits and Vegetables, Nutrient Management, Food Safety while Incorporating Livestock, Programs & Resources, Perennial Fruit & Nuts, No-Till for Vegetables, the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program and more. Soil Health for Crop and Livestock Farmers With sessions on Seasonal Grazing Enterprises, Wide Row Corn, Silvopasture, No-Till, […]
LEARN: how farms can help reduce nitrous oxide (N2O - a potent GHG) in cropping systems-- with a focus coordinating organic and synthetic N use on fields. ORGANIC NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FOR GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION IN AGROECOSYSTEMS: Between a Gentle Seesaw and a Catapult by Dr. Armen Kemanian (Professor, Production Systems and Modeling, Department of Plant […]
Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety. Info here.
Are you a conservation educator working with women landowners in Wisconsin? A warm invite to join the WiWiC Conservation Educator Network at their Spring Meet-up. The WiWiC Conservation Educator Network is an inclusive network of conservation educators to collaboratively support each other in our conservation outreach and work. The goal of this network, facilitated by […]
A brief look at the drivers for using wood for energy in the UK/Europe, and the response to date of the energy sector. An overview of sustainability requirements, and the evidence to date of the impacts of forest biomass demand. A brief look forward to ‘Biomass with Carbon Capture and Storage’ – BECCS. Info here.
This webinar will include: Welcome: Norm Monsen, DATCP Dairy Development Specialist Dairy Market Update: Bob Cropp, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Professor Emeritus Wisconsin Dairy Industry Resources Presentations: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research and the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation DATCP International Agribusiness Center Info here.
What does it mean to be a “local-vore?” How does your grocery trip connect to the conservation movement? Join Luke Zahm, local chef and host of Wisconsin Foodie, as he explores how food systems inform our connection to each other and the land. Info here.
During this seminar, we will analyze two case studies involving pXRF application to urban forest and garden soils from scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Vermont. Then we will learn how to conduct pXRF analyses safely, improve accuracy and precision during use and conclude with an open discussion. Info here.
The pandemic showed us just how deeply our community values the local food we source from the farmers and producers in our network – all of whom are our friends. That is why Matt and Marie Raboin, owners of Brix Cider in Mt. Horeb, connected with Black Krim Creative and UW-Madison to share the stories […]
The training will focus on machinery and animal crossing using the current NRCS CPS 578 standard and design tools. Also, we will go through culvert analysis and culvert capacity calculations and will discuss culvert installation. 1 PDH will be offered. If you don't receive a confirmation email, please contact Penny at Penny@wisconsinlandwater.org Info here.
The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) has partnered with various stakeholders including local government staff, state government staff, solar developers, consultants, contractors, educators, and other partners to discuss challenges, successes, innovation, lessons learned, and shared goals to forward habitat friendly practices and successful vegetation management at solar energy projects throughout Minnesota. Summit Goals: […]
Amidst all that life throws at us, how do we continue to make nature (and our wellbeing) a priority? Join Christine Peterson, freelance writer for Outdoor Life, High Country News, National Geographic and others, as she illustrates how she shares personal connections to the land with her family and the world – and demonstrates how […]
What makes a natural resource and water professional a great communicator? What can we learn from researchers and fellow practitioners to enhance the way we communicate with producers and non-operating landowners? Info here.
Regardless of the production system, care and management of calves during the first few months of life is critical in helping them reach their full productive potential. In this session, we will cover information related to calf care from birth to weaning. Topics will include newborn care, calf processing, vaccinations, tips for monitoring health and […]
Have popular images of mountains and waterfalls, like those found in nature calendars, diluted our appreciation for our local nature spaces? Is there a way to nurture and deepen our appreciation for everyday ecologies through deep observation and communion with the land? Well-versed in Leopold and the convergence of artistic and scientific practices, Dr. Edgar […]
Commodity Classic is unlike any other event in agriculture. Because it’s created by farmers, for farmers. At Commodity Classic, you’ll get the answers, solutions and information you need to gain greater clarity—and create a vision for your farm’s success for years to come. Incredible insight through a full slate of educational sessions designed to keep […]
We are seeing more and more evidence that shows the important role that biology plays in crop health and quality. We now know that biology in the soil can deliver more of the crop’s nutrients than we expect and that key realization is being too often ignored. But for our crops to take advantage of […]
Join Matt Wallrath and Anne Pearce as we discuss how to identify and manage invasive species in rights of way. This training is focused towards designers, managers and practitioners doing roadside and utility work. By recognizing and preventing troublesome plants, municipalities can avoid infrastructure damage and increased maintenance cost. Matt will present best management practices […]
Pheasants Forever (PF) is a leading non-profit conservation organization in the United States, creating and enhancing millions of acres of habitat through working with local PF chapters and supportive partners in conservation. Join Josh Bendorf (Precision Ag & Conservation Specialist), Lauren Soergel (Farm Bill Biologist), and Jeff Williams (Wetlands Biologist) as they break down the […]
This course introduces the commonly accepted formulas, coefficients and hydraulic controls used in the design of engineering practices such as tube & risers, weir flow, high orifice flow, low orifice flow, and full pipe flow. 2 PDHs will be offered. Info here.
Climate change will alter the species composition of urban tree populations through a combination of modified precipitation regimes and increased temperatures. Likely changes in the composition of common street tree species in California were examined using the ‘space-for- time’ substitution method. Sixteen cities covering the climatic range of the state (“representative city”) were paired with […]
Meet corn and soybean farmer, Rick Clark, who farms 7,000 acres in Indiana. Rick is quickly becoming a big name in agriculture because he provides simple explanations and clearly lays out his system of how he has increased farm profit and farm health by controlling his input costs and improved his soil's resilience. This event […]
Join NHAL State Forest Team Leader Tom Shockley and Forester Chase Christopherson as they discuss how and why foresters design and establish timber sales on the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. Info here.
WeCOPE- Connecting with Our Positive Emotions, is an interactive program for adults that uses everyday activities and intentional practice to build positive emotions and increase capacity to manage stress. This 7-week long program, supports sessions meeting once a week for 60 minutes. Each session encourages practicing skills such as mindfulness, savoring, positive reappraisal, gratitude, and […]
Rural landscapes are complex physical and biological systems integrating cropland, forestland and riparian zones, crop rotations and nutrient cycling, a balance of pests and pathogens, and other interactions. Many producers seek to redesign their cropping systems guided by agro-ecological principles whereby soil health and ecological services accumulate in mutually supportive ways. They are actively involved […]
Lawmakers are increasingly recognizing the need to help local communities plan for the impacts of climate change — for example, flooding, strains on water infrastructure systems, and greater fluctuations in water levels in the Great Lakes region. This web session will explore some new policy opportunities for states to make coastal communities more climate-resilient. Info […]
Future conservation leaders connect to the same land the Leopold family loved and cared for through the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Future Leaders Fellowship Program. Join the class of 2022 Leopold Fellows Jack Jennetta, Kei Kohmoto, Jackson Newman, and Eric Snyder as they share stories of how they are connecting to the land and developing their […]
Washington State University in partnership with Oregon State University announces “Farming on the Urban Edge”, a series of online Conferences starting throughout winter 2021 through Spring 20-22 that will launch the new Peri-Urban Agriculture Network. The mission of this initiative is for farmers, policy-makers, educators, and food system stakeholders to learn strategies to improve the […]
2022 AgrAbility National Training Workshop, the premier training event addressing issues of disability in agriculture. Professionals and consumers from all over the country will participate in four days of plenary sessions, breakouts, tours, networking, and special events. Info here.
This 2-day intensive course is perfect for those interested in crop scouting or seeking professional development. Topics covered include: crop scouting techniques, nutrient management and deficiency symptoms, and pest identification/life cycle/damage symptoms and economic thresholds, including some pest management recommendations. The class will have a field crop emphasis on corn, alfalfa, soybean and wheat, however […]
The Green Thumb Gardening class series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! Dane County Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener. Info here.
Tech Talks is a online training series organized by the Technical Training and Certification Program. Info here.
Save the date for the WRWA Annual Conference. Info here.
Soil health has emerged as a central theme in conversations about the future of American agriculture. Soils have become a focal topic due to new scientific understanding, the application of emerging technologies, and a growing interest among producers and policymakers in improving climate resilience and mitigating emissions. The 2022 Soil Health Innovations Conference: Soil for […]
With a batch of fresh topics, this free online event will bring today's top leaders and innovators in cover crop management together for two days of virtual learning — allowing you to gain new strategies and takeaways to implement into your operation in 2022. Info here.
The UW Pesticide Applicator Training Program has created multiple formats for private applicator trainings to address increased training demand. A private applicator is someone that applies restricted use pesticides to produce an agricultural commodity on their own property or the property owned or rented by an employer. Examples of agricultural commodities are grain and forage […]
This online training will cover the basic concepts of soil fertility management in Wisconsin and is meant to cover the material required to write your own nutrient management plan for your farm. This is a 5 hour class and will be taught via presentations shared over Zoom. All the classes are identical and you only […]
Participants reconvene to discuss culturally relevant activites that achieve better outcomes for HMoob farmers. Participants share existing programs that may be scaled up to achieve outcomes consistently across the state, and/or novel ideas for the development and implementation of programs to address necessary changes. Info here.
This training will introduce NRCS and NRCS partner employees to basic irrigation water management. Topics will include: CPS 449 Overview Irrigation Water Management in Wisconsin Writing an Irrigation Water Management Plan ISoil Moisture Sensors Introduce WISP and WISS Scheduling for small plots and hoop houses How to get technical help Info here.
This webinar will be an introduction to Nutrient Management Planning and SnapPlus. During this webinar you will learn the “Why” behind nutrient management, requirements for writing a plan, and how to use SnapPlus to write a nutrient management plan. From the first time SnapPlus user to the seasoned user, this webinar will be a great […]
Bringing forward information and data from several years and data from assorted research locations, Dr. Gruver discusses both gains and hurdles in cover crops and soil health. Reducing Cost of Failure and Quickly Learning From Failure. “Fail Fast, Succeed Faster” Dr. Joel Gruver, Professor of Soil Science at Western Illinois University brings new soil health […]
In the webinar, “Tile Flows, Backhoes and Microbes: Constructed Wetlands for Subsurface Drainage Treatment,” Kostel will discuss the siting, design and implementation of constructed tile-treatment wetlands that use the naturally occurring wetland functions and processes to capture and remove nutrients from tile flow. Showcasing farm-based Illinois NRCS 656 constructed wetlands, she will discuss how appropriately […]
The March Farmer Angel Network Lunch & Learn will feature Monica Kramer McConkey speaking on the topic: “Bend Don’t Break: Staying Mentally Healthy Even In Difficult Times. She will share strategies for sustaining long term mental wellness – managing the ups and downs and recognizing plateaus in recovery. Info here.
Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety. Info here.
In this 8th Annual CNR Spring Seminar Series, we are featuring seven speakers, each representing a different level of policy-setting in Wisconsin. This seminar series highlights the roles of the legislature, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, the Tribal Government, Non-Governmental organizations, and citizens in making decisions affecting our natural resources […]
To appropriately size infrastructure, stormwater managers use estimates of precipitation amount over a range of durations and recurrence intervals (e.g., 100-year 24-hour storms). These estimates are created for every location in the United States by NOAA in their Atlas-14 publication. While Atlas-14 is an important guidance document, a limitation is that it does not account […]
Allison Madison, sustainability and development coordinator, Wisconsin Salt Wise, and Alli Wenman, WATER Project outreach coordinator, UW–Madison Arboretum. Wisconsin needs action at different scales to protect freshwater resources. The Arboretum’s Water Action to Encourage Responsibility (WATER) Project and the Wisconsin Salt Wise Partnership work to address water quality issues at watershed and statewide scales. The […]
As women farmers, landowners and conservationists, we wear multiple hats and juggle various responsibilities and commitments, including a strong vision of increasing stewardship practices on our land. And we all live in a vulnerable space at one time or another – and for one reason or another. How can we as a community best support […]
Whether you are looking to raise your own meat or diversify your farming income, pigs can be a great way to get started raising livestock. Swine are fairly low cost to purchase, quick return on investment, and require limited equipment to get started. Through this presentation we will discuss the basics of swine care, selection […]
The beginning of a webinar series designed to assist individuals and Tribes by sharing proven methods which can be used as building blocks for Indigenous agriculture systems, providing a road map to success. These presentations are intended to bolster Native farmers' and ranchers' ability to engage in production agriculture through a better understanding how food […]
Dr. Karen Murchie, Director of Freshwater Research at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, will present “Suckers – Swimming Superheroes of the Great Lakes.” She will describe the ecology and importance of suckers in the Great Lakes, especially in the Sturgeon Bay and Door County tributaries. Info here.
Craig Annen earned his bachelor’s of science in environmental science and plant molecular cell biology from Edgewood College in 1998 and his master’s of science in aquatic botany from the UW-LaCrosse in 2001. His research interests include invasive species management, economical ecology, and mathematical ecology. Craig is senior ecologist and operations manager of the firm […]
Dr. Mark Renz, UW-Madison Extension Weed Specialist in the Agronomy Department, will give an update on Waterhemp Management in Wisconsin forages, its history in Wisconsin, why are we so concerned, and how management differs based on the forage grown. The talk will focus on management in alfalfa. The final presentation by Will Fulwider, UW-Madison Extension […]
Free, weekly webinars to build skills of community scientists interested in bumble bee biodiversity, ecology and conservation. Info here.
OGRAIN Online workshop will again be hosting virtual workshops over Zoom to connect farmers around topics important to organic grain production! Info here.
Dr. Sherri Mason, a professor of chemistry and leading researcher on plastic pollution, continues to conduct groundbreaking research on the prevalence of plastics and micro-plastics in the Great Lakes. She will join the GLLC for this web session on plastic pollution, its impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem and human health, and strategies to clean […]
Join the Village of Egg Harbor and Rodale Institute Organic Consultants for a program focused on orchard growing and regenerative organic farming practices for Door County’s largest exports: cherries and apples. They will also touch on other local crops. Info here.
Immerse yourself in a weeklong, intensive forest marking camp. Through a combination of field trips, field activities, and mentored marking you will gain the knowledge and field skills needed to mark timber for multiple objectives. Specifically, you will come away with the skills needed to mark for financial/quality, wildlife, restoration, and ecological objectives. Upon completion […]
Boost the value of manure by maximizing nutrient availability and minimizing environmental losses with liquid and solid manures safely. Info here.
On Monday, March 21st, the Tech Talk topics will be tree/shrub site preparation (CPS 490) and tree/shrub planting methods. Join this Tech Talk session for a discussion of planning considerations for site preparation and matching the site preparation techniques to the site conditions. Different types of tree stock and planting methods will be discussed along […]
Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety. Info here.
The Green Thumb Gardening class series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! Dane County Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener. Info here.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: Manitowoc, WI Join the Manitowoc County Forage Council at the Farm WI Discovery Center. 10:00 Welcome and Introductions Soil Health: How to measure it, Why it’s important, & How it ties to profitability with the Manitowoc County Soil and Water Conservation Department Balancing Phosphorus Trade-Offs & Timing with Chelsea Zegler Ag […]
Roadsides contain potentially thousands of acres of monarch habitat with millions of stems of milkweed hosts, but they also present risks. Emilie will discuss her research over the past five years investigating costs and benefits of roadside habitat. Info here.
The widespread adoption and development of solar across a nearly full range of landscapes, topographies and geographies has triggered multiple “dual use” innovations. Among the most promising of these is agrivoltaics: the co-location of solar with natural resource practices broadly characterized as agriculture. The inclusion of crops, pollinating, sheep grazing and other elements can amplify […]
The environmental benefits of Management Intensive Rotational Grazing (MIRG) are well known. Farms under MIRG management experience less soil erosion and nutrient loss than row crops or continuous grazing management. However, there is a stigma that grazing is less economical than cropping. In this workshop, we will show how you can demonstrate that grazing can […]
To introduce NRCS and NRCS partner employees how to develop a robust irrigation system conceptual design by matching irrigation water demand to irrigation water supply. This is fundamental for designing any irrigation system (CPS 430, CPS 441, CPS 442, CPS 533) or for writing an irrigation water management plan (CPS 449). These concepts are applicable […]
Comprehensive webinar about managing PFAS at the source. Reducing "downstream" PFAS treatment of drinking water by treatment and management of PFAS at "upstream" sources. Will discuss: PFAS impacts on water resources in the US Reducing the impacts of "downstream" PFAS treatment of drinking water by treatment and management of PFAS at "upstream" sources New PFAS […]
Savanna Institute’s Keefe Keeley and Barbara Decré introduce Wisconsin Academy guests to agroforestry, a natural climate solution that has the potential to transform Wisconsin’s agricultural landscape into a carbon sink. Landowners who use agroforestry integrate trees with other crops and livestock on their land–such as windbreaks, riparian buffers, and alley cropping. Join to learn more […]
This session will review key skills needed to manage the operation and identify strategies for teaching others to take over – eventually. Info here.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is hosting Manure Applicator Training – Level 1 / Manure 101. Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety. Register here. Locations and […]
Have a training you don’t see listed? Reach out to us and let us know.