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
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1 event,
Sandy soils are widespread throughout the world and used for a range of purposes (agriculture, forestry, rangeland). The conference will focus on all aspects of sandy soils including its properties, distribution, and management. There will be oral and poster sessions, a one-day field trip to the Central Sands Plain of Wisconsin, and ample sessions for […] |
3 events,
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Plants can be affected by fungus, bacteria, viruses and other factors. Join us to learn about how to look for symptoms of plant disease and what you can do. We will also talk about different control methods and options. Info here.
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Dana Blumenthal, Ecologist at the Rangeland Resources & Systems Research Unit in Fort Collins, CO USDA - ARS and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) are co-hosting 10 webinars on weed science and research. Info here. |
2 events,
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Local ecologists are getting together a team of volunteers to check in on our conservation goat herd this summer and we need your help! Join shepherd and owner of Vegetation Solutions Ben Robel and Director of Vernon County Land and Waters Ben Wojahn to learn about the project and how you can help. During this […] |
8 events,
SFA’s Silvopasture and Grazing specialists will be co-hosting the event with a cohort of UMN researchers and Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge staff to share the results of the research here at the refuge on using targeted grazing impact for vegetation management and restoration of oak savanna. There will be additional overview on oak savanna history, […]
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Water on Wisconsin farms presents itself in many different forms. Even categories like surface water and groundwater have subcategories that often require guidance to define and interpret. Join county, DNR, and DATCP staff for the next installment of the NR 151 training webinar series: Key Water Definitions of NR 151 - Case Studies and Discussions from […]
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Learn how to: Identify common and new invasive plants in WI Report and map invasive plants with EDDMapS Use resources to plan effective management Info here.
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This live webinar will conclude the “Partnering for Agroforestry” series by the Savanna Institute and National Agroforestry Center, and will feature members of the Southern Ohio Chestnut Company describing the history of their business and the partnerships that have made it possible. Info here.
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This webinar addresses the question: will rising demand for mass timber products result in unsustainable levels of harvesting forests in the United States? Participants will learn the role family forest owners play in ensuring the availability of domestic wood supply and the importance of demand in US timber for sustaining forests in continuing to serve […]
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Mulching has been practiced in vineyards around the globe for a long time. Yet, it is not common in eastern US vineyards. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in vineyard mulching for improved vine and soil health, thus more sustainable vineyards in a changing climate. Join the webinar as they provide an […]
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Agriculture has proven to be a viable option for many military veterans seeking career options after leaving active duty. Not only can agriculture provide an opportunity for employment but it can often have therapeutic benefits. However, veterans are not immune from the stress issues experienced by other farmers and ranchers. In addition, wartime experiences can […] |
4 events,
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Meet at the Rest Lake Pavilion off of Hwy W in Manitowish Waters for a workshop to learn to identify aquatic invasive species. Entrance to park is directly across Hwy W from the entrance of North Lakeland Discovery Center. Info here.
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Join this Wetland Coffee Break with Paxton Ramsdell. Info here.
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Building healthy soil amidst an increasingly challenging environment remains a high priority for women landowners in Wisconsin. Join fellow women landowners, farmers and conservationists along with local experts, to delve into climate-smart practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, while building resilience to strengthen your operation. Info […] |
5 events,
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Join in some community science fun on the water! Ages 10 years and up are welcome at this daytime hands-on science paddle. Experts will guide inquiry-based investigations into salt concentrations. Info here.
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This half-day learning session and field walk will give landowners and farmers insights into the theory and realities of the food forest. (The food forest is an agroforestry practice that involves the planting of diverse fruit-and-nut-bearing trees, shrubs, and other vegetation in a way that mimics the ecology of a natural forest.) Info here.
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Have you heard the latest buzz? Aram Public Library is hosting our very first Pollinator Palooza! There will be speakers, organizations sharing their stories, raffles, and a pollinator costume contest! Bring the whole family down for a BEE-utiful day, celebrating pollinators of all sorts! Info here.
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Citizen science volunteers are critical to informing and inspiring monarch conservation. Learn how to collect data that contributes to knowledge of monarch populations. Participants will learn about monarch biology, monitoring procedures, and data entry protocols, and have time to ask questions of experts. The trainings, organized by Monarch Joint Venture and the UW–Madison Arboretum, are […]
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For the soil health field day participants will be introduced to different techniques for determining soil health such as, the water infiltration test, slake test, earthworm test and pH test. Participants will also be introduced to soil chroma, an easy, effective way to assess the health of soil. Lastly, there will be a soil test […] |
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2 events,
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Tour a certified Organic Valley farm by foot and wagon to see fourth-generation farmer Mike Polich’s cows, calves and pasture crops. With his wife, Katie, Mike operates a thriving dairy farm with 200 cows and 1,000 acres of cropland. See the farm’s milking robots and discover organic weed control methods and the key roles of […]
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Please join us this spring for Soil Health Virtual Learning Circles featuring presenters on soil health and soil conservation topics for your farm. The six one-hour Learning Circles will be done via video conferencing and taught in English and Spanish. Info here. |
7 events,
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wisconsin has announced one statewide virtual Local Working Group (LWG) meeting to include a statewide presentation followed by four breakout sessions by NRCS administrative areas, for further discussion and feedback. Participants will be able to call into a teleconference line or join with audio […]
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Roger Sheley, Ecologist at the Range and Meadow Forage Management Research Unit in Burns, OR USDA - ARS and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) are co-hosting 10 webinars on weed science and research. Info here.
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Your drinking water well doesn't have to be a mystery. In this free 90-minute webinar training hosted by The Private Well Class you'll learn the answers to common questions, such as: How do I get my well water tested? What do I need to do to take care of my well? Is my well […]
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Investment in physical food systems infrastructure, such as storage and distribution facilities, is essential to increase capacity in regional food economies. Too often, investment opportunities in the food supply chain are hyper-focused on a specific link, rather than taking a systems approach to financing regional food-related projects. During this installment of the CDFA Food Systems […]
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Join SSWIG at Echo-Y Farms for a field day to learn more about no-till planting corn and soybeans into green living cover crops. We will be walking corn fields that were planted on May 13 into a living rye crop. We will also be talking planter setup at this field day. Info here.
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Keeping disease out is important for any poultry flock, large or small. It is easier to prevent disease than try to treat or control it. Jacquie Jacob from the University of Kentucky will discuss how to create a biosecurity plan for a small or backyard poultry flock. Info here.
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Organic producers of perennial crops are required to introduce biodiversity in lieu of a crop rotation. This webinar will cover examples of methods organic producers use to introduce biodiversity to their perennial operations, while balancing maximum benefits with minimal labor and resource concerns. Different cropping systems and climates will be highlighted. Info here. |
4 events,
In collaboration with the Stroud Water Research Center and with funding from the William Penn Foundation, the Rodale Institute is researching the links between farm management practices, soil health, and water quality. Different organic and conventional management practices will promote or degrade soil health, which can affect downstream water quality. Join us for a mid-project […]
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In recent decades, cultural eutrophication of coastal waters and inland lakes around the world has contributed to a rapid expansion of harmful cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Potential outbreaks of toxin-producing cyanobacteria species have drawn concern from health officials and water managers given their negative ecological, aesthetic, and socioeconomic impacts. Currently, little information regarding expected summertime cyanobacteria […]
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Join Lars Higdon, Dane County Botanist/Naturalist, for a guided walk through the park followed by an optional stewardship activity. Participants will gain an overview of the different natural communities of Dane County, past and present, such as prairies, oak savanna, and woodlands. Following the walk, we will roll up our sleeves and get experience removing […]
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The IPM Hour is a monthly online seminar covering a variety of IPM-related topics and research. Info here. |
6 events,
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The seminar will be a hands-on training session for the Heifer Grazing Compass from the University of Wisconsin and the Grassland 2.0 project. This session is intended for farmers interested in grazing and agricultural service providers. We will be walking through the different dynamics of the decision support tool using data based on a case […]
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Learn how to: Identify common and new invasive plants in WI Report and map invasive plants with EDDMapS Use resources to plan effective management Info here.
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Join us for this webinar during which we will discuss: - PowerScore, a resource benchmarking tool, offers growers deeper insight into their energy, water, and emissions efficiency; - Productivity key performance indicators enhance competitive business insights for growers; and - A library of controlled environment agriculture best practices guides helps operators to optimize crop yields […]
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This webinar focuses on advanced concepts in taking regenerative grazing to the next level. Info here.
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On this tour we’ll join Wisconsin’s Green Fire members John Robinson, Meleesa Johnson, Mark Thimke and other members of WGF’s Contaminants of Concern Work Group will join the mayors of Wausau and Rhinelander and other local officials for a tour and policy discussion at the Wisconsin River in downtown Wausau. PFAS are persistent chemicals used […] |
1 event,
Join in on 3-part series exploring QGIS applications for forestry. As part of this series, Mick Wheaton of Valley View Forestry will lead you through hands-on exercises on the basics of QGIS and its use for manipulating data to create maps, application to forestry recon and timber sales, analyzing basic timber sale data, and creating […] |
3 events,
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Join Drs. Glen Stanosz and Scott Bowe, UW-Madison, for an introduction to Shiitake mushroom cultivation. This hands-on demonstration will begin with a discussion of the life cycle of Shiitake mushrooms. We will demonstrate how hardwood logs are prepared, inoculated, and tended to grow these delicious mushrooms. Come ready to work! Participants will be asked to […]
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Natural fly treatment; water systems for landlock paddocks; and adding some annuals to areas that are short or beat up during dog days of summer (late July/August) Info here.
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Trees provide a variety of benefits to society. But trees also lose branches or break when forces exceed their structural strength or the root-soil connection. Tree failure can cause severe damage to houses and other structures, deny access or use of infrastructure, and injure or kill people. Landowners have legal “duty of care” for trees […] |
0 events,
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3 events,
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The Role of Birds on the Farm Course: Lesson 7 - Making the Most of Birds’ Diet and Foraging Strategies Upon successfully completing this lesson, participants will be able to: Differentiate between insectivores, carnivores and omnivores. Distinguish between aerial, tree, shrub and ground foraging birds. Evaluate the different roles birds play based on when, what […]
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These supporting practices are only a small part of the designs for waterways, WASCOBs, and other main practices. Fundamentals for following practice standards 620 and 606 are usually briefly covered. This Tech Talk will go a little deeper into the practice standards, terminology when using these “tile” practices, and explain their connection to their main […]
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Please join us this spring for Soil Health Virtual Learning Circles featuring presenters on soil health and soil conservation topics for your farm. The six one-hour Learning Circles will be done via video conferencing and taught in English and Spanish. Info here. |
2 events,
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Fresh water is Earth’s most precious resource. We all use it every day and can all have an impact on the ability to provide reliable supplies of clean water now and for future generations. Participants will learn about how our local water system works and the human impact on water. You will also gain knowledge […]
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Participants will joint to learn about the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Project, Kansas Health Watersheds and how available authorities did a sensitivity analysis on watershed wide soil health management systems in Kansas. This presentation will cover several subtopics: 1) An introduction to the Silver Jackets Program and the inter-agency projects. 2) Understanding […] |
4 events,
Principles, foundations and best practices to improve water stewardship strategy and performance from the board room to the shop floor Curriculum Includes: Water Risk & The Need for Water Stewardship Water Stewardship 101 Water & Business The Water Stewardship Journey Decoding the World of Water Stewardship Info here.
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The subject presentation will provide an overview of the use of stream bank soil bio-engineering practice used as part of NRCS conservation work. Both plant based and structural based practices will be discussed. For more than 80 years, NRCS and its predecessor agencies have worked in close partnerships with farmers and ranchers, local and state […]
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Presentation by Dr. Ann E. Hajek, a professor of the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, was elected as an ESA Fellow in 2018. She is nationally and internationally known for her research in invertebrate pathology, biological control, disease ecology, and invasive species. Info here. |
6 events,
This two-day in-person technical training is open to members of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Wildlife Society, and will feature three modules about effective communication skills, particularly in the conservation field. Info here. Principles, foundations and best practices to improve water stewardship strategy and performance from the board room to the shop floor Curriculum Includes: Corporate / Enterprise Water Stewardship: Materiality & Use Risk Assessment & Prioritization Strategy & Policy Development Targets & Goals Disclosure & Reporting Operational Water Stewardship: Systems Approach Site Assessment Watershed Assessment Stakeholder Engagement […]
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Learn agroforestry concepts and techniques that can help landowners and farmers meet their conservation and business goals. Hosted by the Savanna Institute, Delta Institute, and Liberty Prairie Foundation. Info here.
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An afternoon boat ride from 4-6pm where participants will hear all about the issues surrounding the Public Trust Doctrine from the water. Our speaker panel includes Michael Cain, co-chair of WGF’s Public Trust and Wetlands work group, Historian John Gurda, Rhonda Nordstrom, Water City Program Coordinator with Milwaukee Water Commons, and Cheryl Nenn, Riverkeeper with […]
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Stop out to Jacob & Jessica Hutter’s farm, E3505 East Harris Rd, La Valle to learn about pasture plant identification & discuss all the different characteristics of those plants. We will also be discussing custom grazing. Info here. |
5 events,
This popular annual program on lake science, policy, and culture brings together lake-lovers from all around northwest Wisconsin. The all-day program is a great opportunity for lake enthusiasts, local government officials and others interested in enjoying and protecting our lakes to take in a number of educational presentations. This year’s conference is being planned as […]
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The Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris blanchardi) experienced widespread declines in distribution and abundance along its northern range in the mid-to-late 1900s. Since then, species experts have begun monitoring Blanchard's cricket frogs and researching the key facets of their ecology and life history to help prevent future declines and manage for healthy and sustainable populations. The […]
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Presenters include Melissa Wilson, University of Minnesota and Nancy Bohl-Bormann, University of Minnesota Info here. |
2 events,
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Learn how you can help your lake! Citizen Lake Monitors collect data on lake health that is used to identify water quality trends and establish restoration goals. The first half of this workshop will introduce you to lake monitoring and how to measure water clarity, a simple but important measure of water quality. Then we […]
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Come and hear Cella Langer and Emmet Fisher share the story of how they started their small, rotationally grazed dairy cow herd and on-farm, Grade A creamery. This field day will include a tour of silvopastures, seasonal milking parlor, and Grade A dairy plant. Learn how the creamery fits into the bigger picture of their […] |
0 events,
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2 events,
Statewide webinars about pollinators and pollinator habitats. Local activities for all ages. Resources to learn more about pollinators in Wisconsin. Info here. Some northern Wisconsin lakes have shown declining trends in walleye recruitment over the last two decades. Recent research suggests that walleye and yellow perch recruitment are influenced by similar factors, but the current status of yellow perch recruitment in northern Wisconsin is unknown. The objective of this study is to determine if lakes with declining […] |
5 events,
Join farmers, farm advisors, conservation professionals, and others for this peer-to-peer learning opportunity to get practical insights and ideas about how to be successful and profitable with cover crops, no-till, and other soil and water conservation practices. Summit activities will include Farmer-led tours of two southeast Wisconsin farms that are demonstrating cover crops, no-till, strip […]
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Professional Engineers (PEs) registered in the state of Wisconsin are required by WI Chapter A-E 13, Continuing Education for Professional Engineers to obtain 30 PDHs of professional engineering continuing education, per biennium. Two professional development hours (PDHs) must be in the area of professional conduct and ethics. Engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards […]
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Pasture establishment with NRCS including fencing & water lines using Keyline design. Taylor will also cover direct marketing to consumers (pork, chicken and beef). Info here. |
5 events,
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As rainfall events become more frequent and intense, watershed management becomes paramount. Elevated bacteria levels in the nation’s surface waters are a public health issue–leading to sick pets, beach closures, and posing immediate health risks to anyone who recreates in or consumes the water. Until now, there have been limited, cost-effective ways to reduce bacteria […]
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You can have a landscape that you and pollinators enjoy. A few changes to the way we maintain our plants and manage insect pests and diseases can help create a safe environment for pollinators. We’ll cover pollinator-friendly care to keep your landscape healthy and looking its best throughout the year. Then we’ll explore ways to […]
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While wildlife gardening is now one of the biggest gardening trends, the decline of pollinators and other insects still remains urgent. Learn how to help pollinators thrive and create refuge for them, and how to enhance local food productivity by adding native plants to urban and suburban yards. Info here. |
5 events,
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We’re buzzed up talking about pollinators this session, digging into what you can do to increase the population of bees, butterflies, beetles and why pollinators are so vital to creating and maintaining a healthy habitat and ecosystem. Learn about identifying what pollinators are already on your land along with resources to increase the population. Connect […]
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Stormwater green infrastructure (GI) provides many benefits to our society and helps to protect our precious ecosystems Being passive and natural systems, GI exhibit natural variability in their performance. As such, significant effort has been dedicated to reducing this variability, and improving performance through optimised design; e.g. careful plant and media selection and the inclusion […]
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Agriculture and Rural Resilience are Vital to Meeting our Water and Climate Challenges Speakers: Scott Leaser, Clean Water Wisconsin and Michael Tiboris, River Alliance of Wisconsin Water has been an important topic across Wisconsin for many years but legislative efforts to protect and clean-up our water resources have been limited at best. Climate change will […]
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Pasture Walk with an emphasis on Beef Grazing and soil health. Will include a Rain Fall Simulator Info here. |
3 events,
Organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), The Energy Fair is the nation’s longest-running event of its kind and brings over 11,500 attendees together to learn about sustainability and clean energy, connect with others, and take action toward a sustainable future. Info here.
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Bart De Stasio, Ph.D., professor of biology and environmental studies at Lawrence University, will explain projections for climate change in Door County and discuss the effects on the county’s ecology and surrounding waters in Green Bay and Lake Michigan. These will include more intense rainfall, more and larger algae blooms, an expanded “dead zone” in […] |
3 events,
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Join Savanna Institute for a walking tour of the Fields Restored Demonstration Farm. We’ll explore the benefits of incorporating trees into agricultural systems to support water quality, carbon sequestration, soil health, and wildlife habitat. There will be plenty of time to ask questions and connect with Agroforestry Technical Service Providers. Info here. |
3 events,
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Join Wisconsin Farmers Union at Rising Sun Farm and Orchard. See what Ryan Browne and Lindsey Baris have been up to on their organic CSA/market farm- with maple syrup, U-pick apples, cider, meat and veggies - they offer a small farm diversity that many aspire to. Learn about what the Wisconsin Farmers Union is focusing […] |
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5 events,
This is a one-day training repeated twice. Training will consist of an introduction to aquatic plant ecology and identification, ID practice with live plants, a review of the point-intercept survey method and vouchering, and an optional Aquatic Plant Taxonomic Assurance exam will be offered to those who wish to take it. There is no field […] This training will review the planning, design, and construction requirements of various streambank protection practices. This is a half-day classroom and half day field event. For more information contact: Penny Pohle at penny@wisconsinlandwater.org or Drew Zelle at drew.zelle@wisconsin.gov
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Get up to speed on the latest monarch and pollinator research with Jennifer and Laura from the MJV science team. The Monarch Research Review is a volunteer-driven, annual compendium of published articles available to everyone on the MJV website. Info here.
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Join us for this webinar during which soil health techniques such as cover crops, crop rotations, pest management, nutrient management, cash crop establishment, and water management will be discussed. Participants will be instructed on several soil health topics. These include: • Cover Crop selection, seeding, termination and benefits • Benefits to soil health by using […]
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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 […] |
4 events,
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The Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s OGRAIN, and the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) have launched two new opportunities for organic advisors and ag professionals to connect and learn from each other. These are perfect for ag professionals who work with organic and transitional farmers. The Organic Advisor Call Series […]
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Communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are required to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that meet minimum NFIP floodplain management criteria. Compliance problems may be program deficiencies or violations that occur on individual properties. Program deficiencies and violations are considered to be substantive if they could result in increased flood […]
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The Role of Birds on the Farm Course: Lesson 8 - Farmscape and Landscape Features Upon successfully completing this lesson, participants will be able to: Explain why farms with semi-natural and natural habitat support more avian pest control than intensive farms. Recommend hedgerows and edge habitat for supporting beneficial birds. Discuss with farmers or neighbors […] |
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Have a training you don’t see listed? Reach out to us and let us know.