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
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11th International Drainage Symposium August 30-September 2, 2022 Des Moines, Iowa Solutions to agricultural drainage challenges and opportunities will be the focus of the 11th International Drainage Symposium, held August 30-September 2, 2022 at the Marriott Des Moines Downtown in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. Two days of sessions will highlight drainage research, practice design, implementation, […]
Solutions to agricultural drainage challenges and opportunities will be the focus of the 11th International Drainage Symposium. Two days of sessions will highlight drainage research, practice design, implementation, and policy. The third day of the symposium will feature field tours highlighting some of the innovative drainage work happening in the local area. The challenge of […]
Pest Management in a Changing Climate Keeping up with disease management in an uncertain climate Earlier migrations and more generations: Insect pests in a changing climate Impact of extreme weather events on weed ecology and management Climate-plus Agriculture Soil Carbon Challenges of nitrogen management in Wisconsin cropping system Perennial cover reduces flooding downstream Cover Crops […]
This webinar will focus on matters of premises liability and timber protection for forest landowners, including matters of trespass, legal sufficiency of boundary and hazard marking, as well as disputes over boundaries and easements. Info here.
Join a team of researchers and practitioners as we explore the Argonne Experimental Forest and discuss incorporating elements of old growth forest into forest management. Through a combination of presentations and field tours we will cover: Elements of old growth habitat and silvicultural treatments to obtain them Enhancing vertical and horizontal structure Forest regeneration consideration […]
Come join Iowa County's Uplands Watershed Group at a field day to discuss how soil health practices like no-till, cover crops, and crop rotations can benefit farmers' yield, as well as improve water quality and hold soil. We'll start the morning at a soil pit in a field on the farm 1/4 mile west on […]
This in-depth look into the planning and designing process for agroforestry systems will be led by Savanna Institute’s Agroforestry Technical Service Provider, Sven Pihl. Sven Pihl is the Agroforestry Technical Service Provider for the Kankakee and Iroquois River Watersheds. Sven, a Navy aircraft mechanic before and during the Persian Gulf War, had also worked in […]
Humble Hands Harvest (an Iowa-based worker-owned co-op farm) has hosted an annual Queer Farmer Convergence since 2018. It was conceived as a gathering to interrupt racist, capitalist, colonialist, and heteropatriarchal legacies in U.S. agriculture, while building community and alternatives among queer farmers who might experience isolation in those intersecting identities. The gathering is for all […]
Review of pasture improvement practices and rebuilding pastures after extensive flooding. Info here.
This training will review Vegetative Standards WI CPS 327, 342, 512, and 420. This will be an overview on the vegetation conservation practices with plenty of time for Q &A. You can find an agenda for the training here. Info here.
Join this webinar to learn about organic agriculture’s role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Climate change threatens agricultural production with weather extremes, drought, loss of biodiversity, and more. This webinar will discuss the role of organic agriculture in presenting climate change solutions and adaptation strategies, as we seek to increase the resilience of our […]
The Understanding Algal Blooms: State of the Science Hybrid Conference will highlight current scientific knowledge related to algal blooms. Research and outreach leaders will present findings from recent studies and identify important areas of uncertainty. Info here.
When temps drop below 15F salt brine doesn't cut it, but where do you start? Calcium, magnesium, beet juice, proprietary products? 90/10, 80/20? The options for concocting the perfect solution can be overwhelming. Matt Wittum, Highway Superintendent with the Town of Linn, tackles the topic of blending additives into brines and welcomes your input. Info […]
For the past seventeen years, the Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference has been a hallmark occasion for the watershed community of practice in southeastern Wisconsin to come together to discuss strategies and projects to improve the health of our watersheds. The Clean Rivers Clean Lake Conference will take place again in 2022. Topics will focus […]
Join for a field day learning about Diverse Species Cover Crop Mixes, Using Chemicals on Interseeding Plots, and Soil Health. Event Topics: DIVERSE COVER MIXES AFTER WHEAT - Options and management of diverse cover crops after wheat and how to plan for the following cash crop. INTERSEEDING CHEMICAL PLOT - Seeing and discussing different chemical […]
Come experience the Bouressa Family Farm. Rachel grew up as fifth generation on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin and in 2014 Rachel returned to her family’s farm to raise direct-market, 100% grass fed and finished beef. Farm animals are on pasture year round, with access to fresh grass daily during the warmer months and […]
Hosted by the Savanna Institute at 6511 Hillside Rd, Spring Green. We will branch out to learn more about Silvopasture and how to manage animals, trees, and forages across the landscape at this pasture walk. Info here.
Are you interested in starting a native or agricultural seed library at your school, library or home? This webinar will feature several speakers who have created seed libraries of different types. Presenters will describe how to initiate a seed library and challenges faced. Info here.
WDNR Fish Biologist Tammie Paoli will provide an overview of the unique life history of northern pike along Green Bay’s west shore. Pike are a self-sustaining, native top predator in Green Bay that provide recreational fishing opportunities. Learn about challenges to pike populations such as wetland habitat loss, invasive species including Phragmites, and land-use practices […]
Join us for the second annual fall harvest picnic at Westport Farm! Hosted by the HMoob (Hmong) elders who grow food at our Lifting Hearts Therapy Garden, you’ll enjoy a bountiful, homecooked meal outdoors. Try a variety of delicious HMoob dishes and learn about HMoob growing practices and traditions out on the land. This is […]
Come and be inspired by a tour of Blackbrook Farm, operated by our own WiWiC Conservation Coach Ayla Dodge and her husband. Hear and see firsthand how they are overcoming unique challenges presented by their farm’s sandy soils in both their vegetable operation and pasture establishment for the livestock they have integrated into their operation. […]
WWA members Arlyne Johnson and Mike Hedemark invite you to join Katie Beilfuss, Outreach Programs Director for the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, for a gathering about wetland management and care. We’ll discuss what wetlands are, the diversity and abundance of wetlands in Wisconsin, why wetlands are important, and how you can care for the wetlands on […]
The US Water Alliance's One Water Summit gathers the most diverse group of water stakeholders in the country for a completely unique and urgent conversation about the future of water through engaging plenaries and workshops, dynamic institutes and site-visits, and plenty of networking time between individuals, organizations, and delegations. Our Summit also serves as a time […]
This training is designed to provide field level conservationists and resource soil scientists with an overall understanding of soil health and sustainability principles to guide them with recommendations for land management. The training can be tailored by landuse or specialty emphasis area using modules for cropland, pasture, range, eastern forests, sod and nursery crops, organic […]
Course Description: This training is designed to provide field level conservationists and resource soil scientists with an overall understanding of soil health and sustainability principles to guide them with recommendations for land management. The training can be tailored by land use or specialty emphasis area using modules for cropland, pasture, range, eastern forests, sod and […]
Join SWCS for their 2022 fall conservation tour - starting at Big River Resources (N10185 370th Street, Boyceville, WI). Find the flyer here. Info here.
Certified organic mushroom production is a gray area in the National Organic Program. Is it a crop? Or is it something else entirely? The answer is a little complicated. Incorporating certified organic mushrooms into your operation can offer an opportunity to diversify cashflow and markets. Dive into the standards with one of Rodale Institute’s organic […]
The IPM Hour is a monthly online seminar covering a variety of IPM-related topics and research. It is held the second Wednesday of each month at noon Pacific Time and features a presentation (or two) with Q&A and discussion. Info here.
Join farmer Robert Pierce for a tour of his farm, Half the 40 Acres, south of Madison and learn about various programs and opportunities to enhance conservation practices on your land. Learn about soil health and see Robert's composting operation. "For me, it's pretty simple; everything starts with healthy soil. To grow good food you […]
Did you know that how we landscape our yards affects nature far beyond property lines? Join Douglas Tallamy, author of Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, to learn how the small actions we take as individuals can make a big environmental impact. Tallamy will discuss how native plants […]
This training will cover plant ID of native species that are commonly used in pollinator plantings, components of a good pollinator habitat, some discussion on habitat assessment, common weeds to look out for, and a field tour to practice our plant ID in multiple different habitat types. Lunch will be provided. Please bring a water […]
Entry level instruction on how to use ArcGIS Survey 123 to create mobile-based apps for collecting data in the field. Students will use their own laptop and smartphone or tablet in class to create and deploy an app to collect sample data. Basic instruction and emphasis on using ArcGIS Online resources, learning GIS software terms […]
This free, virtual meet-up series is a peer-learning opportunity for watershed professionals to share ideas and advice for solving real-life challenges of watershed projects. If you work with farmers and communities on watershed-scale projects to improve water quality and have ever found yourself thinking, “I don’t want to recreate the wheel,” this meet-up series is […]
Join the MOSES 2022 Changemaker Award recipients as we tour two of their farms. Urban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. They aim to address the inequities and structural racism that exist in the food system and in communities […]
The Coastal Symposium will feature presentations, networking opportunities, workshops, and field trips. Over three days, participants will explore the state of our coastal systems in the face of a rapidly changing climate, discuss current topics related to coastal wetland management, and provide input on management and conservation approaches for this upper Great Lakes setting. Participants […]
NASCA Webinar featuring Best Practices for programs, operations and communications from across the nation that were adopted by state conservation agencies and conservation districts during the pandemic, and will be continued to be utilized in a new way of doing conservation and state agency business. Info here.
This webinar will introduce to you key concepts of the National Flood Insurance Program including: 1) Flood insurance compared to disaster assistance 2) Eligibility to purchase flood insurance 3) Coverages 4) Loss settlement (claims) and appeals While the new pricing methodology is not the main focus of this webinar, some aspects of Risk Rating 2.0: […]
Presented by: Chris Helzer, Director of Science for The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska Info here.
Soil Health - Waushara County Location: Lake Poygan/ Pine River Field driveway just west of N1742 County Rd D, Berlin, WI Date: September 21, 2022 Time: 9:30am - 3:00pm Join us to discuss practices that benefit your farm and help water infiltrate into your soil. See how different management practices conserve soil and nutrients, and […]
This popular annual event has been hosted since 2005 in partnership with the American Excelsior Company ErosionLab, one of only a few erosion control testing laboratories in the U.S. This event allows attendees to learn from experienced professionals and view product testing under a variety of control measures set up as stations around the ErosionLab. […]
NextGen is a movement. It’s about inspiring, developing and preparing emerging leaders in government. It’s about providing training and leadership opportunities for rising leaders in government. It’s about preparing new managers, supervisors and project leaders to excel in the government of the future. It’s about creating the absolute best next generation of government. Info here.
Soil Health - Dry Run / South Kinni Watersheds Location: Huppert Brother Farms, 855 Chapman Drive, River Falls Date: September 22, 2022 Time: 9:30am - 3:00pm Join us to discuss practices that benefit your farm and help water infiltrate into your soil. See how different management practices conserve soil and nutrients, and witness the results […]
Soil Health - Peshtigo River Watershed Location: Harmony Arboretum & Strutz Farm, N3890 Cty E, Peshtigo Date: September 23, 2022 Time: 9:30am - 3:00pm Join us to discuss practices that benefit your farm and help water infiltrate into your soil. See how different management practices conserve soil and nutrients, and witness the results in real […]
The Wisconsin Permaculture Convergence is a yearly event that brings people together to network, build community, skill share and celebrate life. Info here.
The meeting will consist of a full day of programming that will include presentations on strategies to promote climate resilience in coastal communities; efforts to reduce nutrient pollution in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region; the cleanup and removal of toxic substances; strategies to promote a sustainable Blue Economy; recent developments at the federal level in […]
Many wetlands in Wisconsin burned frequently as part of the historical fire regime, often lit by the indigenous peoples of the area. Join Hannah Spaul, Director of Land Management for The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin, to learn about the historic role of fire in the state’s wetlands. She’ll also talk about how today’s managers apply […]
The Return the Sturgeon Program is back to celebrate with you in Milwaukee's Harbor District! Join us to hand-release a Lake Sturgeon into Lake Michigan during Sturgeon Fest, a part of Harbor Fest. Enjoy family fun and help return a breeding population of Sturgeon to Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River! Info here.
Come out for some social time and a tour. This farm has a Geothermal Greenhouse to showcase. Info here.
Join Three Rivers Fibershed (TRF) and Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) local chapters for a series of on-farm events highlighting local fiber farms, soil-to-soil farming practices, and regional textile systems in Wisconsin! Featuring WFU and TRF members/stewards, attendees will have the chance to connect with local farms and shepherds engaging in climate-beneficial, pasture-based farming practices and […]
This training is designed to provide field level conservationists and resource soil scientists with an overall understanding of soil health and sustainability principles to guide them with recommendations for land management. The training can be tailored by landuse or specialty emphasis area using modules for cropland, pasture, range, eastern forests, sod and nursery crops, organic […]
Soil Health Workshop- Pine Creek Watershed Location: Libertyland Farms - Greg Gries, Hwy 42 Date: September 27, 2022 Time: 9:30am - 3:00pm Join us to discuss practices that benefit your farm and help water infiltrate into your soil. See how different management practices conserve soil and nutrients, and witness the results in real time with […]
Zoos are playing a key role in insect conservation research and their labs are home to innovative programs designed to help at-risk insect species recover. Join us for updates and success stories with a focus on monarchs and the salt creek tiger beetle recovery program. Info here.
You can explore the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of agroforestry for yourself during the Savanna Institute’s North Farm Open House on October 1st! Members of the public are encouraged to visit E6828 State Rd. 60 Spring Green, WI to learn more about how agroforestry can fit into the Sauk County landscape. Info here.
Have a training you don’t see listed? Reach out to us and let us know.