Illinois Extension forestry helps improve forest management statewide by educating, engaging, and assisting Illinoisans with forestry-related programming. The forestry team offers educational presentations and trainings, hands-on skills-based workshops, field days, year-long courses, self-paced citizen science campaigns, and technical assistance. A few notable projects include the Beginning Forest Landowner program and the Illinois Big Tree Registry. 

The team address topics including traditional forestry, urban and community forestry, forest health, arboriculture, invasive species management, restoration practices, native plants, wildlife, forest ecology, and agroforestry

Whether you are seeking management recommendations on your own property or looking for ways to benefit the trees in your neighborhood, there is an Extension Forestry program designed to assist you. 

Upcoming Programs

Check the events page for a list of upcoming forestry programs. The forestry program is available to provide educational programming and outreach in these areas: 

• Chainsaw safety and directional felling
• Invasive species identification and management
• Forest management and restoration 
• Timber harvesting and timber tax
• Maple syrup collection and processing
• Plant and tree identification
• Forest health and mitigation
• Agroforestry
• Urban and community forestry

Annual conferences and workshops

• Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference - March
• Southern Illinois Conservation Workshop - September. The 2020 presentation recordings. 
• Illinois Invasive Species Symposium - May. The 2020 presentations, 2019 presentations
• Certified Chainsaw Safety and Directional Felling Training
• Backyard Maple Syrup Workshop - January and February
• Spring Webinar Series - March and  April. Past webinars