Illinois has 4.8 million acres of forest land. From shading homes and cooling urban areas, to feeding wildlife, producing oxygen, and filtering water, trees do a lot of heavy lifting. Give them a hand by discovering innovative, research-based management options in the summer Forestry Stewardship Series.
Live webinars in this five-part series are free and available from 2 to 3 p.m. CT on Wednesdays from July 29 to August 26. International Society of Arboriculture continuing education credits may be available.
This series is open to forestry professionals, landowners and managers, and the public.
Register for the Forestry Stewardship Series
July 29 - Woodland Landowner Considerations for Forest Carbon Programs
In the past few years, opportunities for woodland landowners to participate in forest carbon programs have expanded across the Midwest. However, it can be difficult to understand if enrolling in a forest carbon pro-gram is compatible with the management vision for your woodland. Join UW-Madison Extension Forestry for a presentation on forest carbon programs operating in the Midwest and important questions to consider when deciding whether or not to enroll in a forest carbon program.
Presenter: Keith Phelps, University of Wisconsin-Madison
August 5 - Managing for Oak Regeneration: What does Current Research Tell us?
Enhancing oak regeneration is a top priority in Illinois forests, but successfully establishing new oak seedlings is not always easy and success is not guaranteed. This presentation will review what recent research says about the strategies and practices used in managing for oak seedlings.
Presenter: Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension Forestry and Research Specialist
August 12 - Selling Timber: What the Landowner Needs to Know
Prescribed fire is an important management tool in forests and grasslands. A well-designed and correctly installed firebreak is the first line of defense in keeping your burn safe and effective. Explore the basics of firebreak placement, installation, design tools, and techniques.
Presenter: Hank Stelzer University of Missouri
August 19 - Fire Ecology for Managing Grasslands and Woodlands
Illinois is dominated by fire-adapted ecosystems from prairies to savannas to barrens and oak woodlands. Historically, fire played a key role in maintaining diversity, structure, and function in these systems. Today, prescribed fire is a tool that can be used to promote plant diversity, control invasive species, and restore structure. In this session we will discuss some of the basics of fire ecology in native systems and how it can be implemented on private land for management goals.
Presenter: Jon Henn, University of Illinois Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
August 26 - Drone-based Herbicide Application Efficacy for Priority Invasive Plants
Drone-based herbicide applications for invasive plants have been increasing due to their low cost, the increasing availability of contract applicators, and decreasing equipment costs. However, recommendations for effective drone-based treatments of invasive plants are sparse. This talk will focus on a project to evaluate the efficacy of drone-based herbicide applications on priority invasive plants, including common reed (Phragmites australis), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). This presentation will provide an overview of the findings, recommendations for successful drone treatments, and next steps to improve this emerging technology in natural resource management.
Presenter: Kevin Rohling, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Forest Management and Ecology