Minnesota Woodland Steward - Itasca
Aug
12
to Nov 18

Minnesota Woodland Steward - Itasca

Whether you own property with woodlands, steward woodlands, or are looking to buy wooded property and wish to learn more about forest management, the Minnesota Woodland Steward program can help you on your journey. Family forest owners and forest caretakers will learn the ins and outs of forest health, timber harvesting, management for recreation and wildlife, estate planning, tax incentive programs, and more.

This course offers a flexible design with both in-person and virtual learning. You can expect:

  • 1 to 2 hours of self-paced reading and assignments each week. Fourteen online modules contain pre-recorded videos, exercises and group discussions.

  • 3 online meetings on Zoom. Gain direct access to Extension and local forestry experts, and share your knowledge and experience with your peers.

  • 3 in-person field tours. See woodland stewardship projects firsthand, where instructors and natural resource professionals will guide your visit and answer your questions.

A full schedule with dates and times is available on the course syllabus.

Audience

People who own or steward property with woodlands will find the most value in this course, but all interested learners are welcome. Still wondering if this course is right for you? Get answers to some frequently asked questions

Cost

The registration fee for this program is $295. We also offer a scholarship rate of $150 and a supporter rate of $395 for those who would like to contribute toward making this programming accessible to all.

We do not want cost to be a barrier to participating in our programming. If you cannot pay one of the listed registration fees, please contact Anna Stockstad at stock523@umn.edu. We will arrange for you to participate in the program at a reduced fee or no cost.

Reduced registration costs for Itasca County landowners

Thanks to funding from Itasca County, registration costs for Itasca County landowners have been reduced to $40. A preferred registration period is available only for Itasca County landowners from May 28 to June 18. When you complete the application form, we will send you a registration code for the discounted rate.

Fee waiver for Tribal members

University of Minnesota Extension acknowledges our obligation to Tribal Nations and their citizens to reduce barriers to participation in our programs and access our services. We are committed to strengthening our relationships with Tribal Nations and their citizens and continue to take meaningful actions toward meeting our responsibility. Therefore, we are waiving the fees associated with the Minnesota Woodland Steward program for Tribal members.

Accessibility

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities contact Anna Stockstad, stock523@umn.edu, two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Registration

You must first apply to the program using the link below to receive a registration link. Registration will be open to all interested woodland stewards from June 19 to August 11.

If participating as a family, only one member from each family needs to register, and you will gain one account to access Canvas.

This course will open on August 12, 2024. You will receive a welcome email in the weeks leading up to the class with information on accessing the online course in Canvas.

View Event →
Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference
Jan
11
9:30 AM09:30

Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference

You’re Invited

Extension’s woodland owner conference returns to northern Minnesota! Register now for the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference happening Saturday, January 11, 2025 in Grand Rapids. This event will bring together woodland stewards from across northern Minnesota to share insights on the importance of managing our northern forests.

At the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference, woodland owners and stewards will have a chance to learn about woodland management, wildlife, trail design and construction, invasive species, and more.

This event will bring together woodland stewards from across northern Minnesota to share insights on the importance of managing our northern forests. Representatives from organizations such as the Minnesota DNR, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and consulting foresters will be present to answer your questions and provide valuable resources. You’ll leave the conference with better connections to fellow woodland stewards and natural resource professionals.

Audience

Woodland owners and stewards

Cost

  • Early-bird registration (until Dec. 1): $30

  • Itasca County resident or landowner: $20

  • $10 for each additional family member (max. 5)

  • Tribal member: $0

After Dec. 1

  • Late registration: $37.50

  • Itasca County resident or landowner: $25

  • $10 for each additional family member (max. 5)

  • Tribal member: $0

Registration

Registration includes lunch and refreshments. Thanks to the Itasca County Board, registration costs are reduced for Itasca County woodland owners and residents. Register by Dec. 1, 2024 and save 20%. Cancellations will be fully refunded until Dec. 1, 2024. Cancellations after Dec. 1 will incur a $15 service fee.

Register

Accommodations

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Language

This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.


Session Spotlight: Recreational Trail Design and Construction

Join an engaging session on Recreational Trail Design and Construction at the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Grand Rapids. Led by Mel Baughman, this session will guide you through the principles of creating sustainable trails that enhance both recreation and conservation in your woods. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field!

Session Spotlight: Forest Management for Game Wildlife

During the session on Managing Woodlands for Game Wildlife, MN DNR wildlife experts will share essential strategies for managing game populations and promoting biodiversity in your woodland. This session is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of wildlife ecology in northern Minnesota!

Session Spotlight: Seed Collection for Reforestation

Be part of a groundbreaking initiative at the Seed Collection for Restoration session during the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Grand Rapids. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, this new training program from UMN Extension aims to equip woodland owners, stewards, and volunteers with the skills needed to collect tree seeds and help reforest Minnesota.

Session Spotlight: Protecting Your Home from Wildfire

Learn how you can prepare your property for the unexpected at the Protecting Your Home from Wildfire session at the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference, coming to Grand Rapids on January 11. Discover practical strategies to create defensible space and increase your home’s resilience against wildfires. This essential session will empower woodland stewards to safeguard their homes using Firewise practices while managing their landscapes!

Session Spotlight: Water Quality and Forest Management

Join an important discussion on Water Quality and Forest Management from experts at the Itasca County Soil and Water Conservation District. Explore the critical relationship between forest health and water quality, and gain valuable insights into best practices for protecting our precious water resources. You will also learn about programs and resources offered through Itasca SWCD. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how you can make a difference!

View Event →
Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference
Jan
11
9:30 AM09:30

Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference

At the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference, woodland owners and stewards will have a chance to learn about woodland management, wildlife, trail design and construction, invasive species, and more.

This event will bring together woodland stewards from across northern Minnesota to share insights on the importance of managing our northern forests. Representatives from organizations such as the Minnesota DNR, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and consulting foresters will be present to answer your questions and provide valuable resources. You’ll leave the conference with better connections to fellow woodland stewards and natural resource professionals.

Audience

Woodland owners and stewards

Cost

  • Early-bird registration (until Dec. 1): $30

  • Itasca County resident or landowner: $20

  • $10 for each additional family member (max. 5)

  • Tribal member: $0

After Dec. 1

  • Late registration: $37.50

  • Itasca County resident or landowner: $25

  • $10 for each additional family member (max. 5)

  • Tribal member: $0

Registration

Registration includes lunch and refreshments. Thanks to the Itasca County Board, registration costs are reduced for Itasca County woodland owners and residents. Register by Dec. 1, 2024 and save 20%. Cancellations will be fully refunded until Dec. 1, 2024. Cancellations after Dec. 1 will incur a $15 service fee.

Register

Accommodations

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Language

This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.

View Event →

2024 Timber Management and Taxation School
Nov
13
10:00 AM10:00

2024 Timber Management and Taxation School

  • University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The University of Minnesota Extension Timber Management and Taxation School is designed to provide tax professionals, foresters, logging contractors, landowners, agricultural lenders, and farm management instructors with up-to-date information on federal tax treatment of income and expenses associated with the sale of timber.

The event will include presentations by Tamara Cushing, a timber taxation specialist from the University of Florida and Mike Kilgore of the UMN Department of Forest Resources and will offer a rare opportunity to update your timber taxation knowledge.

One unique aspect of this event is that it involves professional foresters, logging contractors, landowners, and tax professionals in the same workshop. To best serve each group's clientele, each should understand the respective role(s) each group serves. The session will include ample time for questions and answers.

Date and Location:

November 13, 2024
University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center
175 University Road
Cloquet, MN 55720

Early bird price is $50 and increases to $75 on November 8, 2024.

The course offers three Federal Tax update hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credits for tax professionals. Professional foresters will also receive 4.5 continuing forestry education (CFE) credits from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and MN Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP). The registration fee covers workshop materials, refreshments, snacks, and lunch.

CE credits: 3 CPE (IRS) hours | 4.5 CFE credits

Please contact Rebecca Groos (taxschool@umn.edu, 612-625-5923) for information about a discount for Volunteer tax preparers (VITA).

Course contacts:

Eli Sagor, UMN Extension Forestry and Cloquet Forestry Center
esagor@umn.edu
218-409-6115 (voice or text)

Rob Holcomb, EA, UMN Ag Business Management
holcombr@umn.edu
507-258-8754

Registration help or questions:

Contact Extension Registration at ext-reg@umn.edu

If you experience difficulties logging in:

Contact the University of Minnesota IT Help Line at 612-301-4357. Please mention you are using a University of Minnesota "guest account" to register for a non-credit event.

Registration cancellation/refund policy:

Read completely before registering for a workshop.

  • Registration cancellations are accepted and will receive a 100% refund through Nov. 5, 2024. Starting Nov. 6, the registration is transferable to a different person, but no refund will be given.

  • To request a cancellation, send an email with all pertinent details to ext-reg@umn.edu.

To register by phone:

Paying online using our registration portal is secure, available 24 hours a day, and provides immediate enrollment. However, if you wish to register by phone, Extension registration professionals are here to help. Please contact us using one of the following methods. We will be in touch within three business days.

  • Request registration by phone: z.umn.edu/registrationhelp (preferred)

  • or call the voicemail line to leave a message at (612) 626-5174

View Event →
2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
Nov
12
to Nov 14

2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference

  • Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

People, Passion, Experience: Pathways to Success

The 2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota
Tuesday, November 12 - Thursday, November 14, 2024 

This will be a hybrid conference with both in-person and online attendance options.
We encourage in person attendance, so you can take advantage of the many exciting
​ field trips and workshops being offered this year. Click here for Registration information.

View Event →
Aitkin County Woodland Stewardship Workshop
Nov
1
10:00 AM10:00

Aitkin County Woodland Stewardship Workshop

  • Long Lake Conservation Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This woodland owner workshop seeks to help private landowners in Aitkin County learn how their properties fit into the greater landscape and how they can manage their forests to achieve their goals. Hosted by the Aitkin Area Private Woodlands Group, we will connect you to resources and provide education and motivation to take action. 

Morning presentations will be centered on resources for woodland owners, woodland management for wildlife habitat, and forest health. After lunch, we will go on a walking tour of the forests at the Long Lake Conservation Center and beyond to see first-hand how woodlands can be managed to increase wildlife, recreation, water quality, and timber harvesting values.

We will be outdoors and walking for most of the afternoon, so please dress accordingly.

Audience

Private landowners and woodland stewards in Aitkin County.

Cost

$10, includes lunch

Registration

Questions about registration can be directed to Anna Stockstad, stock523@umn.edu.

Register

Accommodations

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact Anna Stockstad two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Language

This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.

View Event →
2024 MNWWN's 2 Day Women's Chainsaw Safety Workshops - Preston
Oct
8
to Oct 9

2024 MNWWN's 2 Day Women's Chainsaw Safety Workshops - Preston

The MN Women's Woodland Network is hosting three workshops geared towards participants with little or no experience with a chainsaw. The principal focus will be on safety; safe posture, safe practices, safe clothing, and safe habits. This workshop will empower women to be comfortable with running a saw and saw knowledge. These are the same workshop, just offered in three different locations. This course is geared towards woodland owners who want to learn the basics of chainsaw safety.

Cost: $175, payable by check or Eventbrite. Payment secures your spot and is refundable (minus Eventbrite fees) until September 20. After that, no refunds—payments will be donated to MNWWN.

Registrants need to be 18 years or older to particpate in workshop.

MNWWN is waiving the registration fee for our chainsaw safety workshops for all members of Tribal nations. This initiative is to honor and recognize Tribal nations and their role as original & current caretakers of the forests.

Limited scholarships available; email info@mnwwn.org with "Preston Chainsaw Workshop" in the subject line to apply. There will be two other workshops at different sites, covering the same content. Please visit mnwwn.org/events for the other events.

Workshop Details:

  • Dates: October 8-9, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Limited to 15 participants per session

  • Focus: Safety practices, posture, clothing, and chainsaw operation for beginners.

  • Location: Preston, MN

Instructors:

  • tish carr: Licensed forester and arborist in Maine with over 40 years of experience, specializes in women’s chainsaw safety.

  • Cheryl Jirik: Founder of Landscape Restoration, Inc., expert in woodland habitat restoration and invasive species control.

  • Brooke Erickson: Owner of Resilience Landscaping, a small Minneapolis-based company focused on restoring native habitat to urban and suburban areas.

Sessions Include:

  • PPE review, safety equipment, chainsaw purchase/maintenance, felling techniques, and hands-on practice.

  • Bring your own chaps, helmet and gloves if you have it; we’ll have some to share. Please do not buy a chainsaw for this event. If you have a gas powered chainsaw, feel free to bring it but there is no need to purchase one. We will go over what to look for when buying a chainsaw.

Extras:

  • Light refreshments provided.

  • Lodging is on your own.

  • More details upon registration.

Questions? Email info@mnwwn.org with "Preston Chainsaw Workshop" in the subject line.


View Event →
2024 MNWWN's 2 Day Women's Chainsaw Safety Workshops - Webster
Oct
5
to Oct 6

2024 MNWWN's 2 Day Women's Chainsaw Safety Workshops - Webster

The MN Women's Woodland Network is hosting three workshops geared towards participants with little or no experience with a chainsaw. The principal focus will be on safety; safe posture, safe practices, safe clothing, and safe habits. This workshop will empower women to be comfortable with running a saw and saw knowledge. These are the same workshop, just offered in three different locations. This course is geared towards woodland owners who want to learn the basics of chainsaw safety.

Cost: $175, payable by check or Eventbrite. Payment secures your spot and is refundable (minus Eventbrite fees) until September 20. After that, no refunds—payments will be donated to MNWWN. Registrants need to be 18 years or older to particpate in workshop.


MNWWN is waiving the registration fee for our chainsaw safety workshops for all members of Tribal nations. This initiative is to honor and recognize Tribal nations and their role as original & current caretakers of the forests.
Limited scholarships available; email info@mnwwn.org with "Webster Chainsaw Workshop" in the subject line to apply. There will be two other workshops at different sites, covering the same content. Please visit mnwwn.org/events for the other events.

Workshop Details:

  • Dates: October 5-6, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Limited to 15 participants per session

  • Focus: Safety practices, posture, clothing, and chainsaw operation for beginners.

  • Location: Webster, MN

Instructors:

  • tish carr: Licensed forester and arborist in Maine with over 40 years of experience, specializes in women’s chainsaw safety.

  • Cheryl Jirik: Founder of Landscape Restoration, Inc., expert in woodland habitat restoration and invasive species control.

  • Brooke Erickson: Owner of Resilience Landscaping, a small Minneapolis-based company focused on restoring native habitat to urban and suburban areas.

Sessions Include:

  • PPE review, safety equipment, chainsaw purchase/maintenance, felling techniques, and hands-on practice.

  • Bring your own chaps, helmet and gloves if you have it; we’ll have some to share. Please do not buy a chainsaw for this event. If you have a gas powered chainsaw, feel free to bring it but there is no need to purchase one. We will go over what to look for when buying a chainsaw.

Extras:

  • Light refreshments provided.

  • Lodging is on your own.

  • More details upon registration.

Questions? Email info@mnwwn.org with "Webster Chainsaw Workshop" in the subject line.


View Event →
2024 MNWWN's 2 Day Women's Chainsaw Safety Workshops - Cloquet
Oct
2
to Oct 3

2024 MNWWN's 2 Day Women's Chainsaw Safety Workshops - Cloquet

  • 175 University Road Cloquet, MN, 55720 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The MN Women's Woodland Network is hosting three workshops geared towards participants with little or no experience with a chainsaw. The principal focus will be on safety; safe posture, safe practices, safe clothing, and safe habits. This workshop will empower women to be comfortable with running a saw and saw knowledge. These are the same workshop, just offered in three different locations. This course is geared towards woodland owners who want to learn the basics of chainsaw safety.

Cost: $175, payable by check or Eventbrite. Payment secures your spot and is refundable (minus Eventbrite fees) until September 20. After that, no refunds—payments will be donated to MNWWN.

Registrants need to be 18 years or older to particpate in workshop.
MNWWN is waiving the registration fee for our chainsaw safety workshops for all members of Tribal nations. This initiative is to honor and recognize Tribal nations and their role as original & current caretakers of the forests.
Limited scholarships available; email info@mnwwn.org with "Cloquet Chainsaw Workshop" in the subject line to apply. There will be two other workshops at different sites, covering the same content. Please visit mnwwn.org/events for the other events.

Workshop Details:

  • Dates: October 2-3, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Limited to 15 participants per session

  • Focus: Safety practices, posture, clothing, and chainsaw operation for beginners.

  • Location: Cloquet Forestry Center

Instructors:

  • tish carr: Licensed forester and arborist in Maine with over 40 years of experience, specializes in women’s chainsaw safety.

  • Cheryl Jirik: Founder of Landscape Restoration, Inc., expert in woodland habitat restoration and invasive species control.

  • Brooke Erickson: Owner of Resilience Landscaping, a small Minneapolis-based company focused on restoring native habitat to urban and suburban areas.

Sessions Include:

  • PPE review, safety equipment, chainsaw purchase/maintenance, felling techniques, and hands-on practice.

  • Bring your own chaps, helmet and gloves if you have it; we’ll have some to share. Please do not buy a chainsaw for this event. If you have a gas powered chainsaw, feel free to bring it but there is no need to purchase one. We will go over what to look for when buying a chainsaw.

Extras:

  • Light refreshments provided.

  • Lodging is on your own.

  • More details upon registration.

Questions? Email info@mnwwn.org with "Cloquet Chainsaw Workshop" in the subject line.


View Event →
MFA Polaris Gathering @ the North Star Expo
Sep
13
3:00 PM15:00

MFA Polaris Gathering @ the North Star Expo

  • Log Building, Itasca County Fairgrounds (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

MFA Polaris Gathering @ the North Star Expo


When:  Friday, September 13, 2024  

Where:  Log Building, Itasca County Fairgrounds, Grand Rapids, MN. Click here for a map.

The log cabin building is located to the right up a hill next to the Camping area.  

You are invited to attend the annual gathering of the Minnesota Forestry Association in conjunction with the 70th annual North Star Expo. Each year, all parts of Minnesota's logging community--vendors, truckers, foresters, lawmakers, policy makers, woodland owners and of course, loggers!--gather in Grand Rapids for the "Great Minnesota Logging Get-together – the Expo!

TENTATIVE AGENDA:

Friday, Sept. 13, 2024

Morning and early afternoon, tour the fairgrounds (it is free!) on your own.


3pm: Having a Healthy Forest, Josh Donatel, MN DNR and Dave Roerick, MFA

4:30pm: Q&A with Professional Consulting Forester - Stan Grossman, Itasca Woodland Services

5pm: Social Hour

6pm: Dinner 

7pm: MN Tree Farm Awards

7:30pm: Finland Forestry Panel: John Rajala, Vandy Johnson, Eric Singsaas

Before and after the MFA annual meeting, you can take the opportunity to tour these picturesque fairgrounds, talk with equipment dealers, see harvesting and sawing equipment at work, and just mingle with fellow woods-people who like to talk about trees, tree planting, tree harvesting, and tree care.

TO REGISTER:
Please RSVP by September 9, 2024 so we add up the total number of attendees to plan for seating and food. RSVP with any of the following options:

BRING:

Bring $20 cash or check per person on Friday, Sept 13.

Monitor the MFA website for updated information later this summer.  

More info about the expo can be found here: https://www.timberproducers.com/expo

View Event →
September 2024 Tree Seed Collection Workshops
Sep
10
to Sep 12

September 2024 Tree Seed Collection Workshops

  • Google Calendar ICS

We need more seed! The limited supply of tree seed is a major constraint on forest conservation, restoration, and adaptation efforts in Minnesota and the region. We're planning three similar tree seed collection workshops for September 2024. These will be hands-on, field-based workshops designed to introduce techniques and equipment for tree seed scouting, collection, viability testing, and post-collection care. 

The workshops are scheduled as follows.  

  • Tuesday September 10: Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, East Bethel MN. 

  • Wednesday September 11: St. John's Abbey and Arboretum, Collegeville MN.

  • Thursday September 12: Cloquet Forestry Center and Carlton County sites, Cloquet area MN.

 

Each workshop will run from 10am to 3pm. 

 

Instructors: 

Nick LaBonte, US Forest Service Regional Geneticist

Eli Sagor, UMN Extension and Cloquet Forestry Center

Sydney Trimble, Mikayla Haynes, Olivia Jascor, and Shannon Meehan, University of Minnesota Duluth

 

Who should attend? These workshops are open to all. We particularly invite folks who are serious about tree seed collection and hoping to contribute to the supply of local tree seed. Registration for each workshop is capped at 25 attendees. 

 

Cost: There is no cost to attend these workshops. Lunch will be provided. 

 

Questions? Contact Eli Sagor, UMN Extension at esagor@umn.edu or (218) 409-6115

View Event →
Webinar: Practical Perspectives on Forest Carbon
Sep
10
9:00 AM09:00

Webinar: Practical Perspectives on Forest Carbon

The University of Minnesota's Dr. Mike Kilgore will talk about forest carbon as it relates to forest managers and go over market implications, quantifying and generating carbon credits through forest management, and to what extent foresters need to be considering forest carbon in their day-to-day work.

Each webinar is rated for one CAT1 credit; participants, keep an eye on the chat for the link to the webinar CE request form towards the end of the hour. We will record each webinar and post it on the SFEC YouTube Channel. Recordings are typically available within one week of the live broadcast.

Event Speaker

Mike Kilgore, Professor, UMN Department of Forest Resources

View Event →
Cass County Forestry Day
Sep
7
9:00 AM09:00

Cass County Forestry Day

  • Walker Area Community Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Do you steward woodlands in the Cass County area? Join the Cass County Forestry Day on Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Walker Area Community Center. Hosted by Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District, join local forestry professionals to learn more about resources that are available to help you care for your wooded property. Learn about managing game and nongame wildlife habitat, forest health and more. Please text 218-833-2492 to reserve your spot and receive a free barbecue lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available) at this event.

View Event →
Tools for Living with Fire
Jun
15
8:30 AM08:30

Tools for Living with Fire

Tools for Living with Fire Event

Date: June 15, 2024

Location: Minnesota North Vermilion Campus

Description: The Tools for Living with Fire Event is an opportunity for landowners to gain invaluable empowerment tools for managing your land effectively. The interactive afternoon session will be held outside - weather permitting. Cost $10 nonrefundable, with event proceeds donated to Ely Community Resource Center. If space is available, same day registration will be accepted.

Cost: $10 per ticket. All proceeds will be donated to the Ely Community Resource Center.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tools-for-living-with-fire-event-tickets-895372131147?aff=oddtdtcreator

Agenda

8:30 - 9:00 Registration (Coffee & Snacks)

9:00 - 9:15 Welcome and What is a Fire Adapted Community?

Gloria Erickson, Dovetail Partners, Inc Contracted St. Louis County Firewise Coordinator

9:15 - 9:45 Fires Past and Fire's Future in Northern Minnesota

Lane Johnson, Forest ResearcherUniversity of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center

9:45 - 10:45 Climate-ready Woodlands: Rewilding Your Backyard Woods

Anna Stockstad, Extension Educator, Forest Ecosystem Heath, University of MN, Extension

10:45 - 11:00 Break

11:00 - 11:30 Preparing Before, During and After a Wildfire Emergency

Deborah Trent, MN DAK Volunteer, American Red Cross

11:30 - 12:00 Homeowner Firewise Best Practices

Laura Murphy, MN DNR Regional Firewise Program Specialist

12:00 - 12:15 Video: “Rooted in the Future”

Produced by Dovetail Partners, Inc

12:15 - 1:00 Boxed Lunch Provided

1:00 - 1:30 Creating a Land Stewardship Plan

Victoria Jari, Forester, MN DNR Private Lands Management

Tristan Nelson, Forester, North St. Louis Soil & Water Conservation District

Zach Evans, Regional Farm Bill Forester, North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District, NRCS

1:30 - 2:00 “Fuel Reduction and Friendship”

One More Tree, a group of Ely - area residents and landowners.

2:00 - 2:15 Break and walk outside to Kawishiwi Ranger Station

(Interactive afternoon outside event, weather permitting)

2:30 - 4:00 Hazardous Woody Debris Disposal Options

“The Art of Safe Pile Burning”

Nicole Selmer, Fire Prevention Technician, West Zone Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District

“Hand cut, Mulching, Chipping”

Austin Van Scoy, Dutchman Tree Service

4:00 - 4:30 Wrap Up and Raffle for Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!

Kawishiwi District Ranger Station

1393 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731


This event was made possible with grant funding from: Bi- Partisan Infrastructure Law CommunityWildfire Defense Grant, MN DNR Firewise Community Grant Program, US Forest Service, and the SFI Community Grant.

This Institution is an equal opportunity provider.


Questions? Visit www.minnesotafac.org or contact Gloria Erickson, St. Louis County Firewise Coordinator at gloria@dovetailinc.org or 218-365-0878.

View Event →
MNWWN Webinar: How to Take Action on Climate Change as a Woodland Steward
Jun
12
12:00 PM12:00

MNWWN Webinar: How to Take Action on Climate Change as a Woodland Steward

How to Take Action on Climate Change as a Woodland Steward

Learn about climate change in Minnesota and how you can take action as a woodland steward to prepare for its effects on forest ecosystems. The webinar will begin with a look at local climate change history and projections and will break down the basics of how to read climate data. From there, we'll go over the two main pathways of fighting climate change: mitigation and adaptation. The mitigation section will go over management actions individuals can take to help their woodlands mitigate climate change, such as increasing carbon sequestration and storage. The adaptation section will cover actions woodland stewards can take to adapt their forests to future climate change. The webinar will close out with a series of resource highlights for those who are inspired and looking to take action.

View Event →
Webinar: Creating Climate-Ready Woodlands
May
14
9:00 AM09:00

Webinar: Creating Climate-Ready Woodlands

As Minnesota’s climate changes, forests will face increasing pressure from tree diseases and pests, heavier and more frequent rainfalls, warmer temperatures, and prolonged drought. Using modeled climate response data from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service Northern Research Station, University of Minnesota Extension created a suite of regionally specific recommendation lists of climate-resilient trees and plants (z.umn.edu/climateready). This webinar will outline the climate change basis, Extension’s methodology, and the content of these tree and plant lists. 

Each webinar is rated for one CAT1 credit; participants, keep an eye on the chat for the link to the webinar CE request form towards the end of the hour. We will record each webinar and post it on the SFEC YouTube Channel. Recordings are typically available within one week of the live broadcast.

Event Speaker

Angie Gupta, UMN Extension Educator

View Event →
Having a Healthy Forest - Grand Rapids, MN
Apr
22
7:00 PM19:00

Having a Healthy Forest - Grand Rapids, MN

  • ISD 318 Educational Services Center, Community Ed Classroom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Minnesota Forestry Association is working to inform residents about healthy forests, how and where to find opportunities and incentives to create a healthy forest on your property. Opportunities include tax incentives from the Department of Revenue. Course includes a free visit to your property from a consulting forester with no strings attached.

Instructor: Dave Roerick

Fee: No cost

Register here or call 218-327-5730.

View Event →
Fridays with a forester: Ticks and mosquitoes
Apr
19
9:00 AM09:00

Fridays with a forester: Ticks and mosquitoes

WEBINAR

Speaker: Alex Garvin, epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Vectorborne Diseases Unit

If you spend time in the woods, you probably come into contact with ticks, but do you know how to prevent tick bites? Epidemiologist Alex Garvin will present on tick biology and ecology, diseases that can be transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes in Minnesota, and ways to reduce your disease risk.

View Event →
Spruce Budworm in Minnesota's Forests: 2024 Update
Apr
15
11:00 AM11:00

Spruce Budworm in Minnesota's Forests: 2024 Update

Spruce Budworm in Minnesota's Forests: 2024 Update


April 15 | 11-12:30pm | In Person at CCHE & Zoom


Presenters & Partners: UMN Extension Educators, US Forest Service, and North Shore Forest Collaborative

Join us to learn about the identification, biology, and management of budworm in the forests of northeast Minnesota. Find out the latest information on the current spruce budworm outbreak and its impacts on our public and private forest lands into 2024 and beyond. Learn about local programs and resources that are available during spruce budworm management, such as tree planting and fencing programs. This workshop will be hosted by UMN Extension Educators with partners from the US Forest Service and the North Shore Forest Collaborative.

Contact info: 218-387-3411 | office@mycche.org

View Event →
Maple Syrup Festival
Apr
6
1:00 PM13:00

Maple Syrup Festival

Maple Syrup Festival

Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 1-4 p.m.

Saint John’s University

Sap collecting, syrup cooking, demonstrations, and hot maple syrup sundaes await the whole family! Details and registration coming in February 2024.

Before You Come:

  • The festival is ENTIRELY OUTDOORS - rain, snow, or shine. Please dress for the weather.

  • It is usually extremely muddy, snowy, and occasionally icy out at the sugar shack. We HIGHLY recommend wearing boots.

  • Please LEAVE DOGS AND PETS AT HOME. While we love them too, they are not allowed in the Abbey Arboretum.

View Event →
Fridays with a forester: Creating climate-ready woodlands
Mar
29
9:00 AM09:00

Fridays with a forester: Creating climate-ready woodlands

WEBINAR

Speaker: Anna Stockstad, UMN Extension educator, forestry

UMN Extension's Climate-Ready Woodlands project consists of climate-resilient, microfauna-friendly tree and plant lists for each ecoregion in Minnesota. This webinar will present the climate change basis for these lists, Extension's methodology, and ways that woodland stewards can apply these tree and plant lists to their woodlands.

View Event →
Emerald Ash Borer in Cass County: What Landowners Need to Know
Mar
22
9:30 AM09:30

Emerald Ash Borer in Cass County: What Landowners Need to Know

  • Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Extension educators and DNR forest health professionals to learn more about the new implications of emerald ash borer (EAB) on trees and woodlands in Cass County. 

Morning coffee and lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

This event includes an optional outdoor walk in the woods, so please wear appropriate attire if you plan to participate.

Audience

Cass County landowners and anyone interested in learning about emerald ash borer

Cost

  • $50 - Regular registration rate

  • $25 - Scholarship registration rate

  • Free - Tribal member registration rate

We do not want cost to be a barrier to participating in our programming. If you are not able to pay one of the listed registration fees, please reach out to us at stock523@umn.edu. We will arrange for you to participate in the program at a reduced fee or at no cost.

University of Minnesota Extension acknowledges we have an obligation to Tribal nations and their citizens to reduce barriers to participation in our programs and access our services. We are committed to strengthening our relationships with Tribal nations and their citizens and continue to take meaningful actions toward meeting our responsibility. Therefore, we are waiving the fees associated with this event for Tribal members.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations after registration closes. Cancellations prior to the close of registration will be fully refunded.

Registration

Registration opens on Feb. 5 and closes on March 20. 

View Event →
Fridays with a forester: Stocking first aid kits
Mar
22
9:00 AM09:00

Fridays with a forester: Stocking first aid kits

WEBINAR

Speaker: Lane Moser, Education Program Specialist, Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative

There are dozens of off-the-shelf first aid kits of all sizes, but do they have everything you might need while you're in the woods? Further still, recommendations for what belongs and what you can leave out vary widely; Lane Moser will go over the contents of multiple first aid kits (personal, vehicle, family) built from the ground up and explain what makes the cut and why when he's in the woods for work or recreation.

View Event →
Fridays with a forester: Forestry for Minnesota birds
Mar
15
9:00 AM09:00

Fridays with a forester: Forestry for Minnesota birds

WEBINAR

Speaker:  Christian Nelson, Lake States Coordinator, Forest Stewards Guild

Forestry for Minnesota Birds (FMNB) is an initiative designed to help forest landowners and natural resource managers implement forest management to enhance habitat for forest bird species across the state. This webinar will provide a sneak peek into the forest management guidelines book being developed, the forest types and bird species included, and why it matters.

View Event →
Webinar - "Why does my oak look sad?": Oak Decline in MN
Mar
12
9:00 AM09:00

Webinar - "Why does my oak look sad?": Oak Decline in MN

Rachael Dube will follow up on the broader forest health trends from February's webinar with a more comprehensive look at oak decline, the contributing factors, and what to do about it.

Each webinar is rated for one CAT1 credit; participants, keep an eye on the chat for the link to the webinar CE request form towards the end of the hour. We will record each webinar and post it on the SFEC YouTube Channel. Recordings are typically available within one week of the live broadcast.

Event Speaker

Rachael Dube, Forest Health Specialist, MN DNR

View Event →