2006 Class Calendar

Nontimber Forest Products
Explore the nature of specialty forest products, and how they serve a growing cottage industry. What might you be able to harvest for your personal use or for sale? Learn forest management strategies for the sustainable harvest of these and other products.

Thurs, Jan 12, 6:00 - 9:00pm (view PDF agenda)
Carlton: Carlton County Transportation Building (¾ mile south of highway 210 on Highway 61; Mapquest map)
Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: $20
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC5

Energy Saving Landscapes: Shelterbelts & Living Snow Fences
Learn how trees and shrubs can be used to help you save energy year round. Strategically placed trees and shrubs in shelterbelts, windbreaks and living snow fences and in the home lawn, can enhance property value, aesthetics, wildlife and reduce energy costs. 25-30% Participants will also learn about available cost share programs for rural landowners. Livestock producers can also benefit from these plantings. Useful publications will be available.

Thu, Jan 19, 6:00 - 8:30pm
Mankato: Snell Motors (Mapquest map)
Info: Gary Wyatt, 507-389-6748
Cost: $20
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Growing and Tending Your Forest
Whether your interest is wildlife, timber or recreation, harvesting trees can help you achieve your goals. Tom Crumpton, a forestry consultant, will discuss the relationship between new tree growth, tree species, and harvesting. Learn when and why different harvest methods are used and how each harvest type affects the growth of the next forest. This class will be offered via ITV simultaneously at International Falls’ Rainy River Community College room SS 143 and in Baudette, Lake of the Woods County Board Room.

Thurs, Jan 19, 7:00 - 8:30pm (view PDF agenda)

Locations (via ITV):

International Falls: Rainy River Community College room SS143
Baudette: Lake of the Woods County Board Room

Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: $10

Register:

International Falls: Call Ryan Heinen (218) 283-1175
Baudette: Call Dan Haig (218) 634-2757

Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC3

2006 Maple Syrup Clinics
Here is your opportunity to learn how to tap a few trees in your yard and make high quality maple syrup products. The program will have something for the beginner and the experienced producer. Learn about recent equipment innovations and proven technologies used in the industry today. There will be ample time for questions and discussion. Written materials will be available for participants. We hope to see you at one of this year's programs.

Thurs, Feb. 8, Grand Rapids
Sat, Feb. 11, Duluth (part of the Million Acre conference)
Mon, Feb. 13, New York Mills
Wed, Feb. 15, Chanhassen (afternoon)
Wed, Feb. 15, Faribault (evening)
For full details and registration information, refer to the program flyer.

Woodland Advisor Conference
This year's conference will be an open discussion on topics of woodland management for private forest owners. Our guests will include experts in wildlife, forest certification, forest owner cooperatives, logging, private consulting, and more. Anticipate your questions getting answered and learning more about the interests and concerns of other Woodland Advisors. The conference will start with a dinner at 6:00 p.m. followed by a panel discussion.

This event, worth one WA credit, will also include a short discussion about volunteer opportunities around the state, sources for more information, and your thoughts on the Woodland Advisor Program.

Thurs, Feb. 9, 6:00 - 9:00pm
Cloquet: Cloquet Forestry Center (map)
Info: Contact Phil Monson, 218-726-6471
Register: Download the conference brochure for registration information. Pre-registration by Feb. 1.
Cost: $10 (includes dinner)
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

A Million Acres in Minnesota: A continuing celebration and conference for woodland owners and users
This is a major event, with workshops and tours, plus a keynote by renowned wolf biologist David Mech. Saturday will include presentations on over 70 different topics. Over 750 people attended the last Million Acre conference, in 2001. Save the date! More info is coming soon.

Fri and Sat, Feb 10 and 11, 2006
Info: For class listings and other details, visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/millionacres.html
Duluth: Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC site)
Volunteer! Click here for details on how to volunteer at this event.

This event is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Forestry Association, and the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

Controlling Forest Weeds and Competing Vegetation
Learn how to succeed at getting newly planted trees to survive and grow. Mike Reichenbach, a forestry extension educator will discuss how to select, care for and plant seedlings. Dale Sutherland, with UAP Timberland, will provide information on controlling weeds before and after planting. This class will be offered via ITV simultaneously at International Falls’ Rainy River Community College room SS 143, in Grand Rapids at the University of Minnesota Agricultural Research and Outreach Center and in Baudette, Lake of the Woods County Board Room.

Thurs, Feb. 16, 7:00 - 8:30pm (view PDF agenda)

Locations (via ITV):

International Falls: Rainy River Community College room SS143
Grand Rapids: University of Minnesota Agricultural Research and Outreach Center
Baudette: Lake of the Woods County Board Room

Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: $10

Register:

International Falls: Call Ryan Heinen at (218) 283-1175
Grand Rapids: Call Extension, Itasca County at (218) 327-7486
Baudette: Call Dan Haig (218) 634-2757

Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE4

Growing and Tending Your Forest II and Forest Field Tour
Learn how manage your forest to grow high value trees. Visit logging sites, and learn how different harvesting equipment affects the volume per day harvested, and the ease of harvest. Please dress for both indoor and outdoor activities. Lunch will be provided. Participants will be asked to car pool to the harvesting sites.

Sat, Feb. 18, 9:00am - 3:00pm
International Falls: Rainy River Community College, Room SS-115
Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: $20
Register: Call Ryan Heinen at (218) 283-1175.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC4

Forest Certification: What is it and what does it mean for woodland owners?

Thurs, Feb. 23, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Cloquet: Cloquet Forestry Center Auditorium
Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: $5 (local sponsorship)
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE9

Forest Insects and Diseases
Is your forest healthy? At this class you'll learn how trees respond to stress, current forest pest problems, new exotic threats to Minnesotas forests and management strategies to maintain forest vigor. Special guest Mike Albers, DNR Regional Forest Health Specialist and Julie Miedtke, Extension Educator.

Thurs, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids: Forest History Center (Mapquest map)
Info: Julie Miedtke 218-327-7486
Cost: $10.00 (sponsored by Itasca County Private Woodlands Council)
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC2

Maple Syrup Workshop
Learn proper tree selection and managing a maple woods as well how to cook, filter and store maple syrup and other maple sugar products. The instructor, Beth Collins, is President of the North American Maple Council and comes from a maple syruping family.

Sat, Feb. 25, 12:30 - 3:30pm
Victoria: Lowry Nature Center (Mapquest map)
Info: Barb Spears, 651-644-5800
Cost: $5 (Sponsored by Lowry Nature Center and the MFA Metro Chapter.)
Registration: Contact Lowry Nature Center, (763) 694-7650
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC5

Horse Logging Demonstration
Details of this workshops are TBD, but this will be an excellent, field-based introduction to horse logging, led by horse logger Tim Carroll and his horses. The class will include demonstrations of safe tree felling and the use of horses to move logs through the woods.

Sat, March 4, call for times.
Rosemount: U-More Park (Directions)
Info and registration: Barb Spears, 651-644-5800
Cost: $10. (Sponsored by the UMore Park Tree Trail Committee and the MFA Metro Chapter.)
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC5

How to Use a GPS Receiver
Have you ever been lost on your own property? Have you tried to return to a favorite deer stand or fishing hole, only to be unable to find it? Global Positioning Systems, or GPS, can help you to navigate with confidence. If you have a new GPS unit or are thinking of buying one, this class may be for you. We'll start with the basics. At the end of the day you'll be able to use a GPS unit to calculate area, navigate to a waypoint, and more. (GPS units provided for use during the class.)

Sat, Mar. 11, 8:30am-4:30pm
Rochester: Izaak Walton League Cabin, 937 7th Avenue NE (Mapquest map)
Info: Angela Gupta, 507-280-2869
NOTE: Limited to 30 participants. Pre-registration required.
Cost: $35
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

How to Succeed as a Volunteer
Have you ever volunteered or wanted to volunteer? If so, consider attending this class. We will help you identify how to select volunteer opportunities that are best suited for you. You will also learn about the history of volunteering programs in Extension and in Carlton County including the Master Gardener and Woodland Advisor programs. Learn how to connect with organizations that need your help!

Tues, Mar. 14, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Cloquet: Extension Regional Center, Cloquet (map)
Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: FREE (local sponsorship)
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Forest Legacy Partnership Project in the Itasca Region
Productive private forests are one of the key economic, cultural, and ecological advantages of Itasca County. However, since 1999, over 400,000 acres of Minnesota's industrial forestland has been subdivided and sold. Working forest easements on large blocks of industrial forest land will ensure sustainable forest practices and public access opportunities for a variety of recreational pursuits including hunting, fishing and hiking. This venture is targeting large blocks of forestland in Itasca County to be enrolled in the Federal Forest Legacy Program, a joint operation of the USDA Forest Service and the Minnesota DNR.

Thurs, March 16, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids: Forest History Center (Mapquest map)
Info: Julie Miedtke 218-327-7486
Cost: $5 (sponsored by Itasca County Private Woodlands Council)
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Managing Your Forest for Wildlife
Learn how to manage your forest for more, or less, wildlife! Frank Swendsen, from the Department of Natural Resources will answer your questions about wildlife found in the area and how forests are used by these animals.

Thurs, March 16, 6:00 - 9:00pm
International Falls: Rainy River Community College, Room SC-115
Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: $20
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC7

How to Use a GPS Receiver
Have you ever been lost on your property? Have you tried to return to a favorite deer stand or fishing hole, only to be unable to find it? Global Positioning Systems, or GPS, can help you to navigate with confidence. If you have a new GPS unit or are thinking of buying one, this class may be for you. We'll start with the basics. At the end of the day you'll be able to use a GPS unit to calculate area, navigate to a waypoint, and more. (GPS units provided for use during the class.)

Sat, Mar. 25, 8:30am-4:30pm
Waseca: Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC site or Mapquest map)
Info: Gary Wyatt, 507-389-6748
NOTE: Limited to 30 participants. Pre-registration required.
Cost: $35
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Managing for White Pine and Ecological Classification System Tour

Sat, Mar. 25, 2006, 9:00 - 3:00pm
Schroeder: Sugarloaf Cove Interpretive Center (Sugarloaf site or Mapquest map)
Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: $20
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Nuts and Bolts of a Timber Sale
Selling timber can be profitable, but with high stumpage prices the days of selling wood with only a handshake are over. This is a great opportunity to learn about timber sales contracts and how to choose the right logger.

Fri, March 31, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids: Forest History Center (Mapquest map)
Info: Julie Miedtke 218-327-7486
Cost: $10
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC6

Selecting and Planting Trees for Your Property

Tues, April 4, 2006. 6:00-8:30pm
Mankato: Snell Motors (Mapquest map)
Info: Gary Wyatt, 507-389-6748
Cost: $20
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE2

Firewise ****CLASS CANCELED****

Thurs, April 6, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Grand Rapids: Forest History Center (Mapquest map)
Info: Julie Miedtke 218-327-7486
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Wildlife in Your Woodlands: Cass County Landowners
Do you want to manage your woods for wildlife? This session will include a discussion on basic wildlife needs and how to meet them on your land in Cass County. In addition, wildlife specialists from the Chippewa National Forest will discuss how you can improve non-game habitat on your property. Weather permitting, portions of the class will be outdoors. Please dress appropriately.

Thurs, April 6, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Cass Lake: Chippewa National Forest Supervisor's Office
Info: Jake Donnay, 612-624-1224
Cost: $20
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC7

Wildlife in Your Woodlands: St. Louis County Landowners
Are you interested in finding ways to improve wildlife habitat on your property? If so, there are many questions to consider. For instance, what species should you manage for? What kinds of habitat do they need? What habitat is your land capable of providing? How do you develop a wildlife management plan and what practices can be used to improve habitat? Rich Staffon, from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, will help you answer these and other general questions surrounding wildlife habitat management on your land for a variety of forest wildlife species. Weather permitting, portions of the class will be outdoors. Please dress appropriately.

Sat, April 8, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Duluth: Hartley Nature Center (Mapquest map)
Info: Jake Donnay, 612-624-1224
Cost: $20
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC7

Land Stewardship Options ***CLASS CANCELED***

Saturday, April 8, 8:30 am – 3:00pm
Location: Lanesboro Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center Directions
Info: Angela Gupta, agupta@umn.edu, 507-280-2869
Cost: $20, lunch included, dress for the weather
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Wildlife in Your Woodlands: Metro Area Landowners ****CANCELED****
Are you interested in finding ways to improve wildlife habitat on your property? If so, there are many questions to consider. For instance, what species should you manage for? What kinds of habitat do they need? What habitat is your land capable of providing? How do you develop a wildlife management plan and who should you consult? Rocky Gutierrez, from the University of Minnesota, will help you answer these and other general questions surrounding wildlife habitat management on your land for a variety of forest wildlife species. Weather permitting, portions of the class will be outdoors. Please dress appropriately.

Sat, April 22, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Andover: Bunker Hills Activity Center (Directions)
Info: Jake Donnay, 612-624-1224
Cost: $20
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAC7

Tap into Spring with Birch Syrup
Each year folks across Alaska, Scandinavia, Europe and Russia collect birch sap to create a variety of products including: a natural health beverage, syrup used as a marinade or as a topping for pancakes pancakes, delicious candy and more. This class will be of interest to maple producers looking to extend the syruping season, or for those curious about this sticky business. John Zasada, retired research scientist from the US Forest Service, will provide tips and techniques on tapping this distinctive tree. A portion of the class will be outdoors-dress appropriately.

Tues, April 25, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Grand Rapids: Forest History Center (Mapquest map)
Info: Julie Miedtke, 218-327-7486
Cost: $10
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

How to Use a GPS Receiver
Have you tried to return to a favorite deer stand or fishing hole, only to be unable to find it? GPS can help you navigate with confidence. If you have a new GPS unit or are thinking of buying one, this class is for you. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to use a GPS to calculate area, return to that favorite fishing spot and more. GPS units are provided for use during the class. This class has a maximum of 30 participants. Lunch is included. Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Loggers Education Program.

Sat, May 6, 8:00am - 4:00pm
International Falls: Rainy River Community College, room SC-115
Info: Mike Reichenbach, 888-241-0724 ext. 6470
Cost: $35
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Tree and Shrub Identification
The most important thing you can do in forest stewardship is to know your forest well. Some trees are essential in order to attract certain types of wildlife. Some species will grow very well on a given site, while others will not. Different species also have different potential timber values. At this session, you’ll learn how to identify some of the most important trees in your area. We’ll also discuss relationships between tree species and habitat types in your forest. This class has a maximum of 25 participants.

Thursday, June 22, 2006, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
New York Mills: Location: Extension Office, New York Mills, MN (directions)
Info: Diomy Zamora 218-828-2332
Cost: $20.00
Register: Contact Susan Crotty, 888-241-0720 ext 2275
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit WAC8n.

Growing and Tending Hybrid Poplar
Planting hybrid poplar for pulp and paper, bioenergy and environmental protection is becoming popular in Minnesota. This class will cover some of the basics of growing, tending and managing hybrid poplar from site preparation/establishment to maintenance of plantings. This class is designed for landowners and others professionals who wish to learn more about cultural practices of growing hybrid poplar. We'll spend 90 minutes on economics and marketing of hybrid poplars. We’ll also discuss landowner assistance and cost share programs including the "Improved Agroforestry Advance Loan Fund with Energy Incentives" loan program, EQIP, Continuous CRP Buffer Strips, WHIP, DNR forestry, etc.

Thursday, July 13, 2006, 5:00– 8:00 p.m.
Alexandria: Public Works Building, 509 3rd Ave West (directions).
Info: Diomy Zamora, 888-241-0720 ext 2332 or 218-828-2332
Cost: Free ($15 fee after July 7th).
Register: Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited and will be offered on a first come first serve basis free of charge until July 7th. To register, contact Susan Crotty, 888-241-0720 ext 2275.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit WAE13. Continuing Education credits will also be available for foresters.

This class is sponsored by University of Minnesota, WesMin Resource Conservation and Development, Minnesota Department of Commerce- State Energy Office, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources-Forestry.

Fri, Aug. 4, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids: Forest History Center (directions)
Info: Julie Miedtke 218-327-7486
Cost: $40.00
Register: Contact Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724, ext. 6466.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

How to Use a GPS Receiver
Have you tried to return to a favorite deer stand or fishing hole, only to be unable to find it? GPS can help you navigate with confidence. If you have a new GPS unit or are thinking of buying one, this class is for you. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to use a GPS to calculate area, return to that favorite fishing spot and more. GPS units are provided for use during the class. This class has a maximum of 30 participants.

Saturday , Aug. 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Park Rapids: Fairgrounds Environmental Building, Park Rapids, MN (directions)
Info: Diomy Zamora 218-828-2332
Cost: $45.00
Register:Contact Susan Crotty, 888-241-0720, ext. 2275.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Intermediate GPS
This intermediate GPS workshop is designed for those who have taken the Introduction to GPS course. Content includes a brief review of the key concepts from the introductory course; setting up tracks; activating and navigating a route; managing waypoints, tracks and routes; and transferring maps into the GPS receiver. Garmin GPS Map76 units will be provided for use during the workshop. This will be a hands-on classroom and field workshop, so please dress for the weather.

Please note that you must have completed the Woodland Advisor / MLEP Introduction to GPS course prior to registering for this course. If you're unsure about eligibility, feel free to call .

Saturday, August 26, 8:00am – 4:00pm (registration begins at 7:30am)
Rochester: RCTC Heintz Center, Room HB 117 (directions)
Info: Angela Gupta, 507-280-2869 or Chris Derosier, 218-722-5442
Cost: $40, includes lunch
Register: Contact Chris Derosier at 218-722-5442 or register online at www.mlep.org
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WAE13

Woody Invasive Plants: Identification and Control
Invasive woody plants such as buckthorn, Tatarian honeysuckle, and prickly ash are creating serious problems for our native woodlands. Learn how to correctly identify and control these pests to promote healthy woodlands. Presented by Nancy Rose, University of Minnesota Regional Extension Educator.

Thursday, September 21, 6:30-8:30pm
Becker: Sherburne History Center, 10775 130th Ave. SE, Becker, MN 55308 (directions)
Cost: $10 (includes box dinner).
Register: Pre-registration required by September 15.To register contact Tana Haugen-Brown at Sherburne County Extension, 763-241-2720 or 800-433-5236.
Sponsored by: UMN Extension Service-Sherburne County Master Gardener Program, Sherburne County Rural Living Task Force, MFA Metro Chapter, MFA East Central Woodland Owners. Satisfies Master Gardener, Woodland Advisor, and SAF credit.

Woodlands as Resources: MFA Annual Meeting and SJU Educational Conference
This year's Minnesota Forestry Association Annual Meeting is not to be missed. In addition to exclusive tours of the St. John's University Arboretum, Tree Farm awards, and keynote addresses, this year's event includes a full slate of over 30 classes. The oak forests of St. John's Arboretum have been under continuous management for over 150 years and offer an excellent backdrop for an exciting event.

Friday and Saturday, September 22 and 23, 2006
Collegeville: St. John's University (directions are halfway down on this page)
Cost: Check registration info for details.
Info & registration: Visit the conference website for schedules and detailed class listings. Download registration forms from the conference website.

Tree & Shrub Identification

Tuesday, September 26, 6:00 – 9:00pm
St. Peter: Gustavus Adolphus – Arboretum
Cost: $20
Info & registration: Gary Wyatt or Kathy Eckwright, 888-241-3214

Cut-to-Length Timber Harvesting Demonstration
Watch forest management in motion with a 'state of the art' cut to
length timber harvester with a forwarder system. Climb into the cab and see first hand the technology developed to accurately measure products harvested from the forest. See how harvesting impacts can be minimized using this sophisticated system.

This will be a wagon tour through the beautiful 194 acre forest located 8 miles north of Grand Rapids. Other informative stops led by area professionals will feature information on reforestation, incorporating best management practices to improve wildlife habitat and more!

Friday, September 29, 10:00am to 3:00 pm
Grand Rapids: Jon Rowe Memorial Forest
Cost: Free (thanks to the sponsors below!)
Info and registration: Julie Miedtke, 218-327-7486.
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit, WAE13. Project sponsors include the Grand Rapids School Forest Committee, Itasca Woodland Commitee and UPM-Blandin.

Buckthorn, Emerald Ash Borer & Other Invasive Species
Are you worried about invasive species like buckthorn, emerald ash borer, and gypsy moth on your property? If so this class is for you. Learn how to identify invasive species of concern in southeast Minnesota. During this class we will also compare management strategies for dealing with these invaders. The class will begin with an outdoor field tour at Quarry Hill Nature Center so please dress for the weather. The class will end indoors at the Rochester DNR office.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 5:30-8:00 PM (view PDF agenda)
Rochester: Quarry Hill Nature Center
Cost: $20
Info & registration: Angela Gupta or Mary Jane Stearns, 888-241-4536
Special Note: Field and classroom component, dress for the weather
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WA E2

What's Bugging Your Tree?
*** CLASS CANCELLED DUE TO INSTRUCTOR ILLNESS***
Learn about the latest 'hot topics' in forest health: spruce budworm, ash decline, bark beetles and problems related to the 2006 drought. Information will also be provided on exotic invasives like emerald ash borer and gypsy moth---and how to keep your forest healthy. A portion of the session will be in the classroom, and weather permitting, a field component will be included.

~~Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1:00 - 3:00pm~~
Grand Rapids: Forest History Center
This class has been cancelled due to instructor illness. To learn more about plans to reschedule the class, contact Julie Miedtke, 218-327-7365

Native Tree & Plant ID

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1:00 – 4:00pm (view PDF agenda and map)
Winona: Garvin Heights park
Cost: $20
Info & registration: Angela Gupta or Mary Jane Stearns, 888-241-4536
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WA C8n

The Nuts and Bolts of a Timber Sale
Selling timber can be profitable, but with high stumpage prices the days of selling wood 'on a handshake' are over. During this session you will learn about timber sales contracts, how to choose a logger and most importantly--working with a professional forester to maximize profits, maintain site quality, productivity and enjoyment of your forest.

Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Squaw Lake: Squaw Lake Community Center (on Highway 46)
Cost: $20
Info & registration: Julie Miedtke, 218-327-7365

Productive Conservation Systems: Alleycropping and Silvopastoral Systems

Tuesday, October 17, 3:00 – 6:00pm
Staples: Central Lakes College Experiment Center
Cost: $20
Info & registration: Diomy Zamora or Sue Crotty, 888-241-0720

Wildlife in Your Woodland and River Bottom

Thursday, October 19, 6:30 – 9:00pm
Mankato: Snell Motors Community Room
Cost: $20
Info & registration: Gary Wyatt or Kathy Eckwright, 888-241-3214

How to Use a GPS Receiver
Have you ever tried to return to a favorite deer stand or fishing hole, only to be unable to find it? GPS can help you navigate with confidence. At the end of class you will be able to use a GPS to calculate area, navigate to a waypoint and more. GPS units are provided for use during class.

Saturday, October 28, 9:00 am - 5:00pm
Duluth: Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (map)
Cost: $45 (lunch included)
Info and Registration: Contact Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center. 218-721-3731, boulder@d.umn.edu

Controlling Buckthorn and Other Woody Invasives
Buckthorn and other woody invasives are becoming a problem in central Minnesota, including Kanabec County. At this class you'll learn how to identify and control buckthorn and other common woody invasives. This class will help you keep your woodland healthy and to reduce the spread of problem species.

Monday, October 30, 6:30 - 9:00pm (PDF agenda)
Mora: Public Services Building (map)
Cost: $10
Info and Registration: Contact Kanabec SWCD, (320) 679-4160 or jan.anderson@mn.nacdnet.net or Eli Sagor, (612) 624-6948

Minnesota’s Forests: Ecology, History and People
This introductory course gives an overview of general forest ecology and how forests grow and develop. We will also discuss how forests change through time due to disturbances including wind, fire, forest management, insects and disease. This is an opportunity for lively discussion and an exchange of ideas.

Tuesday, November 7, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Duluth: Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (map)
Cost: $20
Info and Registration: Contact Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center. 218-721-3731, boulder@d.umn.edu

Minnesota: A History of the Land
Episode Five - The Northern Forest
Take a journey through time across Minnesota's changing landscapes. "The Northern Forest" is the fifth episode in the Emmy Award winning series "Minnesota's History of the Land." The film was sponsored by the Blandin and Huss Foundations, and produced by the Bell Museum and the University of Minnesota.

Monday, Nov. 27, 7:00pm
Grand Rapids : Reif Center, 720 Conifer Drive (map)
Cost: Free public viewing
Info: Julie Miedtke, 218-327-7365

Energy Saving Landscapes****CLASS CANCELED****
Learn how trees and shrubs can be used to help you save energy year round. Strategically placed trees and shrubs in shelterbelts, windbreaks, living snow fences and in the home lawn, can enhance property value, aesthetics, wildlife and can reduce energy costs by 25 to 30%. Participants will also learn about available cost share programs for rural landowners. Livestock producers can also benefit from these plantings around feedlots and confinement buildings. Useful publications will be available.

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 3:00 – 5:00pm
St. Cloud: U of MN Ext. Service, Reg. Center, Room 108 (map)
Cost: $20
Info & registration: Diomy Zamora or Sue Crotty, 888-241-0720

How to Use a GPS Receiver
Have you ever tried to return to a favorite deer stand or fishing hole, only to be unable to find it? GPS can help you navigate with confidence. At the end of class you will be able to use a GPS to calculate area, navigate to a waypoint, enter a waypoint from latitude and longitude coordinates, and more. GPS units are provided for use during class.

Friday, December 1, 9:00 – 4:30PM (view PDF agenda)
Brainerd: Central Lakes College, Room E342. Use EAST entrance (map)
Cost: $45
Info & registration: Diomy Zamora or Sue Crotty, 888-241-0720

Balsam Fir as a Profitable Forest Product
Control understory competition in your pine stands while making a profit. Forest specialty products are a growing industry, including balsam trees and boughs. Learn forest management strategies for the sustainable harvest of balsam for Christmas trees and holiday decorations. Optional: Cut your own Christmas tree.

Saturday, December 2, 10:00am - 4:00pm

10:00 am – 12:00pm Forest management discussion/tour
10:00 am – 4:00pm Tree cutting and wreath making

Duluth: Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (map)
Cost: $5 course fee plus optional $8 per tree cut or wreath made
Info and Registration: Contact Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center. 218-721-3731, boulder@d.umn.edu

Maintaining a Healthy Forest: Insects and Disease
We will discuss what pests and diseases are of special concern to local landowners, how they affect tree growth and health. We will also discuss and provide examples of appropriate management strategies to reduce damage to your forest, such as stand thinning and pruning.

Tuesday, December 5, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Duluth: Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (map)
Cost: $20
Info and Registration: Contact Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center. 218-721-3731, boulder@d.umn.edu

Balsam Management and Holiday Wreath Production Tour
Please join us for this family event at Mickman Brothers wreath operation and garden center. We will learn about using balsam boughs in a variety of products and tour the production facility. We will also discuss proper balsam bough harvesting techniques and balsam fir management. Family and friends of all ages are welcome! Hot cider and refreshments provided. Kids activities available.

Saturday, December 9, 9:00am - 12:00 noon
Ham Lake: Mickman Brothers, Inc., 14630 Hwy 65 NE (map)
Cost: Free
Info & registration: Barb Spears, 651-644-5800. Please RSVP so we can plan for refreshments, prizes, and kids activities.

Sharp-Tailed Grouse Management for Private Landowners
Attract and increase sharp-tail grouse population. Learn from DNR Wildlife Habitat Specialist Ted Dick methods used to manage sharp-tail habitat and how the state can work with you to assist in habitat management. Learn details about food plots, brush shearing, prescribed burning, and other methods to bring sharp-tails to your property.

Thursday, December 14, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Baudette: Baudette Gov. Center, board room
...or...
International Falls: Rainy River Community College, room SS143

Cost: $20
Info: Ryan Heinen, 218-283-1175
Registration: Please pre-register with Susan Seabury, 888-241-0724 ext. 6466 or 218-726-6466
Satisfies one Woodland Advisor credit: WA C7

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