Silvopasture workshop coming to Brainerd and Fort Ripley
The University of Minnesota Extension will be offering a two-day workshop on the opportunities, benefits, and techniques of silvopastures. Participants will be able to meet silvopasture practitioners and researchers, and will learn more about this method of sustainable agroforestry. The workshop will be held June 16-17, 2017 in Brainerd and Fort Ripley, MN. For more information and a link to register, visit the workshop page.

Life cycle assessments are "cradle-to-grave" analyses that determine environmental impacts. The use of life cycle assessments are increasing as environmental performance becomes more and more important in society. Join us on Tuesday, May 16 for a presentation by Jim Bowyer of Dovetail Partners, Inc. who will discuss the ins and outs of life cycle assessments.

Since 1978, May has been designated Arbor Month across Minnesota. The warm weather allows newly planted trees to get off to a good start. The state is celebrating with a number of ongoing events across the state. Get your Daily Dose of Trees from the Department of Natural Resources or take the #31DaysOfTrees Challenge and celebrate why we all benefit from trees!

As of May 1, the risk status of EAB in Minnesota is active. Because EAB can fly and infest nearby ash trees, avoiding the removal of ash branches, stumps and trees is recommended. Only prune or remove trees if absolutely necessary and transport wood to the nearest ash tree disposal site. Click here for more information about EAB and the active period.

Fungal disease is a concern to Minnesota's pines
Heterobasidion root disease is an invasive fungal root rot disease that is a serious threat to red and white pine trees as well as other conifers. This disease was discovered in Minnesota in late 2014. It occurs in other parts of the United States and is considered one of the most economically important diseases of pines in the northern hemisphere. Learn more about the disease in this video produced by the University of Minnesota's Department of Plant Pathology.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 16 - Life Cycle Assessment (Online)
Join our webinar as we discuss Life Cycle Assessments and their use in  evaluating environmental impacts and informing strategies for impact reduction.

JUNE 16-17 - Silvopasture Workshop (Brainerd, MN)

Learn the opportunities, benefits, and techniques of silvopasture in this two-day hands on workshop.

JUNE 20 - Timber Harvesting and Wildlife Habitat (Online)

In this webinar, MnDNR specialist Julie Provost will discuss how t houghtful forest management and harvest improves habitat quality.

A complete listing of events can be found on our Events Calendar.