Fires play an important role in shaping plant communities, but their effects on plant communities are highly variable. This webinar will focus on how seasonal timing influences fire behavior and how fire and phenology interact to influence forest succession and tree regeneration. Results from a recent case study comparing the effects of early and late season wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will be presented. Eli Anoszko with the University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will also discuss implications for the use of prescribed fire in forest management. Pre-register to watch the webinar on February 20.

Buckthorn is an over-winter host plant for soybean aphid eggs and the crown rust fungus, two problems that Minnesota farmers deal with in their soybean crops. The University of Minnesota recently created a web page that describes methods to identify and control buckthorn that may be found in rural windbreaks, river bottoms and woodlands. The page includes a variety of publications and two videos that highlight the problems with buckthorn and soybean aphid.

The University of Extension Forestry team recently published its 2017 Annual Report of the Master Woodland Owner (MWO) Program. The report describes past and ongoing courses in the MWO program. Over 80 landowners have enrolled nearly 4,000 acres in the program, representing a tremendous opportunity that private forest landowners have in conducting woodland stewardship activities across Minnesota's forests.

The wood duck is one of the most vibrant colored waterfowl species in Minnesota, making them "eye candy" to the observer. These ducks are commonly enjoyed throughout Minnesota near lakes, rivers, streams, beaver ponds and marshes that have sufficient trees, shrubs, and wetland vegetation. Jodie Provost of the MN Department of Natural Resources explains what sets the woodie apart as a "different duck."

The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science recently released "Climate Change Field Guide for Northern Minnesota Forests: Site-level considerations and adaptation." The field guide is designed as a quick reference on climate change for northern Minnesota forests and highlights key information that can be used during field visits or forest planning.

Forest management, specifically timber harvesting, sometimes gets a bad rap because of unsustainable forestry practices during the late 19th century. But times have changed, and now sustainable forestry is a proud occupation across the Lake States. Professional foresters and loggers use science-based decisions to ensure that forests can supply ever-lasting quality materials. Check out this new video by Floline Media about forestry in the Lake States, and learn more about sustainable management through timber harvesting at one of the information sessions listed in our Events Calendar.

The Minnesota Forest Pest First Detectors training program is designed to help identify the occurrence of emerald ash borer and other forest pests in Minnesota. Attendees have the option to become part of the award-winning Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector volunteer program to help the public find new invasive species affecting Minnesota's trees and forests! Two upcoming workshops are being planned for Mankato and Andover.

Got 20 minutes to spare? The University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources is conducting  research on volunteer knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to environmental stewardship. If you participate in any nature-based volunteer programs, please consider taking the anonymous survey.