Upcoming webinar on black ash wetlands and emerald ash borer

Emerald ash borer is beginning to extend into black ash wetlands across the western Great Lakes region. Losing ash trees in these forests may have a profound impact on structure and function of these ecosystems. Join us for this webinar as Brian Palik from the US Forest Service, Northern Research Station discusses research that investigates the ecological impacts of EAB in black ash forests in addition to "replacement" tree species that that may do well in a post-EAB world. Register for the presentation to join us online or at one of several broadcast sites throughout the state.

Speaking of EAB, the state of Minnesota entered the low activity period for emerald ash borer as of October 1. What does this mean? Pruning and removing ash trees may be carried out as needed, and recommendations are to take ash bark and wood to your nearest waste tree disposal site. Check out our post on fall control measures for EAB for more information and guidelines.

The topic of deer is a timely one in Minnesota. White-tailed deer are one of the state's most socially, economically, and ecologically important wildlife species. Their importance stems from their beauty, popularity as a prized big game animal, and ability to create fun family hunting memories. However, deer also collide with vehicles, can damage gardens, crops and woodlands, and contribute to the spread of parasites and disease. Jodie Provost of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources explains the ecological impacts of deer and how they interact with our woodlands.

Join the Minnesota Phenology Network the weekend of October 20th through the 22nd for a gathering of naturalists, educators, researchers, and phenology enthusiasts from all walks of life. Held at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories in Lake Itasca, MN this event includes two days of workshops, guided hikes, and presentations with Minnesota's leading phenologists. Learn more and register for the conference, and read what a phenologist actually does in this recent article from the Star Tribune.

Autumn is a great time to identify and manage invasive plants and noxious weeds in your woodland. The bright red berries and yellow seed capsules of oriental bittersweet are easy to spot, and buckthorn plants are easier to identify because their leaves hang on late into the fall without changing color. Read more about how to control invasive woody plants like buckthorn with this handy guide on woody vegetation control.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER 17 - Webinar: Black Ash and EAB (Online)

Learn about the ecological impacts of EAB on black ash wetlands, and potential replacement tree species.

OCTOBER 17 - MFA Kettle River Chapter Meeting (Sturgeon Lake)

Carlton County and Pine County MFA members will meet at the Moose Lake Golf Club.

OCTOBER 17 - Earthworm Invasion (Duluth)

Lee Frelich will discuss the European earthworm invasion, and its interactions with invasive plants and deer.

OCTOBER 20 - Oriental Bittersweet Monitoring (Stillwater)

Training on OB identification and GPS mapping will be followed by monitoring on the shores of the St. Croix via boats.

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