Forestry Stewardship Webinar Series 2026

Join the University of Illinois Extension Forestry team for their 2026 Forestry Stewardship Webinar Series. The webinars feature a series of five presentations from Forestry Experts each Wednesday at 2:00 pm Central on July 29 and August 5, 12, 19, and 26.  You can choose to sign up for any or all of them! Virtual sessions are 1-hour in length, open to the public, and free to attend.  ISA Certified Arborist Continuing Education credits have been applied for.

Register today!

July 29 - Woodland Landowner Considerations for Forest Carbon Programs, Keith Phelps, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• In the past few years, opportunities for woodland landowners to participate in forest carbon programs have expanded across the Midwest. However, it can be difficult to understand if enrolling in a forest carbon pro-gram is compatible with the management vision for your woodland. Join UW-Madison Extension Forestry for a presentation on forest carbon programs operating in the Midwest and important questions to consider when deciding whether or not to enroll in a forest carbon program.

August 5 - Managing for Oak Regeneration: What does Current Research Tell us?, Chris Evans, University of Illinois

• Enhancing oak regeneration is a top priority in Illinois forests, but successfully establishing new oak seedlings is not always easy and success is not guaranteed.  This presentation will review what recent research says about the strategies and practices used in managing for oak seedlings. 

August 12 - Selling Timber: What the Landowner Needs to Know, Hank Stelzer, University of Missouri

• When it comes time to harvest trees from your woodland, are you prepared? MU Extension forestry state specialist, Hank Stelzer, will walk viewers through the process of selling timber from start to finish and the need to hire a professional forester.

August 19 - Fire Ecology for Managing Grasslands and Woodlands, Jon Henn, University of Illinois

• Illinois is dominated by fire-adapted ecosystems from prairies to savannas to barrens and oak woodlands. Historically, fire played a key role in maintaining diversity, structure, and function in these systems. Today, prescribed fire is a tool that can be used to promote plant diversity, control invasive species, and restore structure. In this session we will discuss some of the basics of fire ecology in native systems and how it can be implemented on private land for management goals.

August 26 -  Drone-based Herbicide Application Efficacy for Priority Invasive Plants, Kevin Rohling, University of Illinois

• Drone-based herbicide applications for invasive plants have been increasing due to their low cost, the increasing availability of contract applicators, and decreasing equipment costs. However, recommendations for effective drone-based treatments of invasive plants are sparse. This talk will focus on a project to evaluate the efficacy of drone-based herbicide applications on priority invasive plants, including common reed (Phragmites australis), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). This presentation will provide an overview of the findings, recommendations for successful drone treatments, and next steps to improve this emerging technology in natural resource management.