Great news for landowners in or near the Brainerd Lakes area: we are launching a new course tailored especially for landowners in central Minnesota who have a special interest in protecting both their forest and water quality. Master Woodland Owner Central Lakes will open in May, and follows the same format as our other MWO courses, with a mixture of […]
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from noon to 1:00pm Drought is common in Minnesota, and can frequently lead to direct and indirect effects ranging from growth decline to secondary insect and disease damage that can be pronounced and widespread. Trees have developed a wide range of physiological adaptations to ward off these damaging effects associated with drought. We will review key […]
It’s a frequent question of landowners and hunters – do wild turkey harm ruffed grouse populations? This large, gobbling game bird – handsome in back but not so much in front– has expanded its range into historically prime ruffed grouse range. As flocks amble through fields and forest, they are often highly visible. Coupled with a ruffed grouse long term […]
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from noon to 1:00pm The Minnesota DNR Forest Health team’s aerial assessment over most of Minnesota’s forests revealed some surprising findings and some expected trends in 2017. Unexpected shoot blight on northern white cedar covered about 12,000 acres in northeast Minnesota, while the area affected by eastern larch beetle impact soared over 200,000 acres. Hail storms […]
Join a team of scientists as they share their research each Thursday in April from noon to 1 pm. The webinars will cover the basic research projects, how to get involved, and how you can become a Citizen Scientist! Cost is $20 per webinar or $50 for the series, or attend live for free in room 19 Green Hall on […]
Become a volunteer! Visit our website! Deer are a keystone species across Minnesota’s woodlands. They are considered a keystone species because when there are high deer populations, the composition and structure of the forest can change. Deer prefer tree species like pines and maples, but will also avoid certain plants. When there are deer present in a woodland they will […]
A quick update for your Friday afternoon: Our new buckthorn ID & management videos explain the link between soybean aphid (a major pest on soybeans) and buckthorn, its overwintering host. Be sure to check them out!
Hopefully you’ve received your email invitation (you are on our email list, right?) to register for our annual Gathering Partners of Natural Resources conference. This is a favorite event each year that brings together family forest landowners, naturalists, volunteers, and others interested in learning more about Minnesota’s natural resources. Early bird registration opened today, and reduced rates are available through […]
Minnesota’s weather can be harsh during the winter months. When temperatures dip below zero with wind chills reaching minus 30 degrees, one wonders how any animal can survive in these seemingly intolerable conditions. Conservation lands with native grasses and forbs can provide protection to wildlife during below average snow years. As snow cover increases, wetlands with cattail landscapes, woodlands, windbreaks […]
Sustainable management is vital for the continuing health of Minnesota’s forests. To help family woodland owners become better stewards of their woods, University of Minnesota Extension created the Master Woodland Owner (MWO) program. Launched in early 2016, this new landowner education program has enrolled 82 woodland owners with a combined total of over 3,700 acres of forested property. Using a […]