Wisconsin Forestry Center

06/01/2026

What tree begins life looking more like a tuft of grass, survives repeated fires for years on the forest floor, and then suddenly bolts toward the canopy in a remarkable growth spurt? The longleaf pine, of course! Pinus palustris, also known as longleaf pine, is one of the most unique and ecologically important tree species in North America.

Once dominating the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, longleaf pine forests have been reduced to less than 5% of their historic range. Yet these forests remain among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the continent.

In our June episode of SilviCast, we explore the fascinating life history of longleaf pine and the silvicultural practices being used to restore these iconic forests. Join us for a conversation with Steve Jack, Executive Director of Boggy Slough Conservation Area, who shares insights from decades of longleaf pine restoration work across the southern United States.

🎧 You can find SilviCast wherever you listen to podcasts, including iTunes and Spotify, or follow the link to listen now: https://uwsp.edu/SilviCast.

We are grateful for the support of Season 7 Diamond Sponsor Forest Carbon Program and The Nelson Paint Company.

05/27/2026

Next Wednesday, Jed Meunier, Ph.D., Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Ecologist and Research Scientist, closes out our Fire History Mini-Series with "Linking Forest Form, Fire, and Function: A Critical Evaluation of the Role of Fire in Promoting Forest Resilience."

🗓 June 3, 2026
⏰Noon–1 p.m. CT

Heterogeneous spatial patterns are central to forest function and resilience, yet old-growth forests, especially those that are dry and fire-adapted, are rare in the Lake States. This talk presents results from a Wisconsin study examining how silviculture and prescribed fire can restore forest structure, function, and reduce wildfire risk. Using old-growth red pine stands in Minnesota and Wisconsin as references, Dr. Meunier analyzed canopy characteristics and spatial tree patterns to guide management prescriptions. Results provide both a reference condition and practical framework for restoring and maintaining spatially complex red pine forests across the Lake States.

Learn more and join at https://bit.ly/RxFireWFC. The series is free and registration is not required.

05/21/2026

Building the next generation of forest professionals!💪

05/20/2026

Managing forests for bird habitat has its perks! Just ask our fashion-forward friends at the American Bird Conservancy.

🌳🧢 Steal the Look: Mourning Warbler

We’re staying on the trail… but only until we find 2 perfectly spaced trees. Then stop! It's hammock time. Just far enough cover to feel “off-grid”, but still suspiciously close to the parking lot.
Wide-open spaces? Hard pass. This bird is all about hiding out and so are we…
🟡 The fit helps keep us hidden, with olive tones and a pop of blue because even when hiding, we’ve got standards. With a setup like this (and a hammock doing the heavy lifting), we will be avoiding warbler neck this season.
Speaking of… they’ve arrived. Time to stretch!

Learn more in our bird library:
https://abcbirds.org/birds/mourning-warbler

05/19/2026

Join us tomorrow, Wed., May 20 at Noon CT for Assisted Migration: Enhancing Genetic Diversity and Facilitating Community Transitions 🌱

Hear from Miranda Thomas Curzon, Ph.D. of Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change project in the Driftless region, and Scott O’Donnell of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the DReAM assisted migration project in Northern Wisconsin forests.

Adaptation in Action: Forest Management Strategies for a Changing Climate webinar series explores the practical applications of strategies from The Adaptation Workbook developed by the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science.

Join for free at https://bit.ly/WFCAIA.

05/18/2026

Our partners at NTC Wood Technology Center of Excellence continue to drive the forest industry forward!

05/15/2026

Download our most recent episode of Wood & Iron: For Loggers. By Loggers.

In May's episode of Wood & Iron, Oregon logger and Associated Oregon Loggers president Jeff Plikat of Plikat Logging, Inc. shares stories from a lifetime in the woods, from learning the trade as a kid to running high-tech tether logging operations and leading advocacy efforts for the timber industry. Blake, Jared, and Jeff dig into the realities of modern logging—equipment costs, workforce challenges, safety, and why taking care of good people is the key to keeping the industry strong.

Wood & Iron is a podcast that explores the needs and challenges of today’s logger. Join hosts Jared Schroeder, WFC High School Program Manager, and Blake Manley, Executive Director of Western Forestry & Conservation Association and Manley Jobs as they explore business operation, policy navigation, and the future of logging with loggers from the Midwest to the West.

Learn more and listen at https://bit.ly/WoodIronPodcast. We are grateful to Western Forestry & Conservation Association and Manley Jobs for their charter sponsorships of Wood & Iron.

05/14/2026

📢FINAL REMINDER!

Registration is open through Sunday for High School Forestry Skills Camp!

If you’ve got a high school student interested in exploring a career in the forest industry, this is an opportunity they won’t want to miss.🌲Forestry Skills Camp is being held June 14-19, 2026 at Central Wisconsin Environmental Station. Grab a spot while you still can!

https://bit.ly/ForestrySkillsCamp

05/08/2026

Congratulations, Heather Berklund! 😍

We are continuing our Friday Feature award series as we roll into the last couple of weeks of the semester, highlighting the achievements and impact of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. This week, we are celebrating Heather Berklund, recipient of the 2026 CNR Outstanding Alumna Award, in recognition of her leadership, service, and lasting contributions to Wisconsin’s forestry community.

A 2000 UW–Stevens Point graduate with a degree in Forestry and a minor in Soil Science, Berklund serves as Chief State Forester for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry. In 2020, she became the first woman appointed to this role. Over nearly three decades with the Wisconsin DNR, she has advanced sustainable forestry, strengthened wildfire preparedness, supported workforce development, and built strong partnerships across the state.

Her continued connection to UWSP and her commitment to stewardship, leadership, and service make her a standout example for future natural resource professionals.

Join us in congratulating Heather on this well-deserved recognition.

05/08/2026

Join us on Wed., May 20 at Noon CT as we explore Assisted Migration: Enhancing Genetic Diversity and Facilitating Community Transitions. This Adaptation in Action webinar will explore the practical applications of Strategies 8 and 9 from The Adaptation Workbook created by the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS).

Miranda Curzon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will talk about the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) project in the Driftless area. Driftless ASCC blends research with demonstration sites to evaluate different silvicultural approaches to climate change adaptation at oak forests across the Driftless region.

Scott O’Donnell, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Geneticist will present on the Desired REgeneration through Assisted Migration (DREAM) project, an assisted migration experiment that blends silvicultural treatments with tree planting at sites in Northern WI.

Learn more and join on May 20 at https://bit.ly/WFCAIA.