The 18th annual Northwest Urban Forestry Workshop will be held Friday, April 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Youngquist Auditorium, Agricultural Research Center, on the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) campus.  The workshop is cosponsored by UMC’s Natural Resources Department, the UMC Center for Adult Learning, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the Headwaters Area Shade Tree Advisory Committee.

The day-long conference will cover local urban forestry initiatives, invasive species, and urban forestry pests.  The morning’s schedule features three sessions:  “How Your Community Can Help to Release Your Native Ecosystems from ‘Buckthorn Bondage’”; “The Biology, Ecology and Control of Buckthorn”; and “News from the Urban Forest.” 

At the noon luncheon in Bede Ballroom, this year’s Tree City USA Award presentations will be made. 

Afternoon sessions will include:  “Zen and the Art of Landscape Maintenance”; “Invasive and Exotic Challenges for the Urban Forest”; and “Dutch Elm/Oak Wilt Status and Review.”

Speakers at this year’s workshop represent a wide array of experts in urban forestry including

• Mary McGuire Lerman, Coordinator of Horticultural Programs, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation

• Janet Larson, Landscape Designer and Native Plant Consultant, Supreme Companies, Plymouth

• Rich Hauer, Minnesota Tree Inspector Program Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Peter Dziuk, Invasive Species Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Don Mueller, Community Forestry, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

• Roger Wagner, Program Manager, Horticulture Department, UMC

• Phil Baird, Natural Resources Department, UMC

The workshop is intended for certified and new tree inspectors as well as anyone interested in urban forestry issues.  Attending the conference will qualify certified tree inspectors for recertification through 2002.  Minnesota Department of Agriculture staff will also provide training for new tree inspectors during the morning prior to offering the certification exam in the afternoon.

Cost is $35, which includes breaks, lunch, and class materials.  New tree inspectors (those not previously certified and seeking certification) will need to pay an additional $65 if they desire a copy of the 3-ringed binder tree inspector notebook. This is recommended, though not required.

For more information or to register, call UMC’s Center for Adult Learning at 800-232-6466, ext. 8681 or 218-281-8681, or e-mail berna042@mail.crk.umn.edu .  Disability accommodations are available upon request and can be made by calling 218-281-8681.

Posted  03/27/2002
Contact: Andrew Svec, 218-281-8435