2026 Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference
March 7th, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference has provided science-based information and resources to forest landowners and stewards in the Illinois/Iowa/Wisconsin tri-state area for more than 25 years. It is one of the largest conferences for forest landowners in the Midwest and is sponsored by Iowa State University, University of Illinois, and University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension Services. Although the conference is designed specifically for woodland owners, we also encourage forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master Naturalists, and students to attend.
We are continuing our popular Basics of Forestry track that gives great information to landowners who are just getting started in forest management (or anyone looking for a refresher). This track includes sessions on tree identification, forest stewardship plans, invasive plant identification, and forest measurements. Other topics at the conference include wildlife, invasive species control, timber markets, prescribed fire, maple syrup, carbon markets, and more.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Miranda Curzon from Iowa State University, who will discuss adaption silviculture. The day will end with a discussion with non-profit organizations from the region on working private landowners on forestry projects. Throughout the day, you can also explore vendor booths from a wide variety of organizations involved in forest stewardship.
Schedule
Visit the University of Illinois website for detailed descriptions of each session. Presentation slides and handouts will also be posted there once available.
| 8:00-9:00 am | On-site check-in |
| 9:00 am | Welcome |
| 9:10-10:00 am | Keynote Address: Managing for Uncertainty: Adaptation Silviculture for Driftless Area Forests (Miranda Curzon, Iowa State University) |
| 10:10-11:00 am | Session 1: – The Basics of Tree Identification (Emma Kerns, Iowa State University Extension) (Forestry Basics Track) – Woodland Landowner Considerations for Forest Carbon Programs (Keith Phelps, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension) – Cultivation for Conservation: Growing American Ginseng in Private Woodlands (Tony Johnson, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension) – Conservation Connections: Forests, Moths, Birds, and Bats (Kevin Rohling, University of Illinois Extension) |
| 11:00-11:20 am | Break |
| 11:20-12:10 pm | Session 2: – Your First Step to a Healthy Woodland: Getting a Forest Stewardship Plan (Johanna Desprez, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension) (Forestry Basics Track) – Timber Markets and Tariffs (Pat Grau) – Fire Ecology for Managing Grasslands and Woodlands (Jon Henn, University of Illinois) – Beginner Maple Sugaring: From Tree to Table (Tony Johnson, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension) |
| 12:10-1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:00 pm | Session 3: – Introductory Invasive Plant Identification (speaker TBD, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension) (Forestry Basics Track) – Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Water Quality (Cierra Sirianni, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) – Using the Landowner Climate Risk Scorecard (Keith Phelps, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension) – Native Conifers of the Tri-State Region (Justin Vozzo, University of Illinois Extension) |
| 2:10-3:00 pm | Session 4: – An Introduction to Forest Measurements (Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension) (Forestry Basics Track) – Riparian Forest Buffer Resurgence! (Billy Beck, Iowa State University Extension) – Primer on How to Use Herbicides to Optimize Control of Invasive Plants (Mark Renz, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension) – Lightning Talks on three emerging forest health concerns (golden oyster mushrooms, stiltgrass, and spotted lanternfly) |
| 3:00-3:20 pm | Break |
| 3:20-4:20 pm | Closing Keynote Session: Non-Profits in the Tri-State Area (John Burke, National Wild Turkey Federation; Ann Calhoun; The Nature Conservancy Driftless Region; Jeff Jensen, Trees Forever; Jordan Winkenbach, American Bird Conservancy) |
| 4:20 pm | Closing and Door Prizes (must be present to win) |
Location:
Dubuque, IA
Grand River Center
500 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001
Cost:
$55
The early bird price of $55 ends February 12. After that, the price will increase to $65. The final registration deadline is March 2 at 12 pm CT.
More Information:
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-03-07-2026-tri-state-forest-stewardship-conference
Contact:
Kris Tiles
forestry@extension.wisc.edu