Stopping Stiltgrass in the Upper Midwest: How You Can Protect Our Forests

May 7th, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Stiltgrass is an invasive plant that is widespread in the eastern and southern U.S.—and it has started showing up in the Upper Midwest in recent years. In 2025, four new infestations were found in Wisconsin and one was found in Iowa. Stiltgrass has also been spotted in Michigan, but so far it has not been found in Minnesota.

Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is an annual grass that grows in branching, sprawling mats in forests, streambanks, trails, ditches, and even lawns. When left unchecked, it makes wildfires more frequent and severe, alters nutrient cycling and soil microbes, and reduces wildlife habitat.

Join us to learn the latest about the status of stiltgrass in the Midwest and lessons learned from managing it in the Northeast. This webinar will cover:

• How to identify stiltgrass
• How to report stiltgrass infestations and prevent the spread
• The current status of the new stiltgrass populations in Wisconsin 
• What we can learn from land stewards in the Northeast about successful stiltgrass management.

This event is designed for landowners and natural resource professionals in the Midwest, but anyone interested in invasive plants is invited to attend. The webinar will be recorded, and the recording will be sent to everyone who registers.

Speakers

• Mark Renz, Professor and Extension Weed Specialist, University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences
• Calvin Norman, Assistant Teaching Professor of Forestry, Pennsylvania State University Extension
• Keith Phelps, Working Lands Forestry Educator, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension Forestry & Wildlife Program
• Scott Hershberger, Forestry Communications Specialist, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension Forestry & Wildlife Program