Landowners

Forest Management – Extension Forestry Specialist Kevin Rohling will lead a tour of our demonstration forest and discuss different management approaches and practices, and how they influence the forest.  He will also discuss recent research on the impacts of forest management on forest moths and other wildlife.

Invasive Species Identification and Management – Extension Forestry Specialist Chris Evans will show different invasive plant species of concern to landowners in the region, discuss management practices and recommendations, and talk about recent research underway at Dixon Springs on invasive species.

Pollinator Prairie Establishment – Extension Educator Erin Garrett will lead a tour of the Dixon Springs Pollinator Prairie and the native plants growing there.  Erin also will discuss the process of establishing a prairie, the benefits of increasing native plants on your landscape, and practices needed to maintain a prairie. 

Ongoing Animal Science Research Projects – Animal Science summer I-BELIEF interns and graduate students from the University of Illinois will showcase current research projects taking place within the department, discuss research methods and share information about ongoing studies related to livestock production, animal health, nutrition, genetics, and agricultural sustainability.

Ticks of Illinois - Bite Prevention and Identification - Ticks and tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern in Illinois. Dr. Teresa Steckler, Extension Specialist, will discuss Illinois tick species and their associated diseases, where ticks are found, how to protect yourself from tick bites and see real ticks under the microscope to learn how small they actually are!

High Tunnel Vegetable Production - Extension Educator Bronwyn Aly will lead a tour of the research and demonstration high tunnels and discuss vegetable management strategies within the protected cover environment of the tunnels. She will also discuss ongoing tomato and pepper variety trials.

Biological Insect Control - Extension specialist Dr. Kacie Athey will share information on how to use natural predator insects to control insect pests in specialty crops. Research conducted in the high tunnels at DSAC over the past 5 years will be highlighted.

Managing Heat Stress in Tomatoes - Extension Specialist Dr. James Santiago will discuss the effects of heat stress on tomatoes and other specialty crops, current research projects related to heat stress, and strategies to reduce heat stress in vegetables.

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July 29 - Woodland Landowner Considerations for Forest Carbon Programs, Keith Phelps, University of Wisconsin-Madison ~ Wednesday at 2:00 pm Central
In the past few years, opportunities for woodland landowners to participate in forest carbon programs have expanded across the Midwest. However, it can be difficult to understand if enrolling in a forest carbon pro-gram is compatible with the management vision for your woodland. Join UW-Madison Extension Forestry for a presentation on forest carbon programs operating in the Midwest and important questions to consider when deciding whether or not to enroll in a forest carbon program.

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Wednesday August 5 at 2:00 pm Central - Managing for Oak Regeneration:  What does Current Research Tell us?, Chris Evans, University of Illinois
Enhancing oak regeneration is a top priority in Illinois forests, but successfully establishing new oak seedlings is not always easy and success is not guaranteed.  This presentation will review what recent research says about the strategies and practices used in managing for oak seedlings. 

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August 12 - Selling Timber: What the Landowner Needs to Know, Hank Stelzer, University of Missouri
When it comes time to harvest trees from your woodland, are you prepared? MU Extension forestry state specialist, Hank Stelzer, will walk viewers through the process of selling timber from start to finish and the need to hire a professional forester.

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August 19 - Fire Ecology for Managing Grasslands and Woodlands, Jon Henn, University of Illinois
Illinois is dominated by fire-adapted ecosystems from prairies to savannas to barrens and oak woodlands. Historically, fire played a key role in maintaining diversity, structure, and function in these systems. Today, prescribed fire is a tool that can be used to promote plant diversity, control invasive species, and restore structure. In this session we will discuss some of the basics of fire ecology in native systems and how it can be implemented on private land for management goals.

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Drone-based herbicide applications for invasive plants have been increasing due to their low cost, the increasing availability of contract applicators, and decreasing equipment costs. However, recommendations for effective drone-based treatments of invasive plants are sparse. This talk will focus on a project to evaluate the efficacy of drone-based herbicide applications on priority invasive plants, including common reed (Phragmites australis), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). This presentation will provide an overview of the findings, recommendations for successful drone treatments, and next steps to improve this emerging technology in natural resource management. 

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