About
Strategies
- Increase Tree Farmer issues through activism and communication
- Develop a more effective volunteer base through region committees
- Work in conjunction with other forestry based land owner groups throughout the state.
Goals
- More Tree Farmer participation
- Develop more funding sources and strengthening existing ones
- Improve communication systems
- Implement new Tree Farm Inspection Process
Programs
- Increase number of regional committees
- Develop video guide for sustainable harvesting
- Develop program with schools and Project Learning Tree participants
Events
Drone-based Herbicide Application Efficacy for Priority Invasive Plants
The 2026 Forestry Stewardship Webinar Series features a series of five presentations from Forestry Experts each Wednesday August 26 at 2:00 pm Central. Virtual sessions are 1-hour in length, open to the public, and free to attend. ISA Certified Arborist Continuing Education credits have been applied for.
Illinois Women Owning Woodlands Network
ILWOW First Wednesday Lunch & Learn: Introduction to Owning Woodlands Join Illinois Women Owning Woodlands online via Zoom for our September Lunch & Learn.
IFA 21st Annual Conference
Three days for forest landowners, conservation professionals, and nature enthusiasts, focused on Illinois wildlife and habitat management, with field tours at Nachusa Grasslands, educational sessions, and networking.
Chain Saw Safety - Level 101
Northwest Illinois Forestry Association 2 day hands on chainsaw safety course NOTE: At Last Check, Only 8 Spaces Were Available
Chain Saw Safety Course - Level 1
One day chainsaw safety course for those with chainsaw experience wanting to build skills and earn safety certification.
Chain Saw Safety Course - Level 2
One day advanced chainsaw course for those who have completed Level 1.
Resources
Illinois Forestry Association
The Illinois Forestry Association is a grass-roots organization with a diverse membership of concerned citizens, forest landowners, farmers, small acreage owners, forestry and natural resources professionals, arborists, community foresters, professors, administrators, urban professionals, wood-using business owners, and retirees with grandchildren.
Illinois Extension Forestry
The University of Illinois Extension Forestry program, housed in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, provides forestry and natural resources education, technical assistance, and public programming to a diverse audience, including an estimated 132,000 private forest landowners who own 3.7 million acres or 82% of all forest land in Illinois. University of Illinois Extension Forestry – regularly hosts webinars and in person events on a wide variety of topics of interest to Illinois landowners. Most webinars are recorded and posted on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrs9vcfUQDO-flreZJchjlw
Nature Conservancy (Illinois)
For more than 60 years, people like you have helped The Nature Conservancy protect the sun-kissed prairies, shady oak savannas and tranquil forests of Illinois. With your support, we can build on that legacy by bringing people together to help solve today’s biggest conservation challenges, from climate change and habitat loss to protecting clean water.
American Tree Farm System
ATFS (run by American Forest Foundation) is the national program overseeing Illinois Tree Farm. Key resources: Landowners section for enrollment and benefits; Tree Farm Leaders section for committee management, volunteer development, awards, signs, and events/field days; Third Party Certification section explaining forest certification standards. Eligibility: 10 to 10,000 forested acres, written forest management plan, enrolled through your state program. Founded 1932, first Tree Farm certified 1941.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division
IDNR's Forestry Resources hub covers General Forestry (FDA cost share, Forest Action Plan, consulting foresters directory, district office map), Wildfire Management, Timber Resources (buyer directory, timber prices), Forest Stewardship (ginseng, tree nurseries, tax assistance, forestry assistance program), Forest Health Highlights (annual reports), and Urban/Community Forestry programs.
Illinois Forestry Development Council
The Illinois Forestry Development Council (created 1983 under 525 ILCS 15) studies and evaluates Illinois's forest resources and industry: ownership, ecosystem benefits, economic development, funding, education, and habitat value. Site has council info, members list, reports/publications, small grants program success stories, and meeting minutes/upcoming events. One recent success story addresses the Tree Farm inspection backlog, directly relevant to your ITF committee work.
Illinois Native Plant Society
Illinois Native Plant Society site promotes conservation of Illinois native plants and communities through research and education. Features a Research Fund offering annual grants for native plant conservation research, blog posts on invasive species (e.g. European Reed Canary Grass) and native plant topics like hiking etiquette to prevent invasive spread, and chapter event coverage such as the Southern Chapter's annual Indigenous Plants Symposium at SIU Carbondale.
Illinois Chapter Walnut Council
Walnut Council (national, founded 1970) is a 501(c)(3) representing 500+ woodland owners, foresters, and industry reps across 45 states, promoting sustainable management of black walnut and fine hardwoods. Has 9 active state chapters, including Illinois ($10 dues). IL officers: President Casey Calvert, VP Wade Nystrom, Treasurer Ken Konsis. Chapter hosts field days (tree ID, plantation topics, invasive management), often co-sponsored with IFA and Illinois Tree Farm, plus archived newsletters and merchandise.