Issuu

61ST ANNUAL

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE Generously supported by:

Program Guide March 12-13, 2024 Bethel University, Arden Hills www.mnstsc.org info@mnstsc.org 651-633-4987

Ensuring Tree Health Since 1963 The 61st Annual Shade Tree Short Course is a two-day course for everyone involved in urban forestry, arboriculture, and the green industry. ISA Certified Arborist® CEUs are available for most sessions. This exceptional experience, featuring general and concurrent sessions as well as exhibits, will keep with the Shade Tree Short Course’s tradition of providing quality education sessions.

Certification and Credits

• ISA CEUs will be given for most sessions. A QR code will be provided by the moderator at applicable sessions. Simply scan the QR code with your smart phone which will take you to an online form where you will fill out your name, ISA Certification #, and email address in order to receive credit. For more information regarding ISA CEUs, please visit www.isa-arbor.com. • TCIA’s Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) credits are available for some sessions. Attendance sheets will be provided by moderators at the conclusion of applicable sessions. Fill in the requested form information completely in order to receive credit for each session you attend. • Certified tree inspectors will be recertified by attending the entire short course. New Tree Inspector classes and testing are not available at this workshop. For questions about tree inspector status or training: www.mntreeinspector.com. • Recertification for pesticide applicators is not available at this workshop.

Table of Contents Certification and Credits..................................1 Location & Directions......................................2 Steering Committee.........................................2 Support Staff.................................................2 Sponsor Recognition........................................2 Exhibitor List and Trade Show Map...................3 MSA Mixer.....................................................4 Attendee Code of Conduct...............................4 Bethel University Map.....................................5 Schedule Overview..........................................6 Sessions Overview with CEUs........................ 7-8 Tuesday Session Descriptions...................... 9-13 Wednesday Session Descriptions............... 14-18 Download the App......................................... 18 Speaker Biographies................................. 19-24

61ST ANNUAL

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE Bethel University

Bethel University offers beautiful facilities inside and out, with a spacious cafeteria and free, convenient parking in the East and West Parking Lots. The campus is located in Arden Hills, a short distance from Snelling Avenue and I-694. Bethel University is a nonsmoking campus (smoking allowed in designated outdoor areas). Driving Directions to Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55112: From the North: Take I-35W south to the County Road E2 exit. Go east to Old Hwy 10 (Snelling Ave.), turn right, and take the first left into campus. From the West: Take I-694 east; turn south onto I-35W. Take I-35W to the County Road E2 exit. Go east to Old Hwy 10 (Snelling Ave.), turn right, and take the first left into campus. From the East: Take I-694 west; turn south onto I-35W. Take I-35W to the County Road E2 exit. Go east to Old Hwy 10 (Snelling Ave.), turn right, and take the first left into campus. From the South: Take Snelling Ave. north and exit at County Road E. Turn left, proceed to Old Hwy 10 (Snelling Ave.), and turn right. Campus entrance is on the right. Or take I-35W north to the County Road E2 exit. Go east to Old Hwy 10 (Snelling Ave.), turn right, and take the first left into campus.

Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course Steering Committee

Support Staff

Chair: Ryan L Murphy, University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources Dustin Ellis, Hennepin County Ryan Gustafson, Davey Resource Group / MSA Liaison Manuel Jordan, Heritage Shade Tree Consultants Russell Kennedy, Rainbow Treecare Tina Markeson, MnDOT Valerie McClannahan, Minnesota DNR, Division of Forestry Jonathan Osthus, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Philip Potyondy, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Forestry Division Bradley Weidenfeller, XCEL Energy Karen Zumach, Tree Trust

Cassie Larson, Executive Director Jon Horsman, Associate Director Hallie Chasensky, Education Manager Brianna Burns, Registration Coordinator Paulette Sorenson, Exhibit and Sponsorship Sales Louise Nemmers, Administrative Assistant

Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association

University of Minnesota

Marissa Endres, MN Certified Tree Inspector Program Daniel Gjertson, Arboriculture Program Coordinator and Educator Sonja Tosteson, Volunteer Coordinator, MN Tree Care Advocate Programs

Thank you to our sponsors! Tuesday Morning Breakfast/Coffee Sponsors

Wednesday Morning Breakfast/Coffee Sponsor

Tuesday Afternoon Coffee/Dessert Sponsor

Wednesday Afternoon Coffee/Dessert Sponsors

www.MNSTSC.org

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BE SURE TO VISIT THE EXHIBITORS AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR SUPPORT! EXHIBITOR LIST (current as of February 5, 2024) Company Name................................................... Booth # ArboRisk Insurance........................................................9 Arborjet | Ecologel.........................................................6 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes................. 15 Boyer Trucks............................................................... 16 Branch Manager.......................................................... 31 Breiwick Companies Inc............................................... 13 Central Landscape Supply............................................28 Davey Resource Group, Inc.............................................3 Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply................ 23 Greenlife Supply LLC...................................................34 Grove Nursery...............................................................5 Hennepin County.........................................................20 Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape.............. 24 Johnson's Nursery....................................................... 32 Legacy Trees............................................................... 17 Mike’s Tree Company...................................................22 Minnesota Department of Agriculture...............................2 Minnesota Equipment.................................................. 19 Minnesota Horticulture................................................. 21 MN Society of Arboriculture (MSA)................................ 18 Minneapolis Saw Inc...............................................29-30 RDO Equipment Company........................................11-12 Rainbow Treecare........................................................ 25 Rainbow Ecoscience.................................................... 26 Rock Hard Landscape Supply....................................... 27 Thrivent........................................................................1 Top Notch Equipment ................................................. 14 Tree Care Advisor........................................................ 35 Tree Trust...................................................................33 Trenchers Plus..............................................................4 Tri-State Bobcat............................................................7 Wilson's Nursery LLC................................................... 10 Wood from the Hood......................................................8

Trade Show/Exhibit Hours Commercial and agency exhibits will be available each day. Everyone is invited to stop by and exchange information at booths located in the Gymnasium and the East Parking Lot. • Tues., Mar. 12, 2024 from 10:30am - 3:45pm • Wed., Mar. 13, 2024 from 10:30am - 3:00pm

INDOOR EXHIBITS - GYM, RC LEVEL 3 ArboRisk Wilson's Insurance Nursery

Wood from the Hood

Tri-State Bobcat

RDO

Breiwick Top Notch

Equipment

Aborjet

Grove Nursery

Bachmans Boyer Wholesale Trucks

Legacy Trees

MSA

Johnson's Nursery MN Hennepin Equipment County

Gertens MDA

MN Horticulture

Mike's Tree

Hoffman & Rainbow Rainbow McNamara ECO

Thrivent

For the most up to date listings, visit www.mnstsc.org or download the Shade Tree Short Course app from Whova. The event code is ShadeTree24.

Greenlife Supply Tree Trust

Trenchers Plus

Davey

Tree Care Advisor

Branch Manager

Mpls Saw

Rock Hard Central Landscape Landscape

Outdoor exhibits and Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo are in the East Lot, and indoor exhibits are in the Gym on RC Level 3.

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61ST ANNUAL

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE MSA (Minnesota Society of Arboriculture) Mixer

The Tuesday, March 12, MSA Mixer will take place 4:30 - 7:30pm, with drinks and light food provided. The mixer is a free event, and it’s a great opportunity for MSA members and friends to network with speakers, participants, and exhibitors. Location: Urban Growler (Barrel Room), 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul, MN 55114.

Session Handouts: When provided by the speaker, digital session handouts are available on the Shade Tree Short Course Whova app or at www.mnstsc.org. Free Wifi: Connect to free Wi-Fi by selecting the Bethel-Guest network (no password). Note that wireless internet use is available for casual use, such as checking email, browsing the internet or displaying websites. Uploading and/or downloading audio or video files is not considered casual browsing and may cause system issues either for you or for others in the facility.

Questions? For questions or more information, please contact us at 651-633-4987 or info@mnstsc.org.

ATTENDEE CODE OF CONDUCT The Shade Tree Short Course is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and staff. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff members, service providers, and all others are expected to abide by this Event Code of Conduct. This Policy applies to all Shade Tree Short Course meetingrelated events. Expected Behavior: • Be considerate of others. • Be respectful of others and viewpoints that may be different from your own. • Be mindful of your words and actions. Unacceptable Behavior: • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form. • Verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest. Examples of verbal abuse include, but are not limited to, verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations, or threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest. • Disruption of presentations during sessions or at other events organized by the Shade Tree Short Course throughout the event. All participants must comply with the instructions of the moderator and any event staff. • Presentations, postings, and messages should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or solicitation for services unless expressly approved by the Shade Tree Short Course. The Shade Tree Short Course reserves the right to remove such messages and potentially ban sources of those solicitations. The Shade Tree Short Course reserves the right to deny or revoke admission to anyone who engages in or is reputed to engage in unethical or noncompliant marketing practices. • Participants may not copy, record, or broadcast the Shade Tree Short Course event content. This includes, but is not limited to, content shared via sessions, exhibitors, Q&A, chat room activity, or personal contact details without permission. Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior The Shade Tree Short Course reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the event without warning or refund, in response to any incident of unacceptable behavior, and the Shade Tree Short Course reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting, virtually or in person. Reporting Behavior The Shade Tree Short Course has zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination, harassment, or other behavior deemed unacceptable. If you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, the Shade Tree Short Course asks that you inform us at info@mnstsc.org so that we can take the appropriate action.

www.MNSTSC.org

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BC (Brushaber Commons)

RC (Robertson Center)

LEVEL 2 • The Underground

LEVEL 3 • Gym

LEVEL 3 • Dining Center

LEVEL 4 • RC 417 • RC 422

LEVEL 4 • BC 411 (Olson Board Room) • BC 468

CLC

(Lundquist Community Life Center) LEVEL 1 • Registration • Breakfast • Benson Hall LEVEL 2 • Eastlund Room

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CC (Clauson Center)

HC (Hagstrom Center)

LEVEL 1 • CC 120 • CC 125

LEVEL 4 • HC 413 • HC 414

LEVEL 3 • CC 312 • CC 313 • CC 331

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61ST ANNUAL

Schedule Overview

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE

T U E S D AY, M A R C H 1 2 , 2 0 2 4 6:30am 6:30am 7:30am

Registration Opens

CLC Lobby

Continental Breakfast Available Welcome and Opening Remarks

CLC Lobby Benson Hall

7:45am – 10:30am

General Sessions

Benson Hall

10:30am – 3:45pm

Exhibits Open

Gymnasium and East Parking Lot

10:40am, 10:50am, 11:00am, 11:10am, 11:20am, 11:30am

Lunch Times

Dining Center (Check lunch ticket received at registration for your assigned time.)

12:30pm – 1:15pm

Concurrent Sessions

See page 7 for session room assignments.

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Concurrent Sessions

See page 7 for session room assignments.

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Concurrent Sessions

See page 7 for session room assignments.

Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSA) Mixer

Urban Growler in the Barrel Room (food and drink compliments of MSA)

4:30pm

W E D N E S D AY, M A R C H 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 6:30am

Registration Opens

CLC Lobby

6:30am

Continental Breakfast Available

CLC Lobby

7:45am – 10:30am

General Sessions

Benson Hall

10:30am – 10:40am

Mark Stennes Award Presentation

Benson Hall

10:30am – 3:00pm

Exhibits Open

Gymnasium and East Parking Lot

10:40am, 10:50am, 11:00am, 11:10am, 11:20am, 11:30am

Lunch Times

Dining Center (Check lunch ticket received at registration for your assigned time.)

12:30pm – 1:15pm

Concurrent Sessions

See page 8 for session room assignments.

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Concurrent Sessions

See page 8 for session room assignments.

2:15pm – 3:00pm

Door Prize Drawings (must be present to win)

Gymnasium

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Concurrent Sessions

See page 8 for session room assignments.

www.MNSTSC.org

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TUESDAY SESSIONS for March 12, 2024 Some session titles and other details subject to change.

General Sessions

Speaker(s)

Location

7:45–8:40 AM Are You a Leader or a Boss? 8:40–9:35 AM Oaks, Fire, and Climate Change 9:35–10:30 AM Arboriculture is a Team Sport

Randall Miller Heather Holm John Ball

Benson Hall 1

1 1 1

1 1

BC BC BC MS US TWS TSP CA MA-M MA-P MA-S

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM

CONCURRENTQSESSIONS

Kay Busemann Benson Hall .75 Tree Cabling/Bracing as a Benefit and Risk in Modern Arboriculture .75 .75 .75 Daniel Gjertson BC 411 Tips and Tricks of the Trade for Arborists .75 .75 .75 .75 Greg Dahle BC 468 Utility Tree Risk Assessment .75 .75 .75 .75 .75 Early Detection: Invasive Insect Hands-On Identification Marissa Streifel, Brian Schwingle, CC 120 .75 .75 Jennifer Burington, Gary Wyatt and Common Look-a-Like Species Kenny Blumenfeld CC 125 Understanding Minnesota's Climate: Observations, Trends & Projections .75 .75 Casey Snyder CC 312 Root & Soil Care: Fixing What We Mess Up .75 .75 .75 Dave Hanson CC 313 Identification Basics and Tips for Experts: Leaves, Buds, Fruit and Bark .75 .75 .75 Megan O’Neil CC 430 MN Forest Health Update .75 .75 Eastlund Woody Plants for Minnesota Landscapes: Selection Principles and Useful Species Brandon Miller .75 .75 .75 Nimaawanji'idimin Giiwitaashkodeng: Together We are Gathering Around the Fire Melonee Montano, Evan Larson HC 413 .75 .75 Michaela Neu HC 414 Green Minneapolis' Carbon Offset Program .75 .75 .75 RC 422 Jumping Worms in Minnesota: What to Know About These Emerging Species Laura Van Riper .75 .75 MN State Patrol East Lot MN State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo .75 .75 .75 .75 .75

BC BC BC MS US TWS TSP CA MA-M MA-P MA-S

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM Ropes, Knots, and Hot Forged Aluminum Using the Trees and Construction Best Management Practices

CONCURRENTQSESSIONS

Scott Ferris, Nick Grebe Benson Hall .75 .75 .75 .75 Ryan Gilpin BC 411 .75 .75 .75 Writing for the Trees: How Arborists Can Communicate With the World and Have Fun Doing it Jean Zimmerman BC 468 .75 .75 .75 Early Detection: Non-Native Vines Hands-On Plant Monika Chandler, Christina CC 120 .75 .75 Basch, Sascha Lodge Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species CC 125 Navigating Tree Removal Efforts Under the New Northern Long-Eared Bat Guidance Lucas Wandrie .75 .75 Laura Iles CC 312 Landscape Insect Pests of the Upper Midwest .75 .75 Rebecca Hargrave CC 313 Basic Tree Biology for Arborists .75 .75 .75 .75 .75 Madisson Masucci CC 331 Urban Silviculture: Understanding When Removing Trees Helps .75 .75 .75 Michelle Grabowski CC 430 Invasive Tree Diseases: Rusts, Phytoplasmas, and Phytopthoras .75 .75 .75 Rebecca Seibel Eastlund Women’s Leadership in Arboriculture .75 .75 .75 Nick Kantola HC 413 Drought Stress Management with Plant Growth Regulators .75 .75 .75 Vinicius Marcilio-Silva HC 414 Measuring Urban Forest Biodiversity Using Remote Sensing .75 .75 Emerging Invasive Flora and Fungi in Minnesota: European Common Reed and Red Star Rust Julia Bohnen, Tiffany Enzenbacher RC 417 .75 .75 Jonathan Osthus, Rachel Morice RC 422 MN EAB Update and Resources for Funding Your EAB Program .75 .75 .75 Randall Miller Underground .75 .75 Working Around Power Lines .75 .75 .75

BC BC BC MS US TWS TSP CA MA-M MA-P MA-S

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

CONCURRENTQSESSIONS

Why We Should Make Small Pruning Cuts Using IPM to Protect Pollinators and Plants The Untold History of Women in Arboriculture Early Detection: Non-Native Trees, Shrubs, and Herbaceous Plants Hands-On Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species Close Encounters of the Herbicide Kind Impacts to Trees from Recent Droughts and Floods Wood Decay Fungi & Tree Risk Assessments Introduction to Defoliating Insects of Conifers Climate-Ready Woodlands: Rewilding Your Backyard Woods Pruning Young Trees for Long-Term Structure and Stability

Greg Dahle Erin Buchholz Jean Zimmerman Monika Chandler, Sascha Lodge, Laura Van Riper, Jen Larson Glen Stanosz Brian Schwingle Christine Balk Eric Otto Gary Wyatt Hugo Matus Environmental Justice and Urban Greenspaces Work / Helping Communities Get Started Molly Codding Marielle Mateo, Emma Vanhdy Adaptive Silviculture and Urban Forest Tree Survival Update Vera Krischik Borers: Their Cause and Management Ground Operations: How the Most Recent Hire Becomes Your Most Important Employee Rebecca Seibel MN State Patrol MN State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo

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Benson Hall .75 .75 BC 411 .75 .75 BC 468 .75 .75 CC 120

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CC 125 .75 CC 312 .75 CC 313 .75 .75 CC 331 .75 CC 430 .75 Eastlund .75 HC 413 .75 .75 HC 414 .75 .75 RC 417 .75 Underground .75 East Lot .75 .75

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WEDNESDAY SESSIONS for March 13, 2024 Some session titles and other details subject to change.

CA = Certified Arborist BCMA-M = Board Certified Master Arborist-Management BCMA-P = Board Certified Master Arborist-Practice BCMA-S = Board Certified Master Arborist-Science MS = Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist US = Certified Arborist Utility Specialist TWS = Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist TSP = Certified Treecare Safety Professional BC BC BC MS US TWS TSP Room CA MA-M MA-P MA-S 7:45–8:40 AM Collecting Tree Seeds for Reforestation in Europe and the US in Times of Weather Extremes Kay Busemann 1 1 8:40–9:35 AM The Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area Urban Long Term Ecological Research Program Sarah Hobbie Benson 1 1 Hall Hannibal Hayes 9:35–10:30 AM Minnesota's Future Urban Forest 1 1

General Sessions

Speaker(s)

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM

BC BC BC MS US TWS TSP CA MA-M MA-P MA-S

CONCURRENTQSESSIONS

Kent Honl Benson Hall .75 Retrenchment, Rejuvenation, Restoration and Reduction .75 .75 .75 Daniel Gjertson BC 411 Tips and Tricks of the Trade for Arborists .75 .75 .75 .75 Dennis Fallon BC 468 We Have Cool Jobs: You Could Have One Too! .75 .75 .75 Early Detection: Invasive Insect Hands-On Identification Marissa Streifel, Brian Schwingle, CC 120 .75 .75 Jennifer Burington, Gary Wyatt and Common Look-a-Like Species Kenny Blumenfeld CC 125 Understanding Minnesota's Climate: Observations, Trends & Projections .75 .75 Casey Snyder CC 312 Root & Soil Care: Fixing What We Mess Up .75 .75 .75 Dave Hanson CC 313 Identification Basics and Tips for Experts: Leaves, Buds, Fruit and Bark .75 .75 .75 Megan O’Neil CC 430 MN Forest Health Update .75 .75 Eastlund Woody Plants for Minnesota Landscapes: Selection Principles and Useful Species Brandon Miller .75 .75 .75 Nimaawanji'idimin Giiwitaashkodeng: Together We are Gathering Around the Fire Melonee Montano, Evan Larson HC 413 .75 .75 Michaela Neu HC 414 Green Minneapolis' Carbon Offset Program .75 .75 .75 RC 422 Jumping Worms in Minnesota: What to Know About These Emerging Species Laura Van Riper .75 .75

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM Mentoring the New Generation Using the Trees and Construction Best Management Practices

BC BC BC MS US TWS TSP CA MA-M MA-P MA-S

CONCURRENTQSESSIONS

Sydney Hudzinski Benson Hall .75 .75 .75 Ryan Gilpin BC 411 .75 .75 .75 Writing for the Trees: How Arborists Can Communicate With the World and Have Fun Doing it Jean Zimmerman BC 468 .75 .75 .75 Early Detection: Non-Native Vines Hands-On Plant Monika Chandler, Christina CC 120 .75 .75 Basch, Sascha Lodge Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species CC 125 Navigating Tree Removal Efforts Under the New Northern Long-Eared Bat Guidance Lucas Wandrie .75 .75 Laura Iles CC 312 Landscape Insect Pests of the Upper Midwest .75 .75 Rebecca Hargrave CC 313 Basic Tree Biology for Arborists .75 .75 .75 .75 .75 Madisson Masucci CC 331 Urban Silviculture: Understanding When Removing Trees Helps .75 .75 .75 Michelle Grabowski CC 430 Invasive Tree Diseases: Rusts, Phytoplasmas, and Phytopthoras .75 .75 .75 Rebecca Seibel Eastlund Women’s Leadership in Arboriculture .75 .75 .75 Nick Kantola HC 413 Drought Stress Management with Plant Growth Regulators .75 .75 .75 Vinicius Marcilio-Silva HC 414 Measuring Urban Forest Biodiversity Using Remote Sensing .75 .75 Emerging Invasive Flora and Fungi in Minnesota: Julia Bohnen, Tiffany RC 417 .75 .75 Enzenbacher European Common Reed and Red Star Rust Jonathan Osthus, Rachel Morice RC 422 MN EAB Update and Resources for Funding Your EAB Program .75 .75 .75 Nick Grebe Underground .75 Productive Throwline .75 .75 .75

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

CONCURRENTQSESSIONS

Urban Tree Success Stories Using IPM to Protect Pollinators and Plants The Untold History of Women in Arboriculture Early Detection: Non-Native Trees, Shrubs, and Herbaceous Plants Hands-On Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species Close Encounters of the Herbicide Kind Impacts to Trees from Recent Droughts and Floods Wood Decay Fungi & Tree Risk Assessments Introduction to Defoliating Insects of Conifers Climate-Ready Woodlands: Rewilding Your Backyard Woods Pruning Young Trees for Long-Term Structure and Stability

BC BC BC MS US TWS TSP CA MA-M MA-P MA-S

Andrew Hillman Benson Hall .75 Erin Buchholz BC 411 .75 Jean Zimmerman BC 468 .75 .75 Monika Chandler, Sascha Lodge, CC 120 .75 Laura Van Riper, Jen Larson Glen Stanosz CC 125 .75 Brian Schwingle CC 312 .75 Christine Balk CC 313 .75 .75 Eric Otto CC 331 .75 Gary Wyatt CC 430 .75 Hugo Matus Eastlund .75 Environmental Justice and Urban Greenspaces Work / Helping Communities Get Started Molly Codding HC 413 .75 .75 Marielle Mateo, Emma Vanhdy HC 414 Adaptive Silviculture and Urban Forest Tree Survival Update .75 .75 Vera Krischik RC 417 Borers: Their Cause and Management .75 Ground Operations: How the Most Recent Hire Becomes Your Most Important Employee Rebecca Seibel Underground .75

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Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Session Descriptions (Some session titles and other details subject to change.) 7:45am – 8:40am

Are You a Leader or a Boss? ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Randall Miller, CNUC

Professional arboriculture requires strong leadership. This presentation contrasts leaders and bosses. It explains why accomplished leaders build successful teams that are a pleasure to be part of, while bosses are destructive, and create a dysfunctional, toxic work environment. It explains why by exploring human nature, the biological basis for leadership, the consistency of prominent leadership thought influencers, the importance of understanding different personality types and why a high emotional intelligence quotient is so important for us to become effective leaders. In the end, the presentation provides a roadmap on how to inspire our teams to achieve the positive results to which we are dedicated as arborists. 8:40am – 9:35am

Oaks, Fire, and Climate Change

ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Heather Holm, Pollinator Conservationist Natural landscapes in the US and Canada have been drastically altered by human activities such as infrastructure development, logging, overgrazing, introduction of invasive species, and fire suppression. However, prior to Euro-American settlement, highly functional and biodiverse oak and/or pine grassland systems dominated throughout much of the continent. With the current threat of climate change, it is crucial to understand the past and present ecological conditions of these landscapes to inform future restoration efforts. This presentation will look into the past to understand grassland systems at the time of Euro-American settlement and discuss how Native Americans managed and influenced the composition of these grassland systems with their regular use of fire. We will also discuss the impacts of fire as a strong selective pressure on keystone plants and bees. Pivoting to look into the future using projected climate modeling, we will address the ecological conditions today, focusing on oak ecosystems and grasslands, then paint a picture of what a functional, biodiverse, and resilient landscape may look like in the future, and what actions are needed to achieve these outcomes. 9:35am – 10:30am

Arboriculture is a Team Sport

ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: John Ball, South Dakota State University

12:30pm – 1:15pm

Tips and Tricks of the Trade for Arborists

ROOM: BC 411 Speaker: Daniel Gjertson, University of Minnesota Having worked with numerous arborists throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado I have been exposed to many great approaches to tasks involved in everyday tree care. Certain tools available for rigging and climbing can be used in creative ways to make the work more efficient and even enjoyable! Throughout the session I will present and demonstrate some of these tips and tricks that I find important to share. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Utility Tree Risk Assessment

ROOM: BC 468 Speaker: Greg Dahle, West Virginia University Tree risk assessment protocols are not only used for managing our street or yard trees. The Utility Tree Risk Assessment BMP details how to apply risk assessment protocols in utility forestry. We will explore how to use these UTRA BMP or your TRAQ qualification to manage the large population of trees along utility corridors. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Early Detection: Invasive Insect Hands-On Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species ROOM: CC 120 Speakers: Marissa Streifel, US Forest Service; Brian Schwingle, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Jennifer Burington, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Gary Wyatt, UMN Extension

Insects included in this session are: Asian longhorn beetle, spongy moth, oak wilt, spotted lanternfly, Asiatic garden beetle and elm seed bug. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Arboriculture is one of the highest risk occupations in the United States, but it does not have to be that way. Safety starts at the sale of the job, how the work was scheduled, and the crew. This session will illustrate how companies that work as a team from sale to completion can be the safest. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Tree Cabling/Bracing as a Benefit and Risk in Modern Arboriculture ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Kay Busemann, Baumpflege-Team Busemann / Baumpflegeschule Busemann

Cabling a tree with ropes to prevent it from breaking apart sounds easy. But there is a thin line between making a tree safer or more dangerous. It is important to understand how trees move in strong wind and in the resulting turbulences. If we install a rope system, even if it is made out of dynamic ropes, it will change the way the tree is transferring the energy

2024 Program Guide

of the wind into motion. If the tree shows no defect there is little need for a bracing system. If there is a defect and we decide to install a supporting rope system, there is an imported need of a maintaining plan. The system has to be monitored, trimmed and changed if necessary. Cabling a tree with a defect can help make the tree safer if we try to understand the movement we want to control. There are many ways to install the right system; we have to choose the one for that tree in this situation.

Understanding Minnesota's Climate: Observations, Trends & Projections ROOM: CC 125 Speaker: Kenny Blumenfeld, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

During the 2020s (so far), the state has had three straight years of significant growing season drought somewhere in Minnesota. However, these droughts have been broken by heavy and even record-setting cool-season precipitation regimes. The result has been to boost annual precipitation well above what has been typical historically during drought years. Moreover, the state has continued to see heavy and extreme precipitation events, even during the dry growing seasons, and some of these have been historically large or intense. When adding it all up, the early 2020s stand out as the “wettest dry period on record.” This presentation will examine predominant climate trends and projections in Minnesota, with particular emphasis on precipitation and hydroclimatic extremes.

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Tuesday Session Descriptions, continued 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Root & Soil Care: Fixing What We Mess Up ROOM: CC 312 Speaker: Casey Snyder, Consultant

Urban environments are rarely ideal for growing healthy trees. From the nursery, to planting, to long-term care, our urban trees are stressed. Often, the best tree work happens at the root flare. This talk blends technical information, practical applications, and personal insights to get to the root of the problem. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Identification Basics and Tips for Experts: Leaves, Buds, Fruit, and Bark

12:30pm – 1:15pm

ROOM: CC 313 Speaker: Dave Hanson, MnDOT

Jumping Worms in Minnesota: What to Know About This Emerging Species

Encountering an unfamiliar tree or shrub provides opportunity and a challenge to learn. We’ll cover a few individual species of deciduous trees and finish with a glimpse at a few coniferous species as well. This presentation will provide insight into seeking identifying clues and interpreting them to aid in tree identification.

ROOM: RC 422 Speaker: Laura Van Riper, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

12:30pm – 1:15pm

MN Forest Health Update

ROOM: CC 430 Speaker: Megan O’Neil, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources In this session, we will cover many of the forest health issues that the DNR surveyed across the state of Minnesota in 2023. Topics covered will include new emerald ash borer finds and updates on spruce budworm and eastern larch beetle. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Woody Plants for Minnesota Landscapes: Selection Principles and Useful Species ROOM: EASTLUND Speaker: Brandon Miller, University of Minnesota

12:30pm – 1:15pm

Nimaawanji'idimin Giiwitaashkodeng: Together We are Gathering Around the Fire

ROOM: HC 413 Speakers: Melonee Montano, University of Minnesota and Evan Larson, University of Wisconsin-Platteville This session, co-presented by Evan Larson and Melonee Montano, will describe their collaborative work weaving indigenous knowledge and western science to tell a more complete, honest, and accurate history of people and fire in Great Lakes Forests.

Green Minneapolis' Carbon Offset Program ROOM: HC 414 Speaker: Michaela Neu, Green Minneapolis

www.MNSTSC.org

Jumping worms are new to Minnesota. They eat mulch and strip vital nutrients from topsoil. This makes it hard for plants to grow and increases erosion. Learn about the impacts of jumping worms, how to identify jumping worms, known current distribution, actions you can take, and research and regulatory updates. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

MN State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo ROOM: OUTDOOR EXHIBIT AREA / EAST PARKING LOT Speaker: Minnesota State Patrol Officers

A truck and trailer will be set up for the demo and a Minnesota State Patrol officer will be on hand to discuss the most frequent types of commercial vehicle citations and how to satisfy state and federal requirements. Bring your questions! 1:30pm – 2:15pm

The need to identify and utilize diverse species and selections of woody landscape plants capable of tolerating the climatic demands of the Upper Midwest is a forefront goal in the northern green industry. We will review principles of good plant selection and introduce some valuable plants for landscape use.

12:30pm – 1:15pm

to address the most harmful impacts of climate change on our region’s residents, it is a vision to increase the metro area’s tree canopy by planting and maintaining millions of additional trees on public and private lands. This initiative includes identifying new funding sources for tree planting and maintenance, including establishing Minnesota’s first urban tree carbon offset program. Green Minneapolis has enrolled over 33,000 urban trees in its carbon offset program, ensuring that these trees will be protected and maintained for at least 25 years. As project operator, Green Minneapolis is responsible for selling the carbon offsets released to the projects and proceeds from the sales of these carbon offsets that will fund additional tree planting and maintenance by our partners.

Ropes, Knots, and Hot Forged Aluminum

ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Scott Ferris, Arborsmith Tree Care and Nick Grebe, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board We will be walking through an entire tree climb from start to finish. At each step in the climb, we will go over various options and techniques that could be used in different situations we all encounter daily. We will specifically touch on Throwline theory and technique. We will go over Route planning. We will talk about Moving rope and Stationary rope anchors and techniques. There will be all kinds of current climbing gear on display and information about how it can be used to make our work easier on our bodies, safer, and more productive. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

Using the Trees and Construction Best Management Practices ROOM: BC 411 Speaker: Ryan Gilpin, Nidus Consulting

Many communities are asking for more trees to be preserved on construction sites, bringing arborists and landscapers to potentially unfamiliar projects as part of the design and construction team. The International Society of Arboriculture has updated the best management practices regarding trees and construction. Ryan will cover some of the important changes to the 3rd edition and how he uses these ideas on his projects.

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1:30pm – 2:15pm

Writing for the Trees: How Arborists Can Communicate With the World and Have Fun Doing it ROOM: BC 468 Speaker: Jean Zimmerman, Certified Arborist and Author

This interactive presentation will help participants understand the benefits of good written communication. Writing and arboriculture might seem to be two vastly different pursuits. One is abstract, we might think, while the other is concrete. With one, you’re getting your hands dirty, while for the other you rely on a sterile keyboard and a screen. However, putting together an effective piece of writing is valuable for arborists, now more than ever. Communication with peers and the chain of command in your company, with clients, with municipalities or nonprofits with whom you must deal — all benefit from decent prose. For those who find they take to the written word, many vehicles exist that would welcome an article from an arborist’s point of view, and publishing can give you and your subject invaluable exposure. We will cover the roadblocks that might stymie professionals along the way, the first being an elemental discomfort with writing that so many people share. Lastly, I will offer action steps for those who want to polish their writing skills and utilize words to their advantage in the marketplace of arboricultural ideas.

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Urban Silviculture: Understanding When Removing Trees Helps ROOM: CC 331 Speaker: Madisson Masucci, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Managing urban forested areas comes with unique challenges that include both operational issues as well as public engagement issues. This talk will explore tree removal in urban silviculture practices and how to approach the various challenges that persist in managing urban forested settings. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

Invasive Tree Diseases: Rusts, Phytoplasmas, and Phytopthoras

ROOM: CC 430 Speaker: Michelle Grabowski, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Early Detection: Non-Native Vines Hands-On Plant Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species

Learn about emerging and invasive tree diseases that have been detected in or threaten Minnesota. This talk will discuss how to identify and respond to emerging disease problems.

ROOM: CC 120 Speakers: Monika Chandler, Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Christina Basch, Minnesota Department of Transportation; and Sascha Lodge, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Plants included in this session are: Japanese hops, red hailstone, porcelain berry, round leaf bittersweet, black and pale swallow-wort, rough potato and possibly hardy kiwi. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

Navigating Tree Removal Efforts Under the New Northern Long-Eared Bat Guidance ROOM: CC 125 Speaker: Lucas Wandrie, WSB

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) changed the status of the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) under the federal Endangered Species Act from federally Threatened to Endangered in December 2022. The bat’s federal status officially changed to endangered on March 31, 2023. Northern long-eared bats overwinter in caves or mines and roost in trees in wooded areas or wooded areas adjacent to other habitats, such as grasslands or agricultural cropland. The USFWS provided guidelines for tree removal activities throughout the species’ range that will take effect after April 1, 2024. Projects that involve tree removal will need to adhere to these guidelines to avoid direct or indirect northern long-eared bat take and remain in compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act. Understanding the new guidelines is needed to successfully navigate them.

Women’s Leadership in Arboriculture

ROOM: EASTLUND Speaker: Rebecca Seibel, Tree Spirit Consulting In this interactive session, we'll talk about what it takes to be a strong, benign leader. Be prepared to have a lively interactive discussion! Rebecca will share what she has learned over the years through the school of hard knocks, and otherwise. There is no one key to success; there are keys. In order to unlock your greatest gifts, and best potential for each time in your life, you’ve got to recognize your strengths, recognize strengths in others, and be willing to act when the timing dictates. All genders welcome! 1:30pm – 2:15pm

Drought Stress Management with Plant Growth Regulators ROOM: HC 413 Speaker: Nick Kantola, Rainbow Treecare

Many of our urban trees are struggling on the heels of several years of drought. Attendees will learn how we can use the physical changes caused by paclobutrazol treatments in trees to help mitigate the stress caused by moisture deficit. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

Measuring Urban Forest Biodiversity Using Remote Sensing

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Landscape Insect Pests of the Upper Midwest ROOM: CC 312 Speaker: Laura Iles, Iowa State University

ROOM: HC 414 Speaker: Vinicius Marcilio-Silva, MSP-LTER, University of Minnesota

Learn about the most common insect pests you are likely to encounter in the landscape, why they are a pest problem, and some management recommendations. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

Basic Tree Biology for Arborists

2024 Program Guide

work? This presentation will review the basic tenets of tree growth, biology, physiology, and how trees respond to pruning techniques and damage. In addition to providing a greater appreciation of how trees survive and react to their environment, understanding these concepts allows us to make better decisions about the timing, severity, and type of pruning, ultimately improving our trees' longevity and outcomes.

Join us for an insightful workshop delving into the urban forests research of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Long Term Ecological Research. Discover how the fusion of remote sensing and field observations greatly improves our ability to monitor and conserve biodiversity. Explore themes including urban landscape ecology, the power of spectral information in remote sensing, leveraging Machine Learning models, and uncovering the driving forces behind forest diversity within the MSP Metropolitan Area. Gain practical insights that bridge cutting-edge technology with conservation efforts.

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Tuesday Session Descriptions, continued 3:00pm – 3:45pm

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Emerging Invasive Flora and Fungi in Minnesota: European Common Reed and Red Star Rust

The Untold History of Women in Arboriculture

ROOM: BC 468 Speaker: Jean Zimmerman, Certified Arborist and Author

ROOM: RC 417 Speaker: Julia Bohnen and Tiffany Enzenbacher, University of Minnesota

European common reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) and red star rust (Gymnosporangium yamadae) are emerging non-native plant/ plant pathogenic fungi positioned to impact Minnesota’s economy and ecosystems. Invasive phragmites is an aggressive non-native grass that has taken over vast areas in other states, though the scale of invasion in Minnesota still offers hope for effective management. Red star rust is a new fungal disease of apple and flowering crabapple that was positively identified in Minnesota in fall 2022. Information on the background, identification, current research, and control efforts being conducted on invasive phragmites and red star rust will be presented by researchers from the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

MN EAB Update and Resources for Funding Your EAB Program

The business of caring for trees is today overwhelmingly male, with women making up only twelve percent of arborists and a much lower ratio in the rough and tumble world of climbing and pruning. Yet unacknowledged figures and unexpected developments abound within the depths of our woodlands. Any effort to understand the American forest has to take into account previously overlooked, discounted, disenfranchised or forgotten expressions. This presentation will treat some of the myriad of women not often mentioned in the canon, including among others a pioneering wilderness diarist, sisters who preserved one city’s extensive parkland, one individual who fought for the Bay Area’s redwoods and another who grew up in a pre-eminent logging family and went on to save a famous old-growth tract of white pines. Theirs is a secret history, buried in timeworn assumptions about what women of their time did or did not do, should or should not do. Bringing the idea of gender disparity forward to the present, I will describe a cohort of tough and talented female arborists who refuse to be left out of the narrative. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Early Detection: Non-Native Trees, Shrubs, and Herbaceous Plants Hands-On Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species

ROOM: RC 422 Speaker: Jonathan Osthus, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Rachel Morice, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Jonathan Osthus will give an overview of the current status of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Minnesota and Rachel Morice will share perspective about previous successful EAB management projects and forthcoming DNR funding for communities to deal with EAB. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

ROOM: CC 120 Speakers: Monika Chandler, Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Sascha Lodge, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Laura Van Riper, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Jen Larson, US Forest Service Plants included in this session are: unidentified buckthorns, tree-ofheaven (spotted lanternfly), European mountain ash, yellow archangel, periwinkle, barberries and stiltgrass.

Working Around Power Lines ROOM: UNDERGROUND Speaker: Randall Miller, CNUC

By attending this session you will be able to understand an overview of the electrical system, recognize electrical safety risks, describe electrical safety precautions outlined in ANSI Z133, and explain human performance-based incident prevention.

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Herbicides can be useful tools for management of residential and forest landscapes. But it seems that more and more often trees are “non-target” victims of many commonly applied herbicides. Damage may be acute or chronic, and difficult to positively attribute to chemical application. Learn symptoms exhibited by trees exposed to common herbicides, and the implications for trees, tree owners, and arborists.

Why We Should Make Small Pruning Cuts ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Greg Dahle, West Virginia University

Branch failure can be caused by wind, ice, snow, or a climber aloft in a tree and can result in costly property damage, personal injury, power outages, or road blockage. To understand how a branch deals with loading, we will explore how loads move through the vulnerable region of a branch union/fork. Then discuss why small cuts are biologically better than larger cuts and impacts of decay on after pruning. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Using IPM to Protect Pollinators and Plants ROOM: BC 411 Speaker: Erin Buchholz, University of Minnesota

The desire for healthy woody and herbaceous plants can put other desirable life at risk. Agriculture, horticulture, and arboriculture have common pesticides that harm pollinators, effectively harming the very systems we are trying to protect. This session outlines ways to find and maintain balance.

www.MNSTSC.org

Close Encounters of the Herbicide Kind

ROOM: CC 125 Speaker: Glen Stanosz, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Impacts to Trees from Recent Droughts and Floods

ROOM: CC 312 Speaker: Brian Schwingle, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources In the last decade, Minnesota has experienced more growing seasons with extreme precipitation than in any prior decade with weather records. These extreme precipitation fluctuations are stressful to trees, and tree pests have the advantage. You'll learn about our climate extremes and resulting tree pest issues in this session.

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3:00pm – 3:45pm

Wood Decay Fungi & Tree Risk Assessments ROOM: CC 313 Speaker: Christine Balk, Davey Tree

In this session you will learn how to identify certain wood decay fungi found on urban trees and the effects each can have on a trees structural stability and health.

tree care is valuable for repairing a history of disenfranchisement for communities of color, low-income neighborhoods, and other experiences of marginalization (i.e. limited English proficiency). Molly welcomes participants to bring their experience, feedback, and questions about community engagement to the discussion for real-time resource sharing and workshopping. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Adaptive Silviculture and Urban Forest Tree Survival Update

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Introduction to Defoliating Insects of Conifers

ROOM: CC 331 Speaker: Eric Otto, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Some of the most destructive insects of conifers are categorized as defoliators. These insects can eat or mine the needles of different species of conifers. This talk will be an introduction to the conifer feeding caterpillars, sawfly larvae, and other insects that feed on Minnesota’s conifers. Identification, biology, and management will be discussed. Insects that will be covered in detail include different species of sawflies, budworms, needleminers, and more. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Climate-Ready Woodlands: Rewilding Your Backyard Woods ROOM: CC 430 Speaker: Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota Extension

We'll take a deep dive into our new Climate-Ready Woodlands project, which features tree and plant recommendation lists for creating climateresilient forests and backyard woods. These climate-resilient, micro fauna-friendly lists were developed for each ecoregion of Minnesota using climate projection data from the MN Department of Natural Resources and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Pruning Young Trees for Long-Term Structure and Stability ROOM: EASTLUND Speaker: Hugo Matus, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Attend this session to learn how to prune trees based on their location (e.g. parks, front or backyard, boulevard, etc.). We will cover how to build a better structure for long-term success. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

ROOM: HC 414 Speaker: Marielle Mateo and Emma Vanhdy, Mississippi Park Connection The Plant for the Future (PFF) project was a joint Mississippi Park Connection and National Park Service campaign to plant 15,000 trees throughout the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area from 2017-2021, addressing canopy gaps from emerald ash borer and low natural floodplain regeneration. The Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) is an international network of research plots developed in partnership between researchers and managers. In 2020, the first urban and floodplain forest installation in the network was established at Crosby Farm Regional Park, with trees planted from the PFF campaign. We will share background information and preliminary results from the ASCC plots and the PFF campaign. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Borers: Their Cause and Management

ROOM: RC 417 Speaker: Vera Krischik, University of Minnesota Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines multiple tactics to control pests, including cultural management, insecticides, and proper identification. Borers are difficult to identify, as the first hint is bark damage. However, damage is unique to each borer family. We will discuss how to manage borers with cultural changes, insecticides, and biocontrol. Krischik will discuss in detail the 14 most common borers and their related families. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Ground Operations: How the Most Recent Hire Becomes Your Most Important Employee ROOM: UNDERGROUND Speaker: Rebecca Seibel, Tree Spirit Consulting

Environmental Justice and Urban Greenspaces Work / Helping Communities Get Started

ROOM: HC 413 Speaker: Molly Codding, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources During this concurrent session, attendees will receive an orientation to urban and community forestry environmental justice efforts in Minnesota along with an invitation to build your organizational capacity to center community in equitable canopy solutions. The Minnesota DNR is one of the first states in the country to add staff dedicated to supporting communities who experience systemic injustices and disproportionate environmental burdens. Over the past year and a half, we've prioritized our program's time, resources and energy to practicing meaningful engagement, supporting community interest in intersectional goals, and rooting partnerships in healthy doses of truth, transparency and humility. Our program is building awareness of how environmental justice

In this interactive session, we'll discuss everything ground related. If you have new employees, get them here. We'll talk chipper safety, rope management, ground knots, chainsaw etiquette, and order of operations. A great place to take notes for your new hires. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

MN State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo ROOM: OUTDOOR EXHIBIT AREA / EAST PARKING LOT Speaker: Minnesota State Patrol Officers

Disclaimer

Although every reasonable effort is made to provide the speakers, topics, and sessions listed, some changes or substitutions may occur. Speakers and sessions are subject to cancellation or changes up to and including the day the session(s) are scheduled to be held. Changes or cancellations are made at the discretion of event management and may be done without notifying attendees. If sessions are changed or cancelled, no refunds should be expected. Submission of the registration form acknowledges acceptance of this provision.

2024 Program Guide

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www.MNSTSC.org

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Session Descriptions (Some session titles and other details subject to change.) 12:30pm – 1:15pm

7:45am – 8:40am

Collecting Tree Seeds for Reforestation in Europe and the US in Times of Weather Extremes

Tips and Tricks of the Trade for Arborists

ROOM: BC 411 Speaker: Daniel Gjertson, University of Minnesota

ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Kay Busemann, Baumpflege-Team Busemann / Baumpflegeschule Busemann

In Germany we have a long history of a more or less sustainable forest industry. Most of the forest is planted. Nearly every tree comes out of a nursery. But how is the seed coming to the nursery? Through the hands of the seed collector, or conepicker. We climb trees with ropes and without spikes. We pick cones out of conifers and shake seeds out of deciduous trees, catching them with nets. In the time of fire and drought there is a great need for tree seeds for reforestation. But as it is in nature, we are not in command. Weather changes the timing of the pollination and the ripening of the seeds. During the seasons we face heatwaves, thunderstorms, snow, and wind. This makes our life as collectors totally unplannable and sometimes uncomfortable. It is difficult to attract young climbers for a job where they have to learn a lot besides the climbing technique. We must be a long time away from home, and we never know what we really find in the trees. But every season we are picking millions of seeds from different species for the future forest. This, in addition to the beauty and adventures, are the big motivators to come back to the forest every season. 8:40am – 9:35am

ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Sarah Hobbie, University of Minnesota

Sarah Hobbie will describe a new urban long-term ecological research program centered in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. This new project explores interactions between people and nature in cities, with foci on urban forests, pollinators, and surface water, towards understanding the ecological and social consequences of urban environmental impacts on nature. 9:35am – 10:30am

Minnesota's Future Urban Forest

ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Hannibal Hayes, Urban Forestry Professional It is more apparent than ever that Minnesota's climate is changing due to the effects of global warming. Scientists now project that our climate will be more like that of Nebraska and Kansas by the end of this century. So what does that actually mean? Do trees grow in these states and if so, are similar species already here in Minnesota? Come for the picture show and stay for a horticulturalist's perspective on climate change.

Retrenchment, Rejuvenation, Restoration and Reduction ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Kent Honl, Rainbow Treecare

This session aims to bring clarity to what has become a confusing subject: retrenchment of trees. Even in Europe, where the concept of retrenchment originated, there seems to be little agreement on what it means. We will consider definitions of each term listed in the title, and how each one can be applied to our practice as arborists.

2024 Program Guide

12:30pm – 1:15pm

We Have Cool Jobs. You Could Have One Too! ROOM: BC 468 Speaker: Dennis Fallon, Utility Arborist Association

Not everyone likes having sawdust in their bellybutton. The utility arborist space has roles that folks may not have considered as viable natural resource career opportunities before. And, many of those roles do not require making sawdust on a daily basis. Come explore rewarding arboricultural opportunities where the emphasis is on balancing trees AND utilities across North America. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Early Detection: Invasive Insect Hands-On Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species

ROOM: CC 120 Speakers: Marissa Streifel, US Forest Service; Brian Schwingle, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Jennifer Burington, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Gary Wyatt, UMN Extension

Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area Urban Long Term Ecological Research Program

12:30pm – 1:15pm

Having worked with numerous arborists throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado I have been exposed to many great approaches to tasks involved in everyday tree care. Certain tools available for rigging and climbing can be used in creative ways to make the work more efficient and even enjoyable! Throughout the session I will present and demonstrate some of these tips and tricks that I find important to share.

Insects included in this session are: Asian longhorn beetle, spongy moth, oak wilt, spotted lanternfly, Asiatic garden beetle and elm seed bug. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

Understanding Minnesota's Climate: Observations, Trends & Projections ROOM: CC 125 Speaker: Kenny Blumenfeld, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Root & Soil Care: Fixing What We Mess Up ROOM: CC 312 Speaker: Casey Snyder, Consultant

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12:30pm – 1:15pm

ROOM: CC 313 Speaker: Dave Hanson, MnDOT

ROOM: RC 422 Speaker: Laura Van Riper, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Identification Basics and Tips for Experts: Leaves, Buds, Fruit, and Bark

Jumping Worms in Minnesota: What to Know About This Emerging Species

Encountering a tree or shrub that is unfamiliar provides opportunity and challenge to learn. We’ll cover a few individual species of deciduous trees and finish with a glimpse at a few coniferous species as well. This presentation will provide insight into seeking identifying clues and interpreting them to aid in tree identification. 12:30pm – 1:15pm

MN Forest Health Update

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Woody Plants for Minnesota Landscapes: Selection Principles and Useful Species ROOM: EASTLUND Speaker: Brandon Miller, University of Minnesota

Nimaawanji'idimin Giiwitaashkodeng: Together We are Gathering Around the Fire

Mentoring the New Generation

ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Sydney Hudzinski, City of Plymouth The dynamic of the work environment is changing and the way we "train" needs to keep pace. This isn't the same industry anymore. New employees do not want to work for years for knowledge, advancement, and pay. They will leave for the next company that will pay or offer them more. We as an industry need to recognize this and understand that the "old ways" are no longer keeping up with the new generation of workers. Leaders in this industry also need to see that this is not a bad thing, only an opportunity to become industry mentors. Having a more knowledgeable and skilled team creates a less stressed work environment and work-life balance for all involved. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

Using the Trees and Construction Best Management Practices ROOM: BC 411 Speaker: Ryan Gilpin, Nidus Consulting

Writing for the Trees: How Arborists Can Communicate With the World and Have Fun Doing it ROOM: BC 468 Speaker: Jean Zimmerman, Certified Arborist and Author

Green Minneapolis' Carbon Offset Program ROOM: HC 414 Speaker: Michaela Neu, Green Minneapolis

Green Minneapolis leads the Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiativea public/private partnership focused on significantly expanding the urban tree canopy across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Designed to address the most harmful impacts of climate change on our region’s residents, it is a vision to increase the metro area’s tree canopy by planting and maintaining millions of additional trees on public and private lands. This initiative includes identifying new funding sources for tree planting and maintenance, including establishing Minnesota’s first urban tree carbon offset program. Green Minneapolis has enrolled over 33,000 urban trees in its carbon offset program, ensuring that these trees will be protected and maintained for at least 25 years. As project operator, Green Minneapolis is responsible for selling the carbon offsets released to the projects and proceeds from the sales of these carbon offsets that will fund additional tree planting and maintenance by our partners.

www.MNSTSC.org

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Wednesday Session Descriptions, continued 1:30pm – 2:15pm

explore tree removal in urban silviculture practices and how to approach the various challenges that persist in managing urban forested settings.

ROOM: CC 120 Speakers: Monika Chandler, Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Christina Basch, Minnesota Department of Transportation; and Sascha Lodge, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Early Detection: Non-Native Vines Hands-On Plant Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species

Invasive Tree Diseases: Rusts, Phytoplasmas, and Phytopthoras

Plants included in this session are: Japanese hops, red hailstone, porcelain berry, round leaf bittersweet, black and pale swallow-wort, rough potato and possibly hardy kiwi. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

ROOM: CC 430 Speaker: Michelle Grabowski, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Learn about emerging and invasive tree diseases that have been detected in or threaten Minnesota. This talk will discuss how to identify and respond emerging disease problems.

Navigating Tree Removal Efforts Under the New Northern Long-Eared Bat Guidance

1:30pm – 2:15pm

In this interactive session, we'll talk about what it takes to be a strong, benign leader. Be prepared to have a lively interactive discussion! Rebecca will share what she has learned over the years through the school of hard knocks, and otherwise. There is no one key to success; there are keys. In order to unlock your greatest gifts, and best potential for each time in your life, you’ve got to recognize your strengths, recognize strengths in others, and be willing to act when the timing dictates. All genders welcome!

Women’s Leadership in Arboriculture

ROOM: EASTLUND Speaker: Rebecca Seibel, Tree Spirit Consulting

ROOM: CC 125 Speaker: Lucas Wandrie, WSB

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Landscape Insect Pests of the Upper Midwest ROOM: CC 312 Speaker: Laura Iles, Iowa State University

Drought Stress Management with Plant Growth Regulators ROOM: HC 413 Speaker: Nick Kantola, Rainbow Treecare

Measuring Urban Forest Biodiversity Using Remote Sensing

Learn about the most common insect pests you are likely to encounter in the landscape, why they are a pest problem, and some management recommendations.

ROOM: HC 414 Speaker: Vinicius Marcilio-Silva, MSP-LTER, University of Minnesota

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Basic Tree Biology for Arborists

ROOM: CC 313 Speaker: Rebecca Hargrave, State University of New York Morrisville As tree care practitioners, we use different techniques to achieve various pruning objectives. But how are we affecting the tree when we perform work? This presentation will review the basic tenets of tree growth, biology, physiology, and how trees respond to pruning techniques and damage. In addition to providing a greater appreciation of how trees survive and react to their environment, understanding these concepts allows us to make better decisions about the timing, severity, and type of pruning, ultimately improving our trees' longevity and outcomes. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

Urban Silviculture: Understanding When Removing Trees Helps ROOM: CC 331 Speaker: Madisson Masucci, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Managing urban forested areas comes with unique challenges that include both operational issues as well as public engagement issues. This talk will

2024 Program Guide

1:30pm – 2:15pm

Emerging Invasive Flora and Fungi in Minnesota: European Common Reed and Red Star Rust ROOM: RC 417 Speaker: Julia Bohnen and Tiffany Enzenbacher, University of Minnesota

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in Minnesota in fall 2022. Information on the background, identification, current research and control efforts being conducted on invasive Phragmites and red star rust will be presented by researchers from the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. 1:30pm – 2:15pm

MN EAB Update and Resources for Funding Your EAB Program

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Early Detection: Non-Native Trees, Shrubs, and Herbaceous Plants Hands-On Identification and Common Look-a-Like Species

Productive Throwline

Close Encounters of the Herbicide Kind

ROOM: UNDERGROUND Speaker: Nick Grebe, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board With the widespread use of SRS and multiple system climbing, throw line is the backbone of modern climbing. This session will use a case study looking at common techniques and how efficient and effective they are for setting climbing lines. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Urban Tree Success Stories

ROOM: BENSON HALL Speaker: Andrew Hillman, New York State Urban Forestry Council

ROOM: CC 125 Speaker: Glen Stanosz, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison Herbicides can be useful tools for management of residential and forest landscapes. But it seems that more and more often trees are “non-target” victims of many commonly applied herbicides. Damage may be acute or chronic, and difficult to positively attribute to chemical application. Learn symptoms exhibited by trees exposed to common herbicides, and the implications for trees, tree owners, and arborists. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

As a city forester and in collaboration with Professor Nina Bassuk of the Cornell University Urban Horticulture Institute, Andy Hillman established and evaluated many species and cultivars of urban trees. He also participated in evaluating new selections with the Schmidt’s Trial Pack program. Some of these trees proved to be very well adapted to urban conditions and thrived as street or park trees. This session will feature some of these success stories. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Using IPM to Protect Pollinators and Plants

Impacts to Trees from Recent Droughts and Floods

Wood Decay Fungi & Tree Risk Assessments

ROOM: BC 411 Speaker: Erin Buchholz, University of Minnesota

ROOM: CC 313 Speaker: Christine Balk, Davey Tree

In this session you will learn how to identify certain wood decay fungi found on urban trees and the effects each can have on a trees structural stability and health. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

The Untold History of Women in Arboriculture

Introduction to Defoliating Insects of Conifers

ROOM: BC 468 Speaker: Jean Zimmerman, Certified Arborist and Author

ROOM: CC 331 Speaker: Eric Otto, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The business of caring for trees is today overwhelmingly male, with women making up only twelve percent of arborists and a much lower ratio in the rough and tumble world of climbing and pruning. Yet unacknowledged figures and unexpected developments abound within the depths of our woodlands. Any effort to understand the American forest has to take into account previously overlooked, discounted, disenfranchised or forgotten expressions. This presentation will treat some of the myriad women not often mentioned in the canon, including among others a pioneering wilderness diarist, sisters who preserved one city’s extensive parkland, one individual who fought for the Bay Area’s redwoods and another who grew up in a pre-eminent logging family and went on to save a famous old-growth tract of white pines. Theirs is a secret history, buried in timeworn assumptions about what women of their time did or did not do, should or should not do. Bringing the idea of

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gender disparity forward to the present, I will describe a cohort of tough and talented female arborists who refuse to be left out of the narrative.

Some of the most destructive insects of conifers are categorized as defoliators. These insects can eat or mine the needles of different species of conifers. This talk will be an introduction to the conifer feeding caterpillars, sawfly larvae, and other insects that feed on Minnesota’s conifers. Identification, biology, and management will be discussed. Insects that will be covered in detail include different species of sawflies, budworms, needleminers, and more. 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Climate-Ready Woodlands: Rewilding Your Backyard Woods ROOM: CC 430 Speaker: Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota Extension

We'll take a deep dive into our new Climate-Ready Woodlands project, which features tree and plant recommendation lists for creating climate-

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Wednesday Session Descriptions, continued resilient forests and backyard woods. These climate-resilient, micro fauna-friendly lists were developed for each ecoregion of Minnesota using climate projection data from the MN Department of Natural Resources and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science.

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Adaptive Silviculture and Urban Forest Tree Survival Update ROOM: HC 414 Speaker: Marielle Mateo and Emma Vanhdy, Mississippi Park Connection

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Pruning Young Trees for Long-Term Structure and Stability ROOM: EASTLUND Speaker: Hugo Matus, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Environmental Justice and Urban Greenspaces Work / Helping Communities Get Started

ROOM: HC 413 Speaker: Molly Codding, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

3:00pm – 3:45pm

During this concurrent session, attendees will receive an orientation to urban & community forestry environmental justice efforts in Minnesota along with an invitation to build your organizational capacity to center community in equitable canopy solutions. The Minnesota DNR is one of the first states in the country to add staff dedicated to supporting communities who experience systemic injustices and disproportionate environmental burdens. Over the past year and a half, we've prioritized our program's time, resources and energy to practicing meaningful engagement, supporting community interest in intersectional goals, and rooting partnerships in healthy doses of truth, transparency and humility. Our program is building awareness of how environmental justice tree care is valuable for repairing a history of disenfranchisement for communities of color, low-income neighborhoods, and other experiences of marginalization (i.e. limited English proficiency). Molly welcomes participants to bring their experience, feedback, and questions about community engagement to the discussion for real-time resource sharing and workshopping.

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The Plant for the Future (PFF) project was a joint Mississippi Park Connection and National Park Service campaign to plant 15,000 trees throughout the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area from 2017-2021, addressing canopy gaps from emerald ash borer and low natural floodplain regeneration. The Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) is an international network of research plots developed in partnership between researchers and managers. In 2020, the first urban and floodplain forest installation in the network was established at Crosby Farm Regional Park, with trees planted from the PFF campaign. We will share background information and preliminary results from the ASCC plots and the PFF campaign.

Borers: Their Cause and Management

Ground Operations: How the Most Recent Hire Becomes Your Most Important Employee ROOM: UNDERGROUND Speaker: Rebecca Seibel, Tree Spirit Consulting

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To get our event app, download the Whova app on your mobile device. The event code is ShadeTree24. Use the app to access the event agenda and build a personal schedule, post on and browse the online job board, explore the professional profiles of event speakers and attendees, send in-app messages and exchange contact info, and receive update notifications from event organizers. 2024 Program Guide

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Speaker Biographies Christine Balk, Davey Tree Chrissy Balk is a plant pathologist-technical advisor for Davey Tree. She specializes in wood decay fungi, but her main job duties include office support, teaching, professional presentations (inside and outside of Davey), outreach, research and special projects. She received her undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University in biology, and her master’s degree from The Ohio State University in plant pathology. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Chrissy loves the Buffalo Bills and dogs. In her spare time, she likes to go to concerts, kayaking, hiking, and doing anything that involves nature. John Ball, South Dakota State University Dr. John Ball is a professor of forestry at South Dakota State University where he also serves as the extension forestry specialist and a campus arborist. He previously worked in Duluth, Minnesota with Arrowhead Tree and Landscape. Kenny Blumenfeld, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Dr. Kenneth (“Kenny”) Blumenfeld is a climate scientist who grew up in Minnesota with a love for storms, blizzards, and being outside. He works for the Minnesota State Climatology Office (DNR), where he provides the state’s agencies, communities, and citizens with up-to-date scientific information about Minnesota’s changing and variable climate. Kenny is also an adjunct faculty member with the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota. He enjoys talking to Minnesotans about their weather, and often does it long after the workday is done. Julia Bohnen, University of Minnesota Julia Bohnen is involved in both research and teaching related to ecological restoration and invasive species management. Her current research involving non-native Phragmites australis (common reed) has several facets: document populations in Minnesota, work with various stakeholders to facilitate a coordinated statewide control effort, and work with wastewater treatment facility operators to transition away from the use of invasive Phragmites for biosolids dewatering. Julia also facilitates a series of five online ecological restoration courses, offered through Minnesota Extension, that are targeted to early career professionals. She was the project manager for the Spring Peeper Meadow restoration at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum from its inception in 1995 until 2009. Bohnen holds a bachelor’s in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and an master’s from the University of Minnesota. Erin Buchholz, University of Minnesota Erin Buchholz has been the Plant Health Specialist (formerly IPM Specialist) at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum since 2018. With over 20 years of public horticulture experience and five years of K-2 teaching, Erin combines education

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with gardening to help keep the plant collections at the Arboretum as healthy as possible while protecting people and wildlife. Erin is currently working on jumping worm management with other University of Minnesota professors to find safe methods to drive them from our landscapes.

Kay Busemann, BaumpﬂegTeamBusemann Kay O. Busemann hasn’t stopped climbing trees since he was a child. He started working as a climbing arborist in 1986 and in 1991 founded his own company: BaumpflegeTeamBusemann. He is a a federal certified Master Arborist in Germany which there is entitled: Staatlich geprüfter Fachargrawirt für Baumpflege. In 1994, he began working in cone picking, forest seed collection, and seed-related forest evaluation with all kind of species. Kay later founded his own arborist and tree climber training school: Baumpflegeschule Busemann. He has given workshops and training classes throughout Europe and the United States. He manages and trains several arborist and tree seed collecting teams year-round and climbs every possible day with the teams. He works and climbs for universities, cities, and the German state collecting tree parts and seeds for research, as well as picking seeds for private seed vendors. He has been the European tree climbing champion twice as well as a two-time winner in the UK/Ireland. He continues to volunteer and set up the ETTC and the ITTC. Molly Codding, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Molly Codding is a mother, a neighbor, an advocate, and a scientist who is passionate about caring for communities and our environment. She made her way to forestry after examining meaningful ways to apply her background in public health, community organizing, environmental stewardship and health care delivery for social change. As the environmental justice coordinator for the MN-DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program, she is working with communities to support their priorities for involvement in community forestry decisions, ensuring access to state forestry resources, and working with community partners to break down barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration for environmental justice. Her favorite part of her job is building relationships with community members. When she’s not working, Molly can be found tending to her garden, cheering on her kids, and otherwise savoring life in the Midwest. Greg Dahle, West Virginia University Greg Dahle is an Associate Professor at West Virginia University where he teaches courses in urban forestry and arboriculture. Dr. Dahle’s arboricultural research utilizes biomechanical approaches to understand how trees grow and survive environmental loads. He was a practicing arborist and urban forester in California, working with commercial, municipal, and utility clients developing and implementing short- and longterm urban forest management plans. Dr. Dahle is an ISA BoardCertified Master Arborist and Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

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Speaker Biographies Tiffany Enzenbacher, University of Minnesota Tiffany Enzenbacher is a researcher in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Horticultural Science, where she is working to identify best management practices for red star rust caused by Gymnosporangium yamadae. Prior to this, Tiffany worked in the plant production departments of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston, MA for nine years and The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL for five years. She was also a lab manager in Boston College’s Department of Biology. Tiffany received her bachelor’s in plant sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2004 and her master’s in plant pathology from Michigan State University in 2011. Dennis Fallon, Utility Arborist Association Dennis Fallon is a Utility Arborist and the Executive Director of the Utility Arborist Association. Prior to his current role, he was responsible for leading vegetation management programs across several upper Midwest states on behalf of a large investor-owned utility. He’s also been an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he facilitated the Utility Vegetation Management Certificate Program – a combined effort of the Utility Arborist Association and the Utility Vegetation Management Association. Fallon has an undergraduate degree in Urban & Community Forestry and a master’s degree in forestry from the University of Minnesota-St. Paul. Scott Ferris, Arborsmith Tree Care Scott Ferris has been a climbing arborist for 12 years and is ISA certified and TRAQ qualified. He has a bachelor’s of Urban and Community Forestry from the U of M and has worked for a few small tree services for eight years. He ran his own tree service for four years which was full-service tree care and also a significant amount of sub-contract tree climbing. Scott is the current two-time Minnesota Society of Arboriculture tree climbing champion. He has been a rock climber for over 20 years and enjoys recreational tree climbing and volunteering to teach and talk about tree climbing at events like this. Ryan Gilpin, Nidus Consulting Ryan Gilpin is Principal Consultant at Nidus Consulting in Portland, Oregon and co-author of two best management practices: ISA’s Managing Trees During Construction and WCISA’s Tree Care for Wildlife. Ryan specializes in tree preservation projects, completing hundreds of projects and training several consulting arborists along the way. Daniel Gjertson, University of Minnesota Daniel Gjertson has recently started a new role as the Arboriculture Program Coordinator and Educator for the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota. His professional experience includes caring for trees in the private sector and within public gardens in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and

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Colorado. As a graduate student in horticulture at the University of Minnesota, he is furthering his knowledge of woody plants and ecological restoration. Outside of work and education he enjoys woodworking, fly-fishing, and gardening at home with his partner.

Michelle Grabowski, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Michelle Grabowski is a plant pathologist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Plant Protection Division. Her work focuses on prevention and early detection of invasive plant pathogens that threaten crops and native plant communities in Minnesota. Michelle studied plant pathology at the University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, and Michigan State University. She previously worked for the University of Minnesota Extension and the USDA Cereal Disease Laboratory. Nick Grebe, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Nick has a bachelor’s in horticulture from the University of MN and has been climbing trees for 19 years. He has worked for several private companies in the Twin Cities Metro for 12 years. He now works for the forestry division of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The last nine years, he has focused on training climbers how to safely, efficiently, and productively work in trees. His passion for small tree-pruning drew him to develop the Fractal Pruning Method; allowing for climbers to map out a tree’s structure by using the branch angle and attachment ratio. With this understanding of gear, techniques, and tree structure he hopes to help others safely enjoy rope and harness arboriculture. He is also the founder of D.D.A.D. Dave Hanson, MnDOT Dave Hanson works in MnDOT’s Office of Environmental Stewardship. He completed a bachelor's from the University of Minnesota, in assessment and modeling of natural resources followed by a master’s focusing on urban and community forestry. As an ISA Certified Arborist and Urban Forester at the University of Minnesota, Dave taught plant identification skills to ISA Certified Arborists, Master Gardeners, Municipal Employees, and anyone else listening, including CCM crews and a classroom full of dendrology students. Now, as a Vegetation Management Specialist with MnDOT, he still teaches identification and management skills while honing his own skills daily – on questions from every corner of Minnesota. Rebecca Hargrave, State University of New York Morrisville Rebecca Hargrave is an associate professor of forestry and arboriculture at the State University of New York at Morrisville and is a proud University of Minnesota alumnus! In addition to a master’s in urban forestry from UMN, she has a bachelor's in forest science and urban forestry from Penn State and is currently a doctoral student at UMass Amherst. Rebecca has been an ISA Certified Arborist

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Speaker Biographies for over 20 years and is TRAQ credentialed. Prior to her time at Morrisville, she was an extension educator for Cornell University Cooperative Extension. She lives in Norwich, NY, with her husband and two sons.

Hannibal Hayes, Urban Forestry Professional Hannibal graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s in horticultural sciences and has over 20 years of experience working in the green industry. Jobs include landscaping, working in a retail nursery, field arborist, portable sawmill operator, forester, and urban forester. He is an ISA BCMA and TRAQ certified, as well as, a Certified Professional through the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. He also manages his family's 250-acre timber farm in western Wisconsin and lives on a five- acre hobby farm with his spouse and mother-in-law. The farm is modeled to be sustainable grazed but is temporarily out of control with cattle, sheep, and chickens. Andrew Hillman, New York State Urban Forestry Council Andy Hillman has been the city forester for both Oswego and Ithaca, New York and was a part of the Davey Resource Group for 10 years prior to retiring. He currently chairs the town of Ulysses, New York Tree Advisory Council and is a member of the Ulysses Conservation and Sustainability Advisory Committee.Andy is an honorary life member, award of merit recipient, and past president of the Urban and Community Forestry Society. He is a founding member of the Municipal Forestry Institute Teaching Cadre and represented municipal forestry for many years on the Accredited Standards Committee A300. Andy is also a past president of the New York State Urban Forestry Council and is on the council’s Board of Directors. Sarah Hobbie, University of Minnesota Sarah Hobbie is regents professor and distinguished McKnight University Professor in the department of ecology, evolution, and behavior. Her research addresses the influence of changes in atmospheric composition, climate, land use, and plant species composition on communities and ecosystems, and the effects of urbanization on biodiversity and water quality. She is currently the director of the new MinneapolisSt. Paul Metropolitan Area Urban Long Term Ecological Research program, and is also an active researcher with the Cedar Creek Long Term Ecological Research program. Heather Holm, Pollinator Conservationist Heather Holm is a pollinator conservationist and award-winning author of four books: Pollinators of Native Plants (2014), Bees (2017), Wasps (2021), and Common Native Bees of the Eastern United States (2022). Both Bees and Wasps have won multiple book awards including the American Horticultural Society Book Award (2018 and 2022 respectively). Heather’s

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expertise includes the interactions between native pollinators and native plants, and the natural history and biology of native bees and predatory wasps. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, and many local publications. Heather is also an accomplished photographer and her pollinator photos are frequently featured in print and electronic publications. Heather is a National Honorary Director of Wild Ones. She also serves on the boards of the following non-profits: Friends of Cullen Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary and Friends of Minnetonka Parks. In her spare time, she is an active community supporter, writing grants, and coordinating and participating in volunteer ecological landscape restoration projects that will provide thriving habitat for pollinators, birds, mammals, and passive, nature-based opportunities for people.

Kent Honl, Rainbow Treecare Kent Honl has worked for Rainbow Treecare of Minnetonka, Minnesota since 1994, serving as a technical arborist, consulting arborist, and currently as arborologist. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College and studied ecological horticulture at the University of California – Santa Cruz. Kent has been an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist since 2007. Kent also serves as adjunct faculty in arboriculture for Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Sydney Hudzinski, City of Plymouth Sydney Hudzinski started in this industry in 2019. She spent her first year working on herself and obtaining credentials. She recognized right away a gap in onboarding and mentoring in the industry. She has always been passionate about paving a better way for the next generation and started training and mentoring right away. She recently left the private sector and is now working in the public sector for the City of Plymouth. Sydney stays active in the industry by going to multiple climbing competitions a year, volunteering with the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture, and instructing with The Women's Tree Climbing Workshop. If she is not at work, she is usually hanging out with her dogs, River and Gracie. She has a long road still to go in the industry, but is excited for the journey. Laura Iles, Iowa State University Laura Iles directs the North Central IPM Center. Laura earned her master’s and doctorate degrees in entomology from Iowa State University. As part of the Iowa IPM team Laura teaches and provides outreach on the identification and management of insects in the areas of commercial and consumer horticulture, biological control, and invasive insect management.

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Nick Kantola, Rainbow Treecare Nick has been an arborist in the Twin Cities since 2012, a consulting arborist since 2015, and an arborologist at Rainbow Treecare since 2022. Nick has a bachelor’s in general biology with an emphasis on field studies from the University of

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Speaker Biographies Wisconsin River-Falls. His favorite tree is the Quaking Aspen, and his least favorite tree is the Colorado Blue Spruce.

Vera Krischik, University of Minnesota Dr. Vera Krischik is a tenured faculty member in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota. Vera is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialist with 34 years of experience promoting IPM, biocontrol, and compatible insecticides to protect pollinators and other good bugs in green spaces, including greenhouses, nurseries, lawns, urban forests, parks, and restorations. Her lab's research identifies the best ways to manage pests through IPM to reduce non-target effects on native pollinators and biocontrol insects, such as parasitoids, lady beetles, native butterflies, and native bees, such as rusty patched bumblebee, Bombus affinis. Evan Larson, University of Wisconsin-Platteville Evan Larson is a father, husband, teacher, scientist, and enthusiast of wild places. Evan's childhood took place in the woods of central Minnesota, helping his parents tend 80 acres of mixed hardwood forests. His formal education includes an Environmental Science bachelor’s degree from Willamette University, degrees in geography from the University of TennesseeKnoxville (M.S.) and the University of Minnesota (PhD), and a Faculty Fulbright fellowship to Mid Sweden University in Sundsvall. Less formally, Evan's philosophy of life has been informed by significant doses of reflection, books, chainsaws and firewood. The work that is currently at the center of Evan's thoughts and energy is fueled by the enthusiasm of amazing collaborators who are together working to re-story the interwoven relationships among people, fire, and pine in Great Lakes Forests. Vinicius Marcilio-Silva, University of Minnesota Dr. Marcilio-Silva is an ecologist passionate about understanding how plant communities are impacted by a changing world. He has expertise in plant community assembly in forest systems from the tropics to temperate regions and in both pristine and anthropized landscapes. His research integrates field observations with remote sensing through machine-learning approaches. Vinicius is not just about ecological theories and statistics— he loves sharing knowledge through teaching and outreach, and ultimately applying science to help management. His goal as a researcher is to help find ways to conserve biodiversity while improving human well-being. Madisson Masucci, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Madisson has been working for the MN Department of Natural Resources for six years in various forester roles across the state. She holds a bachelor's degree from UW Madison in forest

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science and a master's degree from Hamline University in natural science and environmental education. Currently, she works with private landowners, communities, and schools across the metro to provide urban and traditional forestry guidance.

Marielle Mateo, Mississippi Park Connection Marielle is the Forestry Program Coordinator for Mississippi Park Connection, the official friend's group to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. She spends her days ordering and maintaining trees and planning habitat restoration and planting events. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology and has a diverse background in sustainability, land care, and wildlife surveying. Hugo Matus, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Hugo has 16 years of experience with the Minnesota Park and Recreation Board. He is a certified tree worker, climbing specialist, a tree inspector and a certified ACRT. Brandon Miller, University of Minnesota Brandon Miller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota and a Curator of Plant Collections at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Brandon received both his bachelor’s and master’s in horticulture from Iowa State University. He received his doctorate from Cornell University where he conducted research on hickories with the Urban Horticulture Institute. His research and Extension programs aim to support the introduction and application of novel nursery crops and underutilized landscape selections for use in Minnesota. Randall Miller, CNUC Randall H. Miller joined CNUC in 2017 and now serves as their Director of Research and Development. Randall received his bachelor of science in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before obtaining his master of science in urban forestry from the University of WisconsinStevens Point. He brings more than three decades of experience, previously working as director of vegetation management for PacifiCorp and also serving on ACRT’s board of directors. Randall serves on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board of Directors, has been chair of the TREE Fund Board of Trustees, president of the Utility Arborist Association (UAA), and twice chair of the Edison Electric Institute Vegetation Management Task Force. He has also served on the ISA Certification Test Committee and many other industry committees. Randall is the author of the ISA Integrated Vegetation Management Best Management Practices and co-author with Geoff Kempter of the Utility Specialist Certification Study Guide.

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Speaker Biographies Melonee Montano, University of Minnesota Nisogaabokwe – Melonee Montano, is a mother, grandmother, and an enrolled member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and is also a grad student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in the Natural Resources Science & Management Program under the Forestry Department. She has spent many years focusing her work on climate change, traditional ecological knowledge, health care, and environmental issues. Her current passion, advocacy work, and research focus is on the use of fire as a land management tool by the Anishinaabeg of the area and the many cultural connections to it. Lastly and most importantly, she is a lifelong student of her cultural ways. Rachel Morice, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Rachel graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2018 with a degree in forest and natural resource management. After graduation, she worked in the private and nonprofit spheres of urban forestry before joining the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2023. Rachel is an ISA certified arborist who is passionate about helping communities preserve and improve their canopy and finding new ways to inspire wonder in the natural world. Michaela Neu, Green Minneapolis Michaela Neu is the director of programs and operations for Green Minneapolis, an environmental nonprofit established in 2014 dedicated to bringing public and private entities together to make the Twin Cities more vibrant and climate resilient. Michaela oversees Green Minneapolis’s Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiative, a program focused on expanding the Twin Cities urban tree canopy, funded in part by the first urban tree canopy carbon offset program in Minnesota. Prior to Green Minneapolis, Michaela spent 10 years with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization where she was a youth and community outreach specialist, contributing to the expansion and effectiveness of outreach efforts. Michaela has a bachelor’s in geography and a master’s in natural resources science and management from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Megan O’Neil, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Megan O’Neil is a Forest Health Specialist for Minnesota DNR in the Division of Forestry. Her work focuses on helping foresters identify and manage insect and disease issues on state land. Prior to working with the DNR she attended Michigan Technological University and earned a bachelor's in wildlife ecology and a master's in forestry. After graduation she worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador teaching environmental education and started a nursery to grow native trees for the surrounding communities. Upon returning to the United States, Megan worked as a forestry technician in northern Michigan and later as a forester in Missouri and California.

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Jonathan Osthus, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Jonathan Osthus works for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection Division in the Pest Detection and Export Certification Unit. He began working on emerald ash borer (EAB) shortly after it was first found in St. Paul, MN in 2009. He has over 14 years of experience in the early detection and rapid response of invasive pests. Eric Otto, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Eric Otto works as a forest health specialist for the Minnesota DNR covering northeast Minnesota. He works on multiple insect and disease issues impacting tree and forest health in that region. He previously volunteered for the Peace Corps in Ghana working in agriculture, and has also worked seasonal forestry positions in Minnesota, Wyoming, and Maine. Eric holds a doctorate in plant pathology and a bachelor’s in forest resources, both from the University of Minnesota. Brian Schwingle, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Brian Schwingle is the new DNR Forest Health Program Coordinator. Prior to taking the lead of that program, he worked as a forest health field specialist for both Wisconsin and Minnesota DNRs for 16 years. He has a master’s in plant pathology from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s in forestry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rebecca Seibel, Tree Spirit Consulting Rebecca is a nature lover who draws on over 25 years of experience in the tree industry. A natural teacher, her easy-to-approach personality makes her an effective leader, one who understands how to empower others in order to harness their best. Rebecca is a lead instructor for the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, and owns TreeSpirit Consulting, a contract climbing, in person and online safety training business. Casey Snyder, Consultant Casey Snyder is an arborist and tree climber based in the Twin Cities with experience spanning over a decade in the nursery industry, private tree care, and municipal arboriculture. He has spent much of his career repenting for planting trees in small pots through education, promoting modern arboricultural practices, and performing root collar excavation and soil remediation services. If he is not talking about trees he is talking about bicycles.

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Glen Stanosz, University of Wisconsin-Madison Glen Stanosz is a native of Milwaukee with degrees in forest biology and plant pathology. He is an ISA-certified arborist and an emeritus professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has

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Speaker Biographies conducted research on fungi and diseases they cause on trees and shrubs, and has taught students in horticulture, landscape architecture, and forestry, as well as professionals in the green industry.

Laura Van Riper, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Laura Van Riper has been the terrestrial invasive species program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Invasive Species Unit since 2010. Laura works with invasive species policy, management, prevention, and outreach. Key responsibilities include improving invasive species prevention, management, and mapping as well as coordinating and developing invasive species projects and policies with outside organizations. Before working for the DNR, Laura earned her doctorate in ecology from the University of Minnesota. Emma Vanhdy, Mississippi Park Connection Emma Vanhdy graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology and forest and natural resource sciences. She co-coordinates VolunteersIn-Parks programming with the National Park Service for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, including habitat restoration events and the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) volunteers. Lucas Wandrie, WSB Lucas is a Senior Wildlife Ecologist with over 17 years of experience in wildlife ecology and consulting. His specialties include providing desktop and field-based wildlife services for renewable energy and land development projects and has supported the successful completion of these projects in 36 states. Lucas has designed and led projects that evaluated avian, bat, reptile, amphibian, fish, insect, and plant communities. He has collaborated with multiple state and federal agencies including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota Extension Gary Wyatt is an Agroforestry Extension Educator and Extension Professor with the University of Minnesota Extension in the Extension Regional Office in Mankato, MN. Gary promotes sustainable agroforestry practices that are economical and protect our soil, water, wildlife, and natural resources. Current programs include: silvopasture, living snow fences, invasive species, windbreaks, riparian buffers, forest farming, tree and shrub selection, community and school food forests, edible and decorative woody plants, non-timber forest products, bio-energy crops, and eco-system services. Gary has more than 40 years of Extension experience in Minnesota. Jean Zimmerman, Certified Arborist and Author Jean Zimmerman, the author of critically praised commercial fiction and nonfiction, has worked since 2015 as a Certified Arborist and has broad experience in the tree industry. Zimmerman has helped municipalities manage their tree populations, and worked to ensure that tree preservation regulations are upheld in New York City. A New York State Urban Forestry Council board member, she edits the nonprofit’s monthly blog Taking Root, and also chairs the Hudson Valley chapter of ReLeaf, a collaborative entity of NYSUFC and the New York State Department of Environment Conservation. She teaches writing to arborists in her program Writing for the Trees. An honors graduate of Barnard College, Zimmerman earned an MFA in writing from the Columbia University School of the Arts. She maintains a blog at jeanzimmerman.com. She lives with her husband in Hastings-onHudson, New York, where she chairs the Tree Preservation Board.

See you next year! MARCH 11-12, 2025

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