Progress 01/17/17 to 09/30/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences for this reporting period include NIPF landowners, natural resource professionals, and citizens who are interested in natural resources and management. We also continued to target youth-oriented information to help with forest education during the pandemic. Changes/Problems:Major changes in approach took place as a result of the continuing pandemic threat, causing nearly all programming and materials to be offered/held electronically. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two staff members participated and/or assisted in the virtual fall offering of the Michigan Society of American Foresters meeting (Finding Value in Land). One staff member participated in a virtual program on Forest Certification and Climate Change, hosted by the MSU Forest Carbon and Climate Program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information and outcomes of these programs are regularly disseminated by partnering specifically with the Michigan Forest Association through their quarterly magazine and monthly eNewsletter. These publications reach their 450 members, the majority of which are family forest owners. Regular updates are also offered on MSUE web pages and program-specific Facebook groups. This FY, MSUE staff added 4 video features on the BeLEAF It or Not video series (https://www.youtube.com/c/BeLEAFItorNot). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?MSU Extension staff will resume more in-person educational opportunities by focusing on: Targeting private forest owners who recently had a Forest Stewardship Program management plan written, and helping them understand the elements and value of using the plan for future forest activities, Developing a Sustainable Wood Recovery Initiative that provides information and other support to both professionals and landowners on how 'waste wood' can be efficiently and profitably used across multiple markets, Helping forest owners and citizens gain knowledge about climate change-driven forest mitigation and adaptation by partnering with the Northern Institute for Applied Climate Science on informational bulletins, online resources, and workshops, Resuming research, information, and workshops on options for silvopasturing, Resuming the popular "Sustainable Forest Management for Teachers," a weeklong retreat-style program that gives K-12 teachers and other educators the knowledge and tools to teach about forests and forest management to their respective students.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Invasive Species Objectives: Increase knowledge and on-the-ground activities related to current and potential exotic invasive plants and animals via a multi-platform program of workshops, field sessions and support materials that features strategies/triage for invasive species control and management. MSU Extension staff continued to offer information on the Eyes on the Forest website (https://iforest.misin.msu.edu/) that highlights three critical invasive pests: hemlock wooly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle, and spotted lanternfly. The ultimate goal is to help prevent and/or control these relatively new exotic invasive pests and diseases from impacting Michigan's forest health. Since hemlock wooly adelgid continues to spread north along the western coastline of the state, an online form was developed to encourage people to report potential sightings of this pest. To date, volunteers have registered 216 sentinel trees, with a total of 330 observations logged. This year also experienced a population outbreak of Lymantria dispar, causing severe defoliation across the area including moderate to severe defoliation on nearly 1 million acres across Michigan. MSU Extension personnel spent multiple hours on the phone with over 280 landowners to explain the life cycle of the naturalized pest while advising on how to lessen the caterpillar population and limit stress on defoliated trees without environmentally friendly measures rather than systemic insecticides (in most cases). Calls began with caterpillar hatch and have continued throughout the year as people prepare for continued localized high populations of Lymantria dispar in late spring 2022.Staff also hosted 10 different outreach events that focused on this pest. Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Forest and Rangeland Water and Wetland Resources Objectives: Initiate a statewide Vernal Pool Initiative that recruits landowners and other citizens in learning about, mapping and monitoring vernal pools in the state via workshops, manuals and peer networks. MSU Extension staff are central members of the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership, which is designed to encourage forest landowners and other conservationists to identify and protect these fragile wet systems across the state. Even with continued pandemic restrictions, the partnership was able to offer a successful half-day annual virtual conference that highlighted the latest research on vernal pools. Organizations and school groups also continue to monitor vernal pools across the state, contributing to a central database that combines researchers' and volunteers' observations for long-term monitoring. Goal: Enhancing Economic Benefits: Economic Opportunities for Individuals and Communities Objectives: Increase the knowledge and practice of potential income-generating natural resource businesses via pilot workshops and written/video materials on multiple options. MSUE staff are partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other external partners to offer information on carbon credit markets for forest landowners. This effort was launched by offering webinars on the current options that are being offered, including their benefits and challenges. MSUE staff working at the Upper Peninsula Forestry Innovation Center are also launching research sites and online information on sustainably managing sugar maple stands for maple syrup production. Goal: Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests and Rangelands: Forest Stewardship and Health Objectives: Increase engagement, volunteerism and leadership in sustainable forest management via the Conservation Stewards Program and the week-long K-12 teacher workshop entitled "Introduction to Forests and Sustainable Forest Management;" Develop a series of videos on basic tree and forest processes; Use the National Woodland Owner Survey to segment and target particular landowner groups for specialized programming. MSU Extension staff hosted 4 virtual Conservation Stewards Program events consisting of 40 hours of educational programming each. A total of 137 participants enrolled in the program across the four different locations: Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Oakland Counties, and the Capital area (Lansing region). Participants were also required to complete a 'capstone project' consisting of 20 hours of volunteer service. Based on their reporting to-date, participants have logged 1,580 hours, including projects like oak regeneration and protection, invasive species control, and designing planting strategies with local conservation partners. MSUE also collaborated with local Conservation Districts and other partners to host field visits of family forest owners to show the relationship between good forest management planning and on the ground forest improvements. Staff hosted 4 of these visits, totaling 90 participants, during this FY. Goal: Building Capacity through Enhanced Connections Objectives: Develop and enhance woodland owner networks via the Eyes on the Forest program and other initiatives in partnership with the Michigan Forest Association and local Conservation Districts. MSU Extension staff are strengthening partnerships with Conservation Districts, land conservancies, nature centers, the Michigan Forest Association, and other conservation organizations to coordinate a monthlong, statewide 'bioblitz' that encourages volunteers to visit local public properties to identify targeted flora and fauna using the iNaturalist app. In this FY alone, 217 volunteers logged 1,172 unique species observations.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences for this reporting period include NIPF landowners, natural resource professionals, and citizens who are interested in natural resources and management. We also targeted families with school-age children to help with forest education during the pandemic. Changes/Problems:MSU Extension will be required to offer online-only programming until there is a safe resolution to the current state-issued pandemic restrictions due to COVID-19. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Three staff members were able to participate and present at the spring and fall Michigan Society of American Foresters virtual conferences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Program information and outcomes are shared via the monthly newsletter and quarterly magazine of the Michigan Forest Association, the organization that represents private forest landowner interests in the state. We also published 17 MSUE news articles that focus on timely issues and interests. This FY, we have also focused on delivering 16 webinars on a range of topics, from backyard wildlife to invasive species management. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will update the "EmpowerU: Advocating Invasive Species Control and Natural Resource Conservation" program for both resource partners and natural resource-based volunteers, designing it to be offered in a virtual-only format. We will work with the University of Wisconsin to revitalize Michigan's Forest Legacy program, designed to give family forest owners the knowledge and skills to plan for future ownership of their property. We will conduct a virtual version of the Conservation Stewards Program, encouraging participants to learn about their local ecosystems, and take active responsibility to help conserve the resources around them. We will continue to add videos to the BeLEAF It or Not series, including forest ownerships, forestry profession highlights, forest forensics, and foraging. We also plan to highlight the use and value of Michigan's school forest system in partnership with Project Learning Tree.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Invasive Species Objectives: Increase knowledge and on-the-ground activities related to current and potential exotic invasive plants and animals via a multi-platform program of workshops, field sessions and support materials that features strategies/triage for invasive species control and management. MSU Extension staff spent considerable time presenting information about the identification and management of oak wilt. Audiences included both landowners and resource professionals, with a total of 11 different state-based and international conferences. Staff continued to promote the Eyes on the Forest program, where citizens are encouraged to adopt a 'sentinel tree' to annually monitor for potential pest or disease infestations. Five workshops (both in-person and virtual) were hosted for the program, totalling 178 participants. Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Forest and Rangeland Water and Wetland Resources Objectives: Initiate a statewide Vernal Pool Initiative that recruits landowners and other citizens in learning about, mapping and monitoring vernal pools in the state via workshops, manuals and peer networks. MSU Extension staff continue to be critical partners with the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership, designed to encourage forest landowners and other conservationists to identify and protect these fragile wet systems across the state. The program hosted an annual day-long conference on the latest research on vernal pools (40 participants), and conducted a virtual training session on vernal pool monitoring (30 participants with a waiting list of 64). Goal: Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests and Rangelands: Forest Stewardship and Health Objectives: Increase engagement, volunteerism and leadership in sustainable forest management via the Conservation Stewards Program and the week-long K-12 teacher workshop entitled "Introduction to Forests and Sustainable Forest Management;" Develop a series of videos on basic tree and forest processes; Use the National Woodland Owner Survey to segment and target particular landowner groups for specialized programming. In partnership with the Michigan Forest Association (MFA), MSU Extension staff conducted a virtual presentation highlighting immediate post-harvest conditions on red pine, aspen, and northern hardwood stands. The presentation explained best practices for sustainable forest harvesting, and what to expect in future harvests. Staff also distributed a monthly electronic newsletter to 367 MFA members, and published a quarterly magazine, featuring the latest news on upcoming events, exotic invasive identification and removal, management techniques, and landowner features. Goal: Building Capacity through Enhanced Connections Objectives: Develop and enhance woodland owner networks via the Eyes on the Forest program and other initiatives in partnership with the Michigan Forest Association and local Conservation Districts. MSU Extension staff extended significant partnerships with various land conservancies, nature centers, and Conservation Districts across the state to promote citizen science activities in forest settings. The most significant program was called "Bioblitz and Beyond," a month-long campaign in July to get individuals and families to go outside and conduct their own species inventories using the iNaturalist app. 67 participants logged over 95 hours of Bioblitz inventory time during the program.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science. 2020. Keep Your Woods Healthy for Tomorrow: A Tool to Assess Risk in a Changing Climate. Online resource: https://forestadaptation.org/sites/default/files/Private%20Landowner%20Climate%20Scorecard%20and%20Actions_Final.pdf
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Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Michigan State University primarily targets private forest landowners, formal and informal educators, and members of the conservation community for most of its programming. We also, on occasion, provide information and research results to professional forestry audiences, including public and private foresters and loggers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two staff members participated and/or assisted in the spring offering of the Michigan Society of American Foresters meetings (Management of Public & Private Forests: Influences from Economics, Policy, Technology and Culture). One staff member participated in the Lakes States Leadership Academy hosted by the Society of American Foresters. Two staff members completed an online UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) FAA Part 107 test prep course hosted by MSU's Remote Sensing & GIS office. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information and outcomes of these programs are regularly disseminated via MSUE News articles, which consist of approx. 500 word blurbs on issues and events that are of interest to Michigan audiences. A total of 20 articles have been published this FY. We also maintain content specific web pages that are regularly updated, as well as partnering with other forest-based organizations such as the Society of American Foresters, the Michigan Forest Association, and local Conservation Districts to offer current information on their websites and newsletters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?MSU Extension staff will develop an online curriculum that serves as a companion to the BeLEAF It or Not video series, designed to help educators and other interested audiences to learn more about Great Lakes forests and forestry in a fun and entertaining way. We will also be hosting an "Ag Innovation Day" that features forest management opportunities for agribusinesses and forest landowners in the central Upper Peninsula. We will be finalizing curriculum, marketing and delivery of programs related to drone use and data processing for forest landowners and forestry professionals. We will be revising and expanding a program titled "EmpowerU: Advocating Invasive Species Management" for both resource partners and natural resource-based volunteers. This combined online & in-person program helps participants learn how to strategically advocate for natural resource conservation and management to decision makers.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Invasive Species Objectives: Increase knowledge and on-the-ground activities related to current and potential exotic invasive plants and animals via a multi-platform program of workshops, field sessions and support materials that features strategies/triage for invasive species control and management. MSU Extension staff worked with the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network to redesign the Eyes on the Forest website to more easily collect data on adopted "sentinel trees" by interested residents. Residents are recruited to adopt a "sentinel tree" to annually monitor for potential pest or disease infestations. The ultimate goal is to help prevent and/or control new exotic invasive pests and diseases from impacting Michigan's forest health. A total of nineteen workshops and presentations were offered throughout the state to help spread the word about the Eyes program, and help participants learn about how to adopt a sentinel tree. Continued interest in the spread and control of oak wilt in the northern lower peninsula. Three different workshops and walks were offered to highlight this pathogen, with 57 total landowners and resource professionals participating. Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Forest and Rangeland Water and Wetland Resources Objectives: Initiate a statewide Vernal Pool Initiative that recruits landowners and other citizens in learning about, mapping and monitoring vernal pools in the state via workshops, manuals and peer networks. MSU Extension staff are central members of the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership, which is designed to encourage forest landowners and other conservationists to identify and protect these fragile wet systems across the state. MSUE staff continue to host workshops, maintain a Facebook page and webpage, and map confirmed vernal pool locations. Goal: Enhancing Economic Benefits: Economic Opportunities for Individuals and Communities Objectives: Increase the knowledge and practice of potential income-generating natural resource businesses via pilot workshops and written/video materials on multiple options. Two Silvopasture Train the Trainer workshops were held in Harrison (Mid-Michigan Community College) and Chatham, MI (U.P. Research and Extension Center), respectively. The event was held to introduce proper silvopasture management and agroforestry techniques to agricultural, forestry and natural resource professionals. Silvopasture has traditionally been shunned due to improper grazing management of livestock in wooded pastures. More recently, grazers and extension professionals in the north east have promoted proper silvopasture techniques. Goal: Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests and Rangelands: Forest Stewardship and Health Objectives: Increase engagement, volunteerism and leadership in sustainable forest management via the Conservation Stewards Program and the week-long K-12 teacher workshop entitled "Introduction to Forests and Sustainable Forest Management;" Develop a series of videos on basic tree and forest processes; Use the National Woodland Owner Survey to segment and target particular landowner groups for specialized programming. MSU Extension staff hosted 2 Conservation Stewards Program events consisting of 40 hours of combined classroom and field sessions each. These sessions included 46 adults combined in Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor area) and the Capital Area (Lansing region). Each participant also contributed to a 'capstone project' consisting of 20 hours of volunteer service each, for a total of 920 hours of volunteer time directed toward local conservation activities. Staff also hosted the "Sustainable Forest Management: A Workshop for Teachers" program for K-12 teachers in June. The program consisted of 40 hours of classroom, field tour, and hands-on activities that illustrate the science and practice of forestry in Michigan. Goal: Building Capacity through Enhanced Connections Objectives: Develop and enhance woodland owner networks via the Eyes on the Forest program and other initiatives in partnership with the Michigan Forest Association and local Conservation Districts. MSU Extension staff are strengthening partnerships with Conservation Districts, the Michigan Forest Association, and other conservation organizations to host a series of Women Owning Woodlands "woods walks" across the state. The purpose of these events is to encourage women to learn more about forests and forest management. Staff helped organize and host four woods walks this past year, featuring a range of topics from chainsaw safety to 'forest bathing.'
Publications
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Private, non-industrial (family) forest owners Natural resource professionals, including consulting foresters, Conservation District foresters, and state agency staff K-12 teachers Forest products industry Local residents Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Three staff members participated and/or assisted in the spring and fall offerings of the Michigan Society of American Foresters meetings (Managing Natural Resources in an Ever-Changing Profession; Procurement and Products in the Lower Peninsula). Two staff members assisted in wood products recycling conference discussions in association with the Michigan Forest Biomass Initiative. Two staff members participated in drone use and data processing through MSU's Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems (MSU Unmanned Aerial Systems Training). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information and outcomes of these programs are regularly disseminated via MSUE News articles, which consist of approx. 500 word blurbs on issues and events that are of interest to Michigan audiences. We also maintain content specific web pages that are regularly updated, as well as partnering with other forest-based organizations such as the Society of American Foresters, the Michigan Forest Association, and local Conservation Districts to offer current information on their websites and newsletters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?MSU Extension staff will develop and expand a Women Owning Woodlands network, focusing on helping women landowners and forest enthusiasts become more engaged in Michigan's forests, conservation, and active forest management. This effort is beginning to take shape with partnerships among women forestry professionals in Conservation Districts, the NRCS, and among private women consulting foresters. We will be finalizing curriculum, marketing and delivery of programs related to drone use and data processing for forest landowners and forestry professionals. We will be delivering a program titled "EmpowerU: Advocating Invasive Species Management" to both resource partners and natural resource-based volunteers. Modelled from the pilot program created at the University of Minnesota, this combined online & in-person program helps participants learn how to strategically advocate for exotic invasive species prevention and management to decision makers.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Invasive Species Objectives: Increase knowledge and on-the-ground activities related to current and potential exotic invasive plants and animals via a multi-platform program of workshops, field sessions and support materials that features strategies/triage for invasive species control and management. MSU Extension staff worked with Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems staff to initiate the development of a series of online modules designed to give forest landowners and forestry professionals information and knowledge on operating drones for pest and disease infestations. Landowners can learn the basics of drone use rules and detection techniques. More advanced users will be able to learn about available software for data collection and interpretation methods. Oak wilt continues to spread across 56 of the state's 83 counties. MSU Extension staff hosted 11 in-person workshops and provided direct assistance to landowners on oak wilt detection and management decisions. Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Forest and Rangeland Water and Wetland Resources Objectives: Initiate a statewide Vernal Pool Initiative that recruits landowners and other citizens in learning about, mapping and monitoring vernal pools in the state via workshops, manuals and peer networks. MSU Extension staff are central members of the Michigan Vernal Pool Partnership, which continues to grow and generate interest among both youth and adult audiences across the state. This year, 5 programs were offered in the Lower Peninsula, totaling 160 participants who learned how to identify and monitor these special features. MSUE staff also developed two promotional videos, several news articles, and helped organize content for a Facebook page, webpage, and first annual statewide Vernal Pool partner meeting. Goal: Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests and Rangelands: Forest Stewardship and Health Objectives: Increase engagement, volunteerism and leadership in sustainable forest management via the Conservation Stewards Program and the week-long K-12 teacher workshop entitled "Introduction to Forests and Sustainable Forest Management;" Develop a series of videos on basic tree and forest processes; Use the National Woodland Owner Survey to segment and target particular landowner groups for specialized programming. MSU Extension staff hosted 4 Conservation Stewards Program events consisting of 40 hours of combined classroom and field sessions each. These sessions included 72 adults Southern Lower Peninsula. Each participant also contributed to a 'capstone project' consisting of 40 hours of volunteer service each, for a total of 2,880 hours of volunteer time directed toward local conservation activities. Goal: Building Capacity through Enhanced Connections Objectives: Develop and enhance woodland owner networks via the Eyes on the Forest program and other initiatives in partnership with the Michigan Forest Association and local Conservation Districts. MSU Extension educators continue to engage with local Conservation Districts and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) to spread the word about this program, and to enter information on "sentinel trees" through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN).
Publications
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Progress 01/17/17 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Private, non-industrial (family) forest owners Natural resource professionals K-12 teachers Forest products industry Local citizens Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Five staff members participated and/or assisted in the spring and fall offerings of the Michigan Society of American Foresters meetings. Three members also attended the national SAF conference in Madison, WI. Two staff members attended the Citizen Science Association conference in St. Paul, MN, to learn about how to more effectively engage citizens in natural resource-based observations and decision-making. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information and outcomes of these programs are regularly disseminated via MSUE News articles, which consist of approx. 500 word blurbs on issues and events that are of interest to Michigan audiences. We also maintain content specific web pages that are regularly updated, as well as partnering with other forest-based organizations such as the Society of American Foresters and Michigan Forest Association to offer current information on their websites and newsletters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?MSU Extension staff will be conducting a survey to all contacts resulting from the Eyes on the Forest Program to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sentinel Tree adoption effort, and to disseminate "tree tags" that identify chosen Sentinel Trees for monitoring and advertisement of the program. We will also be examining and expanding the Conservation Stewards Program to locations further north in the state to expand that program's reach and effectiveness. We will be partnering with local Conservation Districts to host educational sessions on nontimber product development and intergenerational transfer for forest landowners. We will also be partnering with the Michigan Forest Association to continue to reach K-12 teachers with forest and forestry education opportunities as well as field sessions for forest landowners.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Invasive Species MSU Extension educators and specialists have offered 10 different workshops on exotic invasive species, including hemlock wooly adelgid, thousand cankers disease of walnut, and Asian longhorned beetle. As companions to these events, six news articles, three bulletins and two videos were created. Staff continues to advertise and host the Eyes on the Forest program, encouraging individuals to adopt a sentinel tree to monitor for these threats. Although not necessarily an exotic invasive, oak wilt programming has also been a focus for this year, including best practices for oak wilt spread, and participation in an oak wilt qualification program with the Arborist Society of Michigan. Goal: Ensuring Healthy Ecosystems: Forest and Rangeland Water and Wetland Resources The Vernal Pool initiative has generated interest among both youth and adult audiences across the lower peninsula of the state, offering opportunities for identification and monitoring of these special features. MSU Extension staff are critical partners in the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership, which is organizing to heighten awareness of vernal pools, clarify identification and mapping protocols, and design best practice recommendations for planners and resource managers. Goal: Enhancing Economic Benefits: Economic Opportunities for Individuals and Communities Educators in the Upper Peninsula conducted 9 educational events on the production and use of biomass for energy, and supplemented these events with 7 different articles on the benefits of wood for energy/fuel. Goal: Enhancing Resource Management on Working Forests and Rangelands: Forest Stewardship and Health MSU Extension staff hosted 18 Conservation Stewards Program events that included 140 adults and 100 youth across the Southern Lower Peninsula. Staff also partnered with the Michigan Forest Association to host the annual "Sustainable Forest Management: A Workshop for Teachers." Thirteen educators participated in this week-long course. Goal: Building Capacity through Enhanced Connections MSU Extension educators continue to engage with local Conservation Districts and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) to spread the word about this program, and to enter information on "sentinel trees" through the Michigan Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN).
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Smitley, D. and D. McCullough. 2017. Options for protecting trees from hemlock wooly adelgid. MSU Extension Bulletin http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/HWA_tip_sheet.pdf. Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, MI.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
McCullough, Deborah. 2017. How to treat hemlock trees for hemlock wooly adelgid. MSU Extension Bulletin #E3349. Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, MI.
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