North Central

What do all these insects have in common? They were all brought to North America from Asia or Europe. These exotic insects have caused havoc in our forests because the trees they attack have developed little resistance to them. Our forests are filled with native insects that attack and sometimes kill trees, but because these insects evolved along with their hosts, they don’t cause complete mortality that non-native species can.

Have you seen a box nailed to the side of a building, or on a post in a field, and wondered what it was for? Bats are friends from the forest. Little brown bats, big brown bats, and numerous other species flit about the evening sky, eating insects and playing a role in the forest ecosystem.

Heard about 3D prints but not sure what all the hype is about?

The University of Minnesota Extension Forestry and Natural Resources team created invasive species 3D print models for early detection identification training. During the past decade of dedicated work on many different invasive species, both terrestrial and aquatic, educators adapted and improved program instruction and display materials, including 3D prints.

Location: Minneapolis Saw, 831 40th

Full-day day class covers chainsaw basics

A good aspen clear-cut mimics a natural disaster replacing an old stand with healthy seedlings. In the process it creates wildlife habitat for species that prefer young forests or the forests edge. Learn the key components of a successful regeneration cut.