ASM OAK WILT FIELD WORKSHOPS

Oak wilt disease infection centers are showing up throughout MI at an alarming rate, on all types of land-use sites.  Join ASM and technical experts as we evaluate actual infection locations at a residential site followed by a park-land site. Oak wilt biology, life cycle and infection pathways will be discussed. Management strategies appropriate for both residential and park sites will be compared and contrasted. Two workshops are scheduled - Livingston County and W. Michigan, see details below. (ISA and MDARD CEUs).

Alternate Outings are scheduled following each program.  Plan to stay and join industry friends for some summer fun and networking and don't forget the family too! See details below.

Thursday, June 25, 2015  - Livingston County

• Registration 12:30-1:00pm
• Program 1:00 – 5:00pm
• Alternate Outing - 5:00pm (optional, see details at bottom of page)
  

Meet your hosts, Dr. Dave Roberts (MSU), Julie Stachecki (Site Specific, Inc.) and Heidi Frei (MDNR) at the residential property in Hamburg Township, and relocate to Brighton State Recreation Area for the second half of workshop.    See info regarding post-workshop hike/bike/swim and BBQ opportunity at Brighton State Rec.

* The address for the residential property will be provided after registration is confirmed.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015 – West Michigan (Ottawa & Muskegon Counties)

• Registration 12:30-1:00pm
• Program 1:00 – 5:00pm
• Alternate Outing - 5:00pm (optional, see details at bottom of page)

Meet your hosts, Vic Foerster (West Michigan Tree Service) and Heidi Frei (MDNR) at the residential property  in West Olive, and relocate to P.J. Hoffmaster State Park for second half of workshop.

* The address for the residential property will be provided after registration is confirmed. 

FEES:

Registration includes snacks.

Before June 18/After June 18

• $50/$70 ASM Members
• $65/$85 Non Members

Alternate Outings - to support the 2015 Stihl Tour des Trees riders

JUNE 25 - BBQ & BIKING @ Brighton!
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Murray Lake Picnic Shelter, Brighton State Recreation Park
The park has a campfire pit for s'mores, gaga ball pit for kids (and adults) to play, sandy beach, clean, non-motorized lake for swimming, SUP, and other paddle sports, mountain bike trails, hiking trails, archery stands and more!

Bring your bike, or have your family join you for some fun after the education program. Or just come to support the Stihl Tour des Trees riders!

JULY 15 - HIKING @ HOFFMASTER!
Details coming soon.

COST: $10 per person
Includes basic barbeque fare (dogs, burgers, sides, beverages) at either location.

Speaker Bios

Vic Foerester of West Michigan Tree Service, is a consulting arborist who has served West Michigan for the past 35 years. His tree care clients include Grand Valley State University, the City of Grand Rapids, and the State of Michigan, as well as several residential and commercial clients. Vic is also the author of  Northern Michigan’s best-selling “Naked in the Stream, Isle Royale Stories” – published by Arbutus Press, in addition to various articles in professional magazines. Copies of his book are available for purchase. Visit his website at  www.vicfoerster.com.

Heidi Frei from the MDNR, Parks and Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit, enjoys linking volunteers with natural resource management and finding unique ways to educate and engage the public in protecting critical landscapes.   Heidi works closely with volunteers, teachers and communities on habitat restoration projects in State Parks and Recreation Areas across southwest Michigan and statewide to help protect trees as PRD's forest health point person.  After receiving her B.S. and M.S. in Forestry at Michigan State University, Heidi gained experience working with volunteers in the non-profit sector working on urban greening projects and, later, coordinating and implementing projects to protect and evaluate stream health in the Shiawassee River watershed.  In her current role with the DNR, Heidi works with volunteers to protect prairies, forested dunes and unique ecosystems across southwest Michigan for species of greatest conservation need and implementing PRD's oak wilt detection and treatment program. 

David L. Roberts, Ph.D, is the Senior Academic Specialist, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University. He holds B.S. and M.S degrees in Plant Pathology from The Ohio State University, PhD in Botany and Plant Pathology from Michigan State University  (1982). Dr. Roberts has worked on many plant issues for more than 30 years. In the 1980’s, his research led to the discovery of the first bacterial wilt disease of turfgrasses in North America. Subsequently, his discovery of a Xanthomonas bacterium that controls the weed grass, annual bluegrass, on golf courses resulted in several patents with MSU. His research interests also include Dutch Elm Disease, Oak Wilt and a number of other diseases such as Phomopsis canker on spruce, which he discovered in the late 1980’s. In 2001, Dr. Roberts began work on ash decline in southeast Michigan. His research led to the discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer. He has published 100’s of articles in peer-reviewed journals, trade magazines and MSU Extension publications. As part of his Michigan State University duties, Dr. Roberts presents many lectures and workshops around Michigan and nationally.