This training covered the planning phase of streambank erosion projects to better equip staff to visit with landowners when asked about this type of project. Topics covered include the following:

1) Defining stream restoration and protection terminology as well as which resources and NRCS standards apply

2) Identifying the cause and scope of stream erosion problems

3) Project goals and objectives of the landowner and agency staff

4) Different types of streambank practices including vegetative, bioengineering, and structural type practices

The MN NRCS’s grassed waterway design spreadsheet uses the same methodology as the EFT waterway program and is an acceptable design tool. In this Tech Talk Elizabeth Oolman, NRCS engineer, will use the design spreadsheet and review data entry for the waterway design tab, data entry for the out-of-bank flow, and how to use the cut sheet tab. The spreadsheet is available for download on MN FOTG  > Section IV > Engineering Tools. This Tech Talk is intended for staff who know how to design a waterway but are looking for training on this particular tool.

Wondering how to get the most out of your next ecological restoration project? Extension and the Legacy Fund Restoration Evaluation Program are teaming up to offer a series of free professional development webinars for ecological restoration practitioners and project managers.

Adam Reed, Regional Agronomist with NRCS, demonstrates the use of the Integrated Pest Management Implementation Requirements worksheet.  The worksheet has been programmed in Excel.  It accepts data files from WIN-PST and is integrated with information from Agronomy Technical Notes 5 and 9.  Watch this webinar recording to see how much easier pesticide planning can be!

Participants in this session will learn why soil is an essential part of the Earth’s ability to feed the world's population and it is key to climate stability. Ninety-five percent of our food supply is dependent upon soil. More than three-quarters of the antibiotics used in the clinical medicine are derived from soil bacteria. And soil stores three to four times as much carbon as the entire atmosphere. Despite the importance of soil to human survival and the health of the Earth, we are letting it slip away. Soil erosion exceeds the rate of soil genesis by at least 10-fold.

Jacob Granfors, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist, and Garett Christiansen, NRCS Forester, discuss open landscapes, early successional habitat, and young forest/brushland wildlife habitat. During this session Jake and Garett cover the range, population status, habitat needs, and ongoing management for Sharptail Grouse. This session also includes a discussion of other early successional wildlife species that utilize similar habitats and/or adjacent forests, such as Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse, and Golden Winged Warblers.

This session provides a comprehensive overview of things farmers should know and consider when navigating the rapidly evolving space of carbon and ecosystem markets. Speakers: Kristin Foehringer, Jean Brokish, Paul Dietmann

In Wisconsin, we’re fortunate to have manure as a natural fertilizer. A panel of farmers discuss their experiences (the how) on maximizing the benefits of manure through in-season applications. This session takes a deeper look into widening manure application windows by using various tools (crop rotation, cover crops, application equipment, etc.). Speakers: Aaron Augustian, Jacob Brey, Jordan Crave

During this session, our panel of experienced farmers walks through how planting rye fits into their system and the importance of adaptive rye management the following spring. This session presents different scenarios and the panelists share their real-life experiences and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Speakers: Jason Cavadini, Derek Ducat, Rod Webb

Systematic approaches to establishing covers, planter setups, termination techniques, agronomic concerns when converting from conventional tillage system to cover crop establishment and planting green. This session discusses on-farm trials, new cover crops, and new research being conducted in 2022. Panel consists of two farmers from “Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil and Healthy Water,” UW Research Agronomist, and Lower Fox Demonstration Farms Manager. The panel provides valuable planning approaches to consider and lessons learned to ensure success when planting green.