2013 SOUL Tree Steward Webinars

During stick season (January-May), the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program offers monthly webinars to keep you updated on the latest research, opportunities and threats to the urban forest. Webinars will run the third Wednesday of each month and last an hour. You do not have to be a SOUL Tree Steward to participate; however, these webinars are designed to support the work of tree stewards in their community.

»What is a Webinar?

A webinar is a web-based seminar, or presentation that is transmitted over the internet so you can "attend" without physically leaving home. Just like face-to-face training, or a Vermont Interactive Television session, webinars offer opportunities for people to learn, ask questions of presenters and share experiences and ideas with others.

»Is there a fee to participate?

These webinars are free and open to anyone.

»What do I need to participate?

Participating in a webinar is easy! All you'll need is a computer you can hear sound through and an internet connection. The type of computer or operating system you use doesn't matter. A broadband connection to the Internet is helpful but not required. Just click on the webinar title to join to the session. It's a good idea to visit the webinar site a few days before the scheduled session to make sure you have the appropriate software and web connection. Then, just click the link to the webinar's virtual room about 15 minutes before the start time.

To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Kate Forrer at 802-223-2389 or 1-866-860-1382 (toll-free in Vt.) at least seven days before the webinar you want to participate in so we may assist you.

»Do I need to register?

Yes! In order to participate in a live webinar, you need to sign up in advance. Once you have signed up we will send you a link to the join the webinar and session handouts. You will also receive instructions and technical support should you need it. To view an archived webinar, you do not need to sign up.

Invasive Forest Pests on the Horizon

By now you've heard about emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and hemlock wooly adelgid, but what else might be lurking in the trees? Learn about other pests on the horizon that could have a serious impact on Vermont's trees and forests. Early detection is our best defense against new pests. Find out what other pests might be headed our way

Presenter: Barbara Burns, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Vermont Tree Laws: A Refresher

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Vermont's Tree Warden Statues are over 100 years old! Paul Gillies, author of the Law of Trees and one of the state's leading experts on Vermont public tree laws, will review the laws regarding public trees. Learn how our state's statutes support community trees and gain a better understanding of how to comply and strengthen them locally..

Presenter: Paul Gillies, Vermont Institute for Government

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Tree Boards

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Working in partnership with other individuals and organizations is necessary for successful community forestry efforts, but it can often be challenging! Learn strategies on building strategic and effective partnerships, as well as overall strategies on developing and strengthening your tree board, advisory committee and urban forestry partnerships to become highly effective in your community.

Presenter: Paul Ries, Oregon Urban and Community Forestry Program

Community Gravel Beds for Bare Root Planting

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The University of Minnesota has been researching and installing community gravel beds as an effective and efficient way to store bare root trees until they can be planted. This allows communities to purchase larger quantities of trees, and plant them throughout the season. Aside from the convenience, there are many other benefits, the first one being better root systems leading to a reduction in tree mortality. Learn about appropriate trees, sizes, timing, and best construction techniques from their years of experience with over 16 sites.

Presenter: Gary Johnson and Chad Giblin, University of Minnesota

Destructive Invasive Tree Pest's Are Headed our Way: Is Your Community Ready?

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On it's spread east, the emerald ash borer is killing all species of ash. Dead trees create public safety hazards and the loss of ash trees decreases property values and negatively impacts the ash products industry, forest ecosystems and urban tree canopies. Mark Whitmore, an entomologist with Cornell Extension, will share how this tiny beetle is impacting different communities in New York, how those communities prepared, if at all, and how staff, volunteers and residents are responding. This is an opportunity to learn from their experiences and will help your community develop and implement a plan to help prepare for the arrival of invasive tree pests.

Presenter: Mark Whitmore, Cornell University