Forest Pest First Detectors is back, live, and in person! Registration for the 2023 Forest Pest First Detector workshop is now open. Space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged! Cost is $75, and includes the online course and in-person workshop, including lunch and refreshments. Register online
How It Works
All registrants will complete an online training course in preparation for the in-person workshop. The online course should take approximately three hours to complete and should be completed prior to attending the in-person workshop. The in-person workshop is seven hours, and lunch and refreshments are provided. Both online and an in-person workshop are required for successful completion of the program.
In Person Workshops
- Wednesday, March 8, Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128, USA
- Thursday, March 9, Northland Arboretum, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
- Thursday, March 23, Cascade Township Hall, 2025 75th St NE, Rochester, MN 55906, USA
What You’ll Learn
Forest pest first detectors are trained to quickly detect and diagnose early invasive forest pests so that state and federal agencies can control the spread. Species of concern that will be included in 2023 are spotted lanternfly, tree-of-heaven, round leaf bittersweet, Asian longhorn beetle, emerald ash borer, oak wilt, vining milkweeds including rough potato, pale and black swallowwort, Russian and autumn olive, European mountain ash, stilt grass, yellow archangel and periwinkle.
Become part of the award-winning Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector volunteer program to help the public find new invasive species affecting Minnesota’s trees and forests, or attend as a refresher if you are already active as a Forest Pest First Detector.