Oak Wilt Biology and Management

Schmeeckle Reserve | Stevens Point, Wis.

Oak Wilt Biology and Management

Aug. 18, 2026 | 1-3:30 p.m.

Learn how to recognize, prevent, and manage oak wilt in this field-based workshop designed for landowners and nature enthusiasts. Join Dr. Holly Petrillo, Professor of Forestry at UW-Stevens Point and Alex Hornung, Forest Health Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a short classroom presentation on oak wilt biology, followed by a field tour of a diseased and managed oak wilt site.
 
 
 
 

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Register Now!

General Audience: $25

LIFE Members: $15

Space is limited. Registration closes August 13, 2026 or when full.

This field workshop will begin inside; however, there will be long periods of walking outside on gravel or wood chip trails. Trail conditions can be unpredictable and trail surfaces may be uneven. Dress for the weather, wear sunscreen and bug protection, and bring your water bottle. In case of severe weather, please check your email for additional information; however, we plan to hold this workshop rain or shine!

This workshop is designed for LIFE members, nature enthusiasts, and landowners.​

If you are unable to attend the workshop, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing wfc@uwsp.edu. Requests must be received in writing and prior to the registration deadline, Thursday, August 13, 2026, to be granted a full refund. No refunds will be granted on or after Friday, August 14, 2026. To receive a refund a written request must be made via email to the Wisconsin Forestry Center.

Workshop Instructor

Alex Hornung, M.S.

Forest Health Specialist-Division of Forestry, WI Department of Natural Resources

Alex attended UW-Stevens Point to earn a B.S. in Urban Forestry, and the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities to earn a M.S. in Plant Pathology focusing on oak wilt diagnostics and management. Alex’s role at the WI DNR is to detect, diagnose, manage, and monitor forest insects and disease on state and private land.

Holly Petrillo, Ph.D.

Professor of Forestry, UW-Stevens Point

Holly Petrillo is a Professor of Forestry at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and co-owner of Liberation Farmers in Almond, Wis. Holly teaches courses, workshops, and trainings related to forest health, entomology, and pathology. Holly’s professional interests are related to disturbance impacts in forests, including insects, diseases, and invasive organisms, and also how climate change impacts forest ecosystems.

PROGRAM PARTNERS