Caring For Trees After A Storm
When a storm passes, cleanup often begins right away. While removing debris is important, the effects of storm damage on trees may continue long after the skies clear. Trees that have lost branches, suffered bark injuries, or experienced root damage may face challenges that are not immediately visible.
Storm-related wounds can create entry points for insects and diseases. In some cases, symptoms may not appear until months or even years after the initial damage occurred. Residents should keep a close eye on affected trees and watch for warning signs such as canopy dieback, fungal growth on the trunk or roots, trunk cracks, or dead and declining branches.
Regular monitoring is an important part of protecting the health and safety of trees following a storm. Changes in a tree’s appearance or condition can indicate underlying issues that may require attention. Early detection may help prevent further decline and support informed management decisions.
When evaluating a storm-damaged tree, it is important to seek qualified advice. Certified arborists are trained to assess structural damage, determine whether a tree can be safely retained, and recommend appropriate pruning or removal when needed. Residents can locate a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture, the American Society of Consulting Arborists, or the Wisconsin Arborist Association.
For questions about tree diseases, insect problems, or general tree health concerns, the UW-Extension offers the Ask Your Gardening Question service. Winnebago County residents may also schedule a site visit with Jacob Kluza for assistance identifying tree health issues and discussing management options.
While Extension educators can assist with diagnosing diseases and insect concerns, formal hazard evaluations and structural risk assessments should be completed by a certified arborist. Taking action after storm damage and monitoring trees over time can help maintain healthy landscapes and improve safety for years to come.
You Matter Mail
Sharing Encouragement Across Our Community
Help Us Spread Kindness with You Matter Mail!
Extension Winnebago County, NAMI Oshkosh, and the Breakwater Coalition invite community members to spread kindness across Winnebago County through You Matter Mail, a local message exchange that connects neighbors through anonymous notes of encouragement.
Community members of all ages are invited to submit a short, positive message through an online form. Messages will be printed on postcards (featuring local artwork!) and mailed to someone else in our community. A few thoughtful words can brighten someone’s day and remind them they are seen, valued, and supported.
Whether you share a reminder that someone matters or simply a hello, your words can brighten someone’s day!
Introduction To Plain Language Is Back!
Registration Now Open!
Join this in-demand FREE virtual workshop to learn strategies for word choice, font selection, grammar use, user testing, and more that help us communicate quickly and effectively.
Registration is now open for:
📍Tuesday, September 22 | 1 – 3 p.m.
📍 Tuesday, October 6 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Noon)
🔗Register at: http://go.wisc.edu/plain
Introduction to Plain Language is a collaboration between UW-Madison’s Cultural Linguistic Services and UW-Madison Division of Extension.
Parasite Patrol: Managing Flock Health
Sheep and goat producers are invited to attend Parasite Patrol, a practical workshop focused on intestinal parasite management. Hosted by the UW-Extension, this educational program will provide producers with tools and strategies to better understand, monitor, and manage parasite challenges within their flocks and herds.
Intestinal parasites can significantly affect animal health and performance. High parasite loads may lead to reduced productivity, poor growth, lower reproductive performance, and weakened immune systems. Effective management is an important part of maintaining healthy and productive animals, regardless of flock or herd size.
During the workshop, Extension educators will guide participants through the biology and management of intestinal parasites, including:
- Understanding the intestinal parasite life cycle
- Exploring how parasite resistance develops
- Learning management practices that help reduce parasite pressure
- Participating in hands-on fecal egg count (FEC) activities using samples from their own animals
The workshop is designed to provide practical, real-world skills that producers can apply immediately. Participants will also receive a McMaster microscope slide and instructions for conducting fecal egg counts at home, allowing them to continue monitoring parasite loads after the workshop concludes.
Workshop Details
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Osborn Town Hall
W3389 County Road EE
Seymour, WI 54165
Registration Information
The registration fee is $30 per person and includes a McMaster slide for at-home fecal egg counts and all workshop materials.
For additional information, the full agenda, directions, and registration details, visit: https://eventreg.wisc.edu/en/5f4YRxR7/g/extension/parasite-patrol-outagamie-county-5a2TQr1DgIb/overview
Sheep and goat producers of all experience levels and flock sizes are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact:
Adam Hartfiel
adam.hartfiel@wisc.edu
920-647-6560.
Hawaiian Fun and 4-H Spirit Shine at Cloverbud Camp
Cloverbud Camp was a bright highlight of the summer, bringing together thirty-six enthusiastic Pre-K through second-grade 4-H members for a day filled with learning, laughter, and adventure. This year’s Hawaiian-themed camp provided a full schedule of hands-on activities designed to help young people explore, create, and connect with others.
Throughout the day, campers participated in games, crafts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities, camp songs, and nature-based experiences. One of the favorite activities was the colorful and action-packed counselor hunt that wrapped up the day with plenty of excitement and smiles.
While hot temperatures and air quality alerts required a change in plans, campers adapted quickly. The event moved from the park to the Coughlin Center, where air conditioning provided a comfortable environment while allowing the fun to continue. Campers were still able to enjoy outdoor games and a nature walk while taking advantage of indoor space for many of the day’s activities.
A special thank-you goes to the nine middle and high school 4-H members who served as camp counselors. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and willingness to help made a meaningful difference throughout the event. Counselors led activities, encouraged participation, and helped younger members feel welcome and included from the moment they arrived.
The success of Cloverbud Camp was also made possible by dedicated 4-H volunteer leaders who generously gave their time to chaperone and support the program. Their commitment helped ensure a safe, positive, and engaging experience for everyone involved.
Despite the challenges presented by the weather, Cloverbud Camp remained a day full of fun, learning, and community. The event showcased the spirit of 4-H and the value of creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop new skills, and form lasting memories with friends.
Corn Silage Dry Down Events Scheduled
Knowing when to harvest corn silage can have a major impact on forage quality, storage, and livestock performance. To help producers make informed harvest decisions, the Outagamie Forage Council and Midwest Forage Association, working together with Extension Outagamie and Winnebago Counties and Tilth Agronomy, will host five Corn Silage Dry Down events throughout September.
Farmers, agronomists, and professional consultants are encouraged to bring four to five corn stalks from each field they wish to have tested. Fields with significant variability may require additional samples to provide a more accurate assessment. Moisture testing results can help producers determine the best harvest timing for their operations.
The dry down events provide a convenient opportunity to gather current field information and discuss crop conditions with fellow producers and agricultural professionals. Samples that cannot be processed on-site will be delivered to Dairyland Laboratories in De Pere for testing. Results will be posted the following day on the Extension Outagamie County website and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension dry down webpage.
2026 Corn Silage Dry Down Schedule
Thursday, September 3
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
J-Springs Dairy
N4182 County Road EE, Appleton, WI 54913
Tuesday, September 8
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Knigge Farms
4577 Poygan Avenue, Omro, WI 54963
Thursday, September 10
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Crop Source, LLC
N3888 French Road, Freedom, WI 54913
Thursday, September 17
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Allied Cooperative
354 Morrow Street, Seymour, WI 54165
Thursday, September 24
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Verhasselt Farms
N3835 Section Line Road, Kaukauna, WI 54130
For additional information, contact Kevin Jarek, Regional Crops and Soils Educator, at 920-832-4763.
Dry Down Results:
Extension Outagamie County Dry Down Results
UW–Madison Division of Extension Corn Silage Dry Down Results
Fathers in Focus Conference
Fathers, mentors, coaches, and allies are invited to attend the 2026 Fathers in Focus conference on Saturday, October 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Madison College Truax Campus. This free, day-long event brings together individuals from across Wisconsin to learn, connect, and strengthen their roles within families and communities. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for a fee.
The conference includes a keynote address by Mike de la Rocha, author of Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love. His message encourages open conversation, personal growth, and the importance of connection and support. The event will also feature a wide range of breakout sessions designed to meet participants where they are.
Attendees can choose from several topic tracks, including co-parenting, communication, relationship and parenting skills, child support and finances, custody considerations, mental health, and support for justice-involved families. These sessions offer practical strategies, helpful resources, and opportunities to learn from experienced speakers and peers.
Developed through listening to fathers in community-based education programs, Fathers in Focus creates space for meaningful conversations and shared experiences. The event continues to grow each year, offering a place where participants can build skills, expand their support networks, and gain tools to guide and support their families.
Registration is open through September 14.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. Contact the Extension Winnebago County at 920-232-1970 on Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm, excluding holidays, to request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services.