JUMP TO: Descriptions | Speaker Bios

February 5, 2025

2024 Turf Insect and Disease Trends

The Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab receives about 300 samples every year from those trying to identify fungal diseases of turfgrasses. This talk will discuss some of the trends observed in sample submissions over the last few years. Presented by: Kurt Hockemeyer, Turfgrass Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison

Handouts will be posted here when available.

Sensational Sedges

The wide range of available sedges (Carex sp.) continues to expand and add value in our landscapes. Whether used to replace turf, provide erosion control or add definition and color to openings and edges, these low maintenance perennials have significant potential. Explore a wide range of sedges for a myriad of uses in the landscape along with recommendations for proper selection, installation and, maintenance. Presented by: Mark Dwyer, Horticulturist & Landscape Designer

Handouts will be posted here when available.

February 12, 2025

Buckthorn Management Update

Invasive woody plants can overtake natural areas and reduce their environmental and recreational value. Learn about recent research on the most effective buckthorn management strategies and treatments. Presented by: Mark Renz, Professor, UW-Madison

Handouts will be posted here when available.

Using Plants to Control Buckthorn

The Cover It Up! project has found that re-establishing dense native vegetation can limit invasion of buckthorn and other exotic plants by exerting strong competition for light. This talk will focus on the diversity of revegetation approaches examined and comparing the outcomes of those different approaches. Presented by: Dr. Mike Schuster, Researcher, University of Minnesota

Handouts will be posted here when available.

February 19, 2025

The Best Things Come In Little Packages

Good plants come in small packages. We will discuss smaller scale trees that make a big impact in the landscape. The environmental and ornamental benefits of underused and newer cultivars of common trees will be covered. Presented by: Dr. Laura Jull, Associate Professor, UW-Madison

Handouts will be posted here when available.

Diseases of Crabapples and Lilacs to Challenge Your Landscaping Skills

Learn about common diseases of crabapples and lilacs (from cosmetic to lethal). This talk will include tips on how to identify these diseases, as well as information on disease management. Presented by: Dr. Brian Hudelson, Director, Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, UW-Madison Extension

Handouts will be posted here when available.

February 26, 2025

Wisconsin’s Trending and Emerging Landscape Insect Pests

From spongy moths to new invasives like the elm zigzag sawfly, Wisconsin saw a number of trending and emerging landscape insect pests in 2024. In this session, we’ll take a closer look at these trending insects and discuss what to watch for this growing season. Presented by: PJ Liesch, Entomologist, UW-Madison Extension

Handouts will be posted here when available.

What’s the deal with No Mow May?

Since its start in Appleton Wisconsin, “No Mow May” has had the goal of increasing early food sources for pollinators by allowing flowering plants in the lawn to bloom. We will discuss our research about the effects of lawns, how they are mowed and their value to pollinators. We will also include non-grass plants that can be incorporated into lawns for those looking for more diversity. Presented by: Dr. Doug Soldat, Professor, UW-Madison

Handouts will be posted here when available.

Kurt Hockemeyer
Turfgrass Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison

Kurt Hockemeyer is a Researcher in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the manager of the Turfgrass Diagnostic Laboratory (TDL) and diagnoses turf maladies on an average of 300 turf samples every year. In addition to diagnostic services he also provides recommendations for these maladies to professional turf managers and homeowners alike. He also supervises the plot maintenance, application of fungicides, and evaluation work for the UW Turfgrass Fungicide Testing Program (https://tdl.wisc.edu/research/).

Mark Dwyer
Horticulturist & Landscape Designer

Mark Dwyer is currently the Garden Manager at the Edgerton (WI) Hospital Healing Garden and operates his own landscape design and consulting company, Landscape Prescriptions by MD. Prior to this, Mark was Director of Horticulture for 21 years at Rotary Botanical Gardens (Janesville, WI). Mark has degrees in landscape architecture and urban forestry.

Mark Renz
Professor, UW-Madison

Mark Renz, PhD, is a Professor and Extension Weed Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He researches and extends information about the biology and management of invasive plants. Research goals in Dr. Renz’s lab are centered on developing information that will improve management by improving the knowledge and understanding of invasive plant biology. Education efforts focus on providing technical information and educational opportunities for agency staff, consultants, companies, and citizens concerned about invasive plants.

Dr. Mike Schuster
Researcher, University of Minnesota

Mike Schuster, PhD, is a dynamic and dedicated researcher in the Department of Forest Resources in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. Schuster’s work delves into the intricate interactions between global environmental shifts and their impact on plant communities and ecosystem processes, with an emphasis on how invasive plant species, climate change, and nitrogen deposition shape our natural world.

Dr. Laura Jull
Associate Professor, UW-Madison

Dr. Laura Jull received both of her A.A.S. degrees from Oakland Community College in Landscape Technology and Liberal Arts. She earned a B.S. degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Horticultural Science from North Carolina State University.  She has worked for almost 40 years in numerous positions in the Green Industry. Since 1998, she has been a professor and Extension Specialist for Woody Ornamental Horticulture at the UW-Madison.

Dr. Brian Hudelson
Director, Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, UW-Madison Extension

Brian Hudelson, affectionately known as “Dr. Death”, is the director of the UW-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic (PDDC).  The PDDC provides expertise in diagnosing plant disease problems, and information on plant diseases and their control to a wide range of clientele throughout the state of Wisconsin and beyond.

PJ Liesch
Entomologist, UW-Madison Extension

Patrick (PJ) Liesch is an Extension entomologist and the director of the University of Wisconsin Insect Diagnostic Lab.  PJ also provides entomology-related outreach throughout the state, including regular appearances on Wisconsin Public Radio.

Dr. Doug Soldat
Soil Extension Specialist/Faculty, UW-Madison

Doug Soldat is a professor and turfgrass extension specialist and chair of the Department of Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Doug completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Soil Science from UW-Madison and earned a Ph.D. in Plant Science from Cornell University. His research and outreach programs are focused on improving turfgrass nutrient and water use efficiency. Doug teaches courses on turfgrass management and general soil science at the University of Wisconsin.