The Michigan Forest Association (MFA) and the Benzie Conservation District (BCD) are teaming up to continue the Neighbor Network, a volunteer tree planting initiative for the Benzie County community. Started in 2024 with the Forestry Assistance Program, this mixer is a chance for past Neighbors to reconnect and tentative new Neighbors to join the fun. The Neighbor Network aims to connect private landowners with other private landowners to assist with tree plantings. Since it’s establishment in 2024, the Benzie Neighbor Network has had 7 Neighbor-hosted tree plantings that have resulted in 3,275 bareroot seedlings (native tree and shrubs) getting in to the ground.

First 20 attendees to Five Shores day-of the event will receive a free drink ticket, and there will be light refreshments available. Please direct any dietary restrictions (or general questions and concerns) to MFA Outreach Forester Ellie Johnson (ellie.johnson@michiganforests.org or 989-285-2981).

Cost: Free to attend

Register here!

We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for the Northern Michigan Wildland Fire Training Exchange (TREX).

TREX events are more than just training—they are immersive, hands-on experiences that build the next generation of wildland fire practitioners while strengthening the broader fire community. Participants gain real-world experience on prescribed fires, work alongside qualified leadership, and have the opportunity to complete critical taskbook assignments under National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards.

For military and civilian fire practitioners alike, TREX provides a unique environment to build operational capacity, deepen technical skills, and develop leadership under real conditions. Just as importantly, it fosters the relationships, trust, and shared understanding that are essential to safely and effectively implementing fire on the landscape.

Whether you are new to wildland fire or advancing through qualifications, TREX offers a pathway to grow your experience, contribute to meaningful land management, and be part of a committed and expanding fire culture.

Join us in building capacity, character, and community through fire.

Host: Michigan Prescribed Fire Council

Cost: $500 

Apply here: TREX APPLICATION PLEASE NOTE: We have extended the deadline for application to June 30. 

Learn more here: https://www.firecouncil.org/trainings-1/2026/9/10/northern-mi-wildland-fire-training-exchange

The MTU College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is partnering with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science to present The Ford Center Forest Forum: Emerging Management and Research Issues in Northern Hardwood Forests of the Western UP 

Join researchers and forest managers from across the western UP for an interactive workshop focused on key management challenges facing the region’s northern hardwood forests. Learn about new research, share perspectives on applied forest management, and build connections with local land managers and researchers.

Hosted by: Michigan Technological University (MTU), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), US Forest Service (USFS), and Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS)

Cost: $35/person. Lunch is included.

REGISTER HERE

If you have questions, please contact Adrienne Keller (kellerab@mtu.edu) and Hannah Abbotts (hwabbott@mtu.edu).

To learn more, check out this website: https://forestadaptation.org/learn/ford-center-forest-forum-2026

Michigan Outdoor Summit is a gathering for all sectors of the state’s outdoor economy to connect, learn, grow, and build together with a vision for the future, health, and vitality of Michigan’s outdoors. Think of us like a base camp for the outdoors — We’ve got a big tent, so everyone should fit just fine! Through programming, networking, and outdoor activities, the Summit focuses on how we strengthen our communities and the outdoor economy and improve health and quality of life for all Michiganders. The Summit is a space intended to elevate the crucial conversation about the importance of the outdoors.

Hosted by: The Conservation Alliance and others.

Cost: $103 - $215

Register here: https://michiganoutdoor.org/tickets/

Learn more here: https://michiganoutdoor.org/

We  invite you to welcome fall and celebrate our forest stewardship journeys at Treetops Resort on October 2 & 3! Our Annual Celebration is a collaborative, educational event curated for Michigan’s woodland stewards and everyone who loves forests.

The event features compelling speakers, field tours, and rich conversations about today’s most pressing forest issues. Attendees generally include MFA members, forestry professionals, academics, and those who love forests.

This year’s theme, “Growing from Forestry’s Deep Roots”, encourages us to explore our past and gain wisdom from all those who came before us in forest management. From Indigenous management practices to the timber era, we will learn how our past shapes practices on the landscape today. 

Hosted by: Michigan Forest Association (MFA), numerous partners

Cost: $125 - $175 (with each additional guest being $50 - $75)

To ask questions please connect with Executive Director Nicole Doyle or Outreach Forester Ellie Johnson.

Register here!

Learn more at the Annual Celebration webpage.

Description:

Join Roscommon Equipment Center staff at the Forest Fire Experiment Station each year for an in-depth workshop on wildland firefighting equipment. 

This workshop, which provides equipment demos and networking opportunities, is ideal for fire department chiefs, equipment program leaders and other wildland fire professionals.

Activities:

Forest Fire Experiment Station facility tour
Field day – Operate DNR fleet equipment
Networking and brainstorming opportunities to advance new firefighting equipment ideas 

Hosted by: Roscommon Equipment Center (REC)

Cost: Free

Learn more here: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/forestry/fire/rec?utm_source=govdelivery

Learn more and register for upcoming workshops by emailing Dave Stockoski.