Workshops

All workshops are included in our new One Day Registration option for Wednesday and full registration.

Forest Technology Workshop

Not all sessions will require one, but we suggest you bring your own laptop and smartphone.

Wednesday, October 30 • 8:00 pm – 5:00 pm

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Hands-On Learning Lab 1:  Improve Decision Making with the Esri Geospatial Cloud

 Esri
When most forestry professionals hear "GIS" they immediately think of maps.  Today, GIS is much more than a tool for making maps, it is a location intelligence platform.  Whether you're a GIS beginner or and expert, this workshop will help further your career by introducing you to the next generation of ArcGIS, the world's most powerful mapping and analytics software.

QGIS and Avenza Maps for Foresters: The Crash Course

Donn Downey, A2 Forest Technology Working Group
Accessible to participants with zero GIS experience and possibly self-diagnosed techphobia, this hands-on workshop will demonstrate how to create a map, establish a sampling grid, and export the map as a georeferenced PDF, which can be used to navigate in the field using a free iOS/Android app called Avenza Maps. Bring a project you wish to complete!  Project data could include GPS boundary lines or waypoints, digital tax maps, or even a paper map, as you'll learn to import that image into GIS with your smart phone. No need to have any software installed in advance.

Next-Level Solutions: Ecosystem Restoration (Public) and Improving Work Flows (Private) Case Studies

F4 Tech
Learn how F4 Tech is applying cloud-based spatial technology on the Esri platform to solve complex problems faced by clients.  An innovative ecosystem scoring and analysis tool as well as forest inventory and G&Y integration with Orbis' Forest Information Portal (FIP) case studies will be presented.

Advancements in Forest Measurement Technology

Haglof Inc.
Focusing on new technology and advancements in equipment, get caught up on Forest Inventory Workflow, Hands-on Tree Measuring and Tree Positioning.  Whether your goal is tree location for Lidar verification plots, plot mapping and planning for timber cruising or simply improving on your current measurement methods, the field stations will provide valuable information. 

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Data Science for Forestry Applications

Matthew Russell, A1 Inventory and Biometrics Working Group
This hands-on workshop will showcase how data science can be used in forestry applications. Learn how to use open-source software (specifically R) to work quickly and efficiently with forestry data, with a focus on using large datasets such as Forest Inventory and Analysis data. This workshop is perfect for students and professionals who want to learn more about how to use R to work with the data they have.

Hands-On Learning Lab 2:  Drive Productivity with Powerful, Easy to Use Apps

Esri
Continuing from the morning session, you will explore flexible tools, powerful apps, and authoritative data to empower nearly everyone in your organization.  Leveraging the data you already published, you will now configure ArcGIS apps used for data collection, visualization, analytics, and collaboration.  Learn how to streamline field data collection, support real-time decision making, build a web application, and create a visually appealing stakeholder engagement briefing.

An Easy and Comprehensive Forest Inventory Mobile Solution

Forest Metrix
This hands-on workshop will provide participants with a full education and 30-day trial of Forest Metrix PRO, a new generation of non-cloud mobile software that allows complete field tallying/cruising, analysis, and comprehensive reports in the field.

We’ve Got a Tool for That:  Measuring Landscapes to Trees and Everywhere in Between

LandMark Spatial Solutions, LLC
This presentation will cover the latest forest technology tools with a spatial flare starting at the tree level, looking at ground truthing LiDAR data.  Next, learn how to transition from ArcGIS Desktop to ArcGIS Pro, then cruise into updates for Terrain Navigator, TCruise, and SOLO Forest.  Preview Trimble Forestry’s new, electronic load ticketing, reconciliation, and reporting solution and, lastly, explore how and when to use drone technology.

A Modern GIS-based Solution for Timber Inventory and Management

Mason Bruce and Girard
Many foresters currently rely on outdated technologies like Windows Mobile devices and desktop software with limited GIS capabilities. In this workshop we will present our approach to a modern, efficient, scalable solution for timber inventory data collection and management and provide a clear roadmap that you can use within your organization to modernize your system.

Educating Youth about Forestry Using Project Learning Tree

Wednesday, October 30 • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

We often interact with students and youth to relay the value of our forests and the resources they provide. Finding the right activity to engage them and communicate complex topics can be a challenge. Project Learning Tree (PLT) provides forestry and natural resource professionals with fun, hands‐on activities that improve student awareness about the environment. Participants will learn how to use PLT to work with school groups and provide engaging tours and presentations. Participants will receive the PLT Pre K-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide and experience several PLT activities.

The Ohio Urban Site Index and Master Planting Design 

Wednesday, October 30 • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

A critical step in successful urban forest management is planting the right tree in the right location. Urban Site Index (USI) is a systematic approach for evaluating sites quickly, inexpensively, and simply. The Master Planting Design combines USI data with planting site size limitations to assign street tree species throughout a municipality. Both strategies were developed in the wake of Emerald Ash Borer to help communities create a species divers, long-range design to complement any urban forestry program. Participants will gain insight on the process' background and research while learning from its developers how to gather USI scores and develop a Master Planting Design. Dress for the weather and bring a soil probe, if you have one. This casual and fun hands-on experience is appropriate for all experience levels.

American Tree Farm System Inspecting Forester Training Workshop

Wednesday, October 30 • 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) recognizes the commitment of US family forest owners to protect wildlife habitat and watersheds, to conserve soil, and to provide recreation for their communities while producing wood. The ATFS Standards of Sustainability require that landowners develop and implement a management plan in a manner to protect the future productivity of the forest. Inspecting foresters assess that the standards are being met and recommend certification as appropriate. Participants will learn the history of ATFS; review the 2015-2020 Standards of Sustainability; understand the role an Inspecting Forester, and become an ATFS Qualified Inspecting Forester (provided educational requirements are met).