TTCP

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Technical Training and Certification Program (TTCP) work in partnership to provide a variety of annual trainings related to native plants and native plant communities. Trainings include online modules, in person coursework, and in field, hands on workshops. Subjects range from the use and application of the DNR Field Guides to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota to identification of species within specific plant groups such as grasses, sedges, or prairie plants.

This session is about the characteristics of manure and its importance in conservation planning. The webinar will talk about the different livestock manure and the importance of knowing fundamental information about the manure to assist the producer in finding the best way to handle, store, and land apply manure.

Winter camelina is a winter hardy brassica that can add diversity to a traditional corn and soybean rotation and has potential as a cash crop. During this session Matt Leavitt (UMN Forever Green) and Anna Teeter (Cargill) discuss the agronomy and marketing of camelina including planting, harvest, herbicides, and markets.

The conservation planning process focuses on assisting clients with developing conservation plans on their land to address resource concerns in all resource categories (soil, water, air, plants, animals, and energy) while considering human concerns (social and economic). Course participants will:

The 2026 Minnesota Agroforestry Institute is a two and a half day training that includes classroom workshops and on farm visits. It will provide all participants with the opportunity to integrate the concepts learned into a practical farm plan. Learn more about the five Agroforestry practices that benefit Minnesota landowners, windbreaks, silvopasture, alley cropping, riparian forest buffers and forest farming. This training is for SWCD, NRCS and conservation professionals but the public is welcome to attend.

Do you have questions regarding grazing management and other conservation practices that facilitate grazing management? Now is your chance to ask your questions! Jeff Duchene, State Grazing Specialist, along with other grazing specialists in Minnesota will lead a virtual office hour to answer any questions you have about grazing management techniques, planning grazing management, planning and technical specifications of conservation practices used to facilitate grazing management or any other questions you may have related to grazing.

This training is designed to provide field employees engaged in conservation planning and others with an overall understanding of soil health and sustainability principles to guide them with recommendations for land management.

Most large scale native habitat plantings rely on seed mixes, and this is especially true - and especially challenging - on wet sites. In shoreland and wetland restorations, plant diversity is critical for pollinators, wildlife, water quality, and long term ecological resilience. Selecting the right mix requires careful attention to hydrology, soil saturation, fluctuating water levels, ice scour, and seasonal inundation.

Jeff Duchene, State Grazing Lands Specialist (NRCS), and Jace Stallman, Rangeland Management Specialist (NRCS), discusses managing pastures during drought conditions, managing excessively wet weather, and managing sacrificial areas.

Neal Kittelson (MDA) presents on the EPA's updated pesticide labels that include new Endangered Species Act protections. Conservation professionals may play a key role in helping agricultural producers navigate compliance. This presentation explores the intersection of pesticide regulation and conservation, highlighting how future and existing land management practices and conservation programs can contribute to meeting ESA mitigation requirements.