Northwest Illinois Forestry Association Sustainable Woodland Stewardship in Northwest Illinois |
Chain Saw Safety Courses The Northwest Illinois Forestry Association (NIFA) will sponsor four days of Chain Saw Safety and Woods Worker (SAWW) courses in 2026. These courses are designed to teach novice and seasoned saw operators safe use and maintenance of gas and electric powered chain saws.Course cost is $350 for the 2-day Level 101 class and $175.00 each for Level 1 and Level 2 classes. Sign up before August 15th and save $15.00 per class. Level 101 = $320.00. Level 1 = $160.00. Level 2 = $160.00. To register, go to http://nifatrees.org and click on “Events”. Scroll through options to find class or combination you are interested in and select “Register”. Contact Tom Arnold for additional information at arnoldfarm@juno.com , call 815-858-2407, or mail to 997 N Salem Rd., Elizabeth IL 61028. To ensure everyone receives hands-on, personal instruction, class size is limited to the first 10 applicants, so register early! Click the links below for more information and registration |
About Us
The Northwest Illinois Forestry Association is dedicated to supporting sustainable woodland management and promoting the long-term health of our region's forests. We connect landowners, professionals, and community members with practical resources, education, and hands-on learning opportunities. Together, we work to preserve the beauty, productivity, and ecological value of Northwest Illinois woodlands for generations to come.
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Upcoming events
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Members of the Northwest Illinois Forestry Association enjoy a welcoming community that gathers for many different activities. By participating, members build connections, strengthen conservation efforts, and help promote healthy forests for generations to come.
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Programs |
 Tree Sale Distribution DaysSupport local conservation and grow your land the right way by ordering trees through your county SWCD Tree Sale Program! Our six-county partnership offers affordable, high-quality seedlings selected for our local soils and climate, making it easy to establish windbreaks, wildlife habitat, pollinator areas, erosion control, and future timber resources. By ordering through your local SWCD, you’re not only getting expert guidance and bulk pricing—you’re also reinvesting in conservation efforts that protect water quality, improve soil health, and strengthen our rural landscapes. Whether you’re planting for habitat, shade, or long-term stewardship, your participation helps build a greener, healthier community for generations to come. | Forest Regeneration Tour On Saturday, March 28th, at 1:00 pm, the Northwest Illinois Forestry Association will host a tour of natural forest regeneration on past timber harvest sites at the Tom and Jessica Arnold Tree Farm northeast of Elizabeth, IL. Selective walnut harvests performed in 2018, 2010, and 2008 will be viewed as well as 2011/2012 fifteen-acre and 1995 four-acre hardwood clear cuts. Forester Kevin Oetkin of Woodland Forestry Inc., Monmouth IA, who consulted on each harvest, will review the selection and bid-for-sale process. He will also discuss how timber sales fit into the Arnold Farm Forest Management Plan with trees marked for sale in 2026. Trails have been groomed by Andy Phillips of Noble’s Grove Land Management, Stillman Valley, IL, who will be on site to explain his services. Dress for hiking hills, primitive trails, and possible wet conditions. For day of tour confirmation or last-minute changes, check out the “Events” page of www.nifatrees.org and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NWILForestry/ The Arnold Farm is located at 997 N. Salem Road, Elizabeth, IL. All NIFA events are open to the public.  |  Forestry Mangement
A forestry management system is essential for maintaining healthy, productive woodlands that can thrive for generations. By using thoughtful planning and sustainable practices, landowners can improve tree growth, protect wildlife habitats, reduce invasive species, and prevent erosion or disease outbreaks. A well-designed management system ensures that forests remain resilient, ecologically balanced, and economically valuable—providing long-term benefits for the environment, local communities, and future stewardship efforts.
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