Forest Pest and Pathogen Short Course

The Forest Pest and Pathogen Short Course is a professional, online, asynchronous program designed to help learners understand and apply core concepts related to forest pest and pathogen prevention, detection, and management.

Rather than focusing on memorizing facts about individual species, this course emphasizes foundational concepts and transferable strategies that can be applied across species, forest types, and jurisdictions. Forest pests and pathogens will change over time and vary by location, but the underlying approaches to prevention, early detection, response, and long-term management remain relevant.

This self paced course combines concise written lessons with interactive knowledge checks, applied examples, curated resources, and select short videos to reinforce key concepts.

The course takes approximately 6 hours to complete, though learners may move faster or slower depending on their experience and how deeply they explore optional resources. A certificate from NAISMA will be issued upon successful completion of the course.

Course Access

Upon registration, students will have 30 days to access and complete the course. Participants move through the modules in order and may revisit any lesson, activity, or resource at any time during the access period. Participants will receive a reminder email before their 30-day access period ends to ensure they have time to finish the course and earn their certificate.

Registration Fee

$100

Register Here

Course Modules

  • Module 1: Foundations of Forest Pests and Pathogens
    Introduces forest ecosystems, why forests matter, and how invasive pests and pathogens impact forest health and ecosystem services.
  • Module 2: Pathway Prevention and Slowing the Spread
    Explores how forest pests and pathogens move through international and domestic pathways, including trade, firewood movement, and outdoor recreation, and highlights prevention strategies and shared responsibility.
  • Module 3: Strategies for Response and Management
    Covers early detection and rapid response, long term management, restoration, and preparedness planning, with attention to how strategies shift as invasions become established.
  • Module 4: Summary and Next Steps
    Connects key concepts across the course, reinforces practical takeaways, and highlights tools, networks, and resources for continued learning and engagement.

Who Should Enroll

This course is designed for invasive species professionals, forestry and natural resource staff, students, volunteers, and partners who want a practical, concept driven introduction to forest pest and pathogen prevention and management. It is also well suited for anyone supporting cross boundary collaboration, outreach, or planning related to forest health.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain why forests are vulnerable to invasive pests and pathogens and describe key concepts related to forest health
  • Identify major pathways responsible for the introduction and spread of forest pests and pathogens
  • Distinguish between prevention, early detection and rapid response, long term management, and preparedness strategies
  • Use case studies to connect real world examples to broader management principles
  • Apply foundational concepts to assess forest pest and pathogen risks in your own community or jurisdiction

Funding Acknowledgement

This course was developed with generous support from the John C. Bock Foundation.

ALREADY REGISTERED?

ACCESS NAISMA ACADEMY HERE

Federal agency staff: click here to download NAISMA’s completed Section 889 form.