Heidi Frei has a passion for protecting Michigan’s unique ecosystems and forest resources. From planting trees and invasive species management, she enjoys connecting people with the natural environment, engaging them in restoration activities and ensuring the sustained health of Michigan’s forest. As DNR Parks and Recreation Division Forest Health Specialist, Heidi leads her division’s response to forest pests such as hemlock woolly adelgid, oak wilt and Asian long-horned beetle.  Heidi has a B.S. in Forest Conservation and a M.S. in Forestry, both from Michigan State University.

TSN Conference 2026

• January 23rd, 2026 (Friday) // 10:00 am – 11:00 am // Room 103 // Keeping Pace with Forest Health Pests // Oak wilt and forest health diseases and pests continue to spread and impact our natural areas, often outpacing the capacity of field crews. Ground detection methods for oak wilt have remained largely based upon chance and aerial surveys with fixed wing aircraft remain out of reach for many land managers. With other threats, such as hemlock woolly adelgid and beech leaf disease, threatening forest communities, new techniques are needed to keep pace with the rapid changes to forest health. By adding UAV surveillance powered by machine learning at select sites, teams can nimbly respond using rapid response techniques and increase the likelihood of successful management.

• January 23rd, 2026 (Friday) // 11:20 am – 11:45 am // Room 105 // Double Threat: Beech Bark Disease and Beech Leaf Disease // Beech is now under threat by both beech bark disease and beech leaf disease in Michigan. Learn how to identify them and discuss some of the ramifications in Michigan forests.