WSU Extension educator Andy Perleberg teaches a short course for family forest landowners that helps them focus on what they want to accomplish. Photo courtesy of WSU Extension
EVERETT – The annual Western Washington Family Forest Owners Field Day in King County will be presented by WSU Extension and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources on Saturday, July 31.
The daylong event for private forestland owners will feature more than 24 hands-on workshops on a variety of forestry topics for all ages and skill levels. The field day is designed to be family friendly, with activities available for children throughout the day.
The field day will be held in the Ravensdale area just east of Maple Valley. The gates will open at 7:30 a.m. with hourly workshops beginning at 8:30 a.m. Exhibits and equipment demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the day.
Among the topics slated for this year’s event are:
- Introduction to forestry for new owners
- Management of small woodlands
- Thinning and pruning
- Shiitake mushroom cultivation
- Forest safety and security
- A variety of sessions on forest health and wildlife habitat
Most sessions will be offered multiple times.
Advance registration received before July 24 is $20 per person, or $30 for two or more. Registration on the day of the event is $30 per person or $40 for two or more.
A full barbeque lunch, including a vegetarian option, will be available for $10 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Green River Community College forestry program students. Please pre-order lunch when you register. Water, refreshments and portable restrooms will be available throughout the day.
Click the following link for a brochure including the registration form, location details and directions, and a link to the full schedule, or call 425-357-6017.
Participants should dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared to walk short distances in forested terrain.
Another family forest field day for southwest Washington is scheduled for Aug 28 in Ridgefield. This event is open to forest landowners from both Washington and Oregon with a focus on increasing awareness of fundamental forest stewardship practices.