Webinars
(Tip: register and even if you can’t join live, you often will be sent a recording)
June 11, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (online)
Productive agricultural land remains elusive for many landowners and agricultural professionals are often limited in helping them due to complicated legal and social issues. This is particularly true for forestland owned as heirs’ property—property with multiple owners, each of whom inherited their shares. A new documentary film “Family Tree” looks at this issue heirs’ property rights through the eyes of landowners throughout North Carolina and those advising them. In the film you meet forester Sam Cook, who advises two sisters, Natalie and Nikki Jefferies, who are not only landowners but are advocates for family forests. Webinar host Jamie Lewis will speak with Natalie, Nikki, and Sam about the issue of heirs’ property and their experiences as natural resource managers.
Forest Optimism Webinar Series — Tree Equity: Enacting Change in America’s Cities
June 12, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (online)
Trees are crucial infrastructure to cities – they cool neighborhoods by providing shade, clean the air we breathe, and even provide career opportunities. However, studies have shown that due to redlining and other discriminatory policies, neighborhoods with more low-income families and people of color living in them have fewer trees, which has a significant impact on overall health and quality of life. The Tree Equity movement led by American Forests seeks to remedy this issue through enacting change on both a local and policy level. Join host Tania Munz of the Forest History Society for a discussion with Jad Daley, the CEO of American Forests, to learn more about this organization’s work with tree equity and its importance.
June 19,2024
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (online)
With about 37 percent of all forestland in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington privately owned, creating economic models for forest conservation by private landowners that works is changing the game there. The Pacific Forest Trust is one of the players working closely with landowners and communities to make this important work possible. Join us for a webinar guest hosted by Peter Stein, himself a leading expert in the economics of conservation, to get a better sense of the context and future of this important work.
Summer 2024 Intensive Western Washington Online Forest Stewardship Coached Planning Course
July 8 – 25, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (online)
In lieu of a class field trip, enrollment in this course includes admission to the Western Washington Forest Owners’ Field Day, Saturday, July 27, 2024.
A forestry course for property owners
Forest Stewardship Coached Planning is the flagship course for small landowners and is put on in partnership by WSU Forestry Extension and the WDNR. Topics covered include silviculture, ecology, harvesting, thinning, wildlife, special forest products mapping, soils, and much more. Through this series of classes, landowners are “coached” through the process of writing a forest management plan for their property based on their own management objectives. Your management plan is a key to accessing resources for small forest landowners in this area, such as reduced property taxes, financial assistance programs, and becoming a certified stewardship forest.
This Puget Sound area course section is for people with properties in Island, King, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish counties. For courses covering other parts of the state, please visit the WSU Extension Forestry website. Cost: $150 per household. The registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024.
July 23, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (online)
Klaus Puettman with Oregon State University will discuss the role of wind and fire in western forests as guides to ecological silviculture. This presentation will talk about projected changes in climate and disturbance frequency and intensity, managing of complex systems, and old-growth management.
August 20, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (online)
Brian Palik with the USDA Forest Service will present on the place of ecological silviculture on the landscape and how to prevent the forest management divergence. This presentation will also ask the question, when is the past the future and when is it not?
Tours/Workshops/Classes
Variable Density Thinning Workshop
June 12, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Deer Park, WA
“Variable Density Thinning (VDT)” deliberately creates non-uniform conditions within a stand and may help to accelerate wildlife habitat and improve or protect biodiversity. This silvicultural system can be advantageous for producing more wildlife, timber, and result in more strategic wildfire hazard mitigation. Come see a short presentation at the WSU Vetter Demonstration Farm & Forest, followed by a brief walk in the woods to learn how VDT could be applied on your forest land. No registration fee but registration required. Contact WSU Extension (509) 667-6540 to register, or gormley@wsu.edu.
Tall Tree Tour – Washington Park Arboretum
June 15, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Seattle, WA
Join a tour of a majestic grove of trees hosted by Philip Stielstra with PropagationNation. The Tall Tree Tour will take place at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle. Enjoy “Nature’s Cathedral” consisting of seventeen over 100-ft coast redwoods planted 50 years ago and a grove of eight giant sequoias, the tallest of which is over 170 feet tall and planted over 70 years ago. Connect with fellow tall-tree-admirers and learn about the potential power of trees to renew the environment while being wooed by the splendor of the great giants!
WFFA Kittitas Chapter Event-Biochar: Integrating Forest Health, Climate Change, & Carbon Management
June 15, 2024
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cle Elum, WA
Come learn about the importance of biochar for protecting dry forests and the climate, how low-to-no value biomass is made into biochar and can be used as a soil amendment to repair environmental damage, and as a renewable energy source and Biochar production and the economic opportunity.
WFFA Lewis Chapter Twilight Tour of Greg Booth’s Tree Farm
June 18, 2024
6:30 p.m.
Vader, WA
WFFA Pacific Chapter Twilight Tour of Dale Ford Tree Farm
June 19, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Naselle, WA
Eastern WA Forest Owners Field Day
June 22, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (gates open at 8:00 a.m.)
Deer Park, WA
An out-in-the-woods education event
Join an all-day learning event at WSU Vetter Demonstration Farm & Forest to learn about forest health, management, safety, technology, and more. Whether you own a home in the woods or many acres of land, this “out-in-the-woods” educational event is packed with practical “how-to” information that you need to know. Stewarding land is both rewarding and challenging. Successful management is due to the decisions you make and the actions you take. Attending the Forest Owners Field Day will prepare you to plan and execute sound practices, enabling you to accomplish your management objectives, reduce risks, and protect your financial investment. Early registration by June 18. Fee is $30 per person, $40 for a family of two or more. Registration on the day of the event is $40 per person, $50 for a family of two or more. For information, contact WSU Extension Forestry Andy Perleberg at (509) 667-6540 or send an email to andyp@wsu.edu.
July 10-12, 2024
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
North Cascades National Park
Join Pacific Education Institute, WA State Department of Natural Resources, and Skagit Conservation District at the North Cascades Institute Environmental Learning Center this summer for a FREE workshop for WA 6-12 grade educators. As part of this three-day, immersive overnight professional learning experience, you will develop a deeper understanding of forest resource science in the Pacific Northwest through the lens of fire ecology. Explore the impact of local fire and climate on Western Washington forests, learn from forestry professionals, and prepare to bring experiential forest education for your students. 15.5 STEM Clock Hours. Meals and lodging included. Register now! Space limited. Free Project Learning Tree Teaching Resources and More! Questions? Contact Amy Keiper at akeiper@pacificeducationinstitute.org
Shaw Island Twilight Forest Tour
July 11, 2024
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Shaw Island, WA
Join WSU Extension Forestry for a twilight forest tour at Osprey Pond on Shaw Island. In addition to seeing the pond and the wildlife habitat it provides, we see what and island landscape looks like after thinning and fuels reduction to restore historical conditions. We will also talk about EQIP and other cost share programs that can help fund these treatments. This is an opportunity to ask questions, see another landscape, and meet fellow forest owners in a relaxed and casual manner. In addition to the tour, we will be having a dessert potluck at the end of the evening! This event is free, but space is limited, and pre-registration is required.
WFFA Upper Puget Sound Chapter Sierra Pacific Mill Tour
July 12, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Burlington, WA
Trail Building 101 Workshop-Enumclaw, WA
July 13, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
A hands-on trail building experience
Join WSU Extension Forestry and Washington Conservation Corps Trail Building Specialist, Annika Ollestad, to learn the basics of trail building. At this workshop, you will learn the principles of sustainable trail design and construction as well as an intro to hand building tread and using common trail tools. This is an opportunity to ask a trail building expert all your trail building questions and learn about trails through hands-on learning, as we will be building an actual section of trail! The registration fee is $20 per person or $30 per couple (same household). This is a small group workshop, space is very limited so register early if you want a spot – this will sell out quickly. The registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
WFFA Lewis Chapter Picnic and Twilight Tour of Madsen’s Coal Creek Tree Farm
July 16, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Chehalis, WA
Gig Harbor Twilight Forest Tour
July 16, 2024
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Gig Harbor, WA
Join WSU Extension Forestry for a twilight tour through the woods of long-time forest steward and wildlife aficionado, Kit Ellis. Hear from Kit about the management practices she has had done on her property, including variable density thinning, root rot management, acquiring a conservation easement, and more. This is an opportunity to ask questions, see another landscape that may be like your own, and meet fellow forest owners in a relaxed and casual manner. In addition to the tour, we will be having a dessert potluck at the end of the evening! This event is free, but pre-registration is required, and Space is limited so register early to ensure that your spot is reserved.
WFFA Pacific Chapter Annual meeting and Picnic at Pattillo Tree Farm
July 17, 2024
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Raymond, WA
2024 Puget Sound Forest Owners’ Field Day – Fall City
July 27, 2024
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
An out-in-the-woods education event
WSU Extension, in cooperation with WA DNR and King County, presents the 2024 Puget Sound Forest Owners’ Field Day to help you learn about forest issues, foster healthy and resilient forest conditions, pursue fun new projects, and achieve your goals for your property. The Field day will feature different outdoor workshops with a number to choose from that cover a wide variety of topics. Learn about current forest health issues, drought and climate impacts, fire risk reduction, wildlife, making your own maple syrup, new forestry research, and much more in an out-in-the-woods setting with local experts. See the below for more details. The Field Day will also feature exhibits by local agencies and organizations that assist owners of forested property. Individual registration: $20, Household registration (2-4 adults): $30. Registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. July 25, 2024.
WFFA Clark Chapter Annual Picnic at Gene and Jane Jones Tree Farm
July 27, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Yacolt, WA
August 2, 2024
9:00 a.m.
Sedro Wooley, WA
2024 Steve Stinson Legacy Family Forest Owners Field Day-Southwest Washington
Aug 10, 2024
Longview, WA
More information to follow.
WFFA Lewis Chapter Twilight Tour of Russ Armitage’s Tree Farm
August 20, 2024
6:30 p.m.
Onalaska, WA
2024 Invasive Forest Weed Control Field Practicum
August 23, 2024
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Field-based, hands-on weed control training
This practicum is completely field-based and centered on hands-on learning. After safety briefings, you will don protective gear (provided) to watch demonstrations and then do hands-on practicing of multiple control techniques. Workshop sessions are offered throughout the day covering different weed control strategies at different stations around the site. Participants choose which workshop they want to go to for each of the session period. Pre-registration is required, and the registration deadline is Monday, August 19, 2024. Individual registration: $20, Household registration (2-4 adults): $30
Preston Forest Stewardship Coached Planning – Fall 2024
September 3 to October 29, 2024
Tuesday evenings 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Field trip Saturday, October 19
A forestry course for property owners
Forest Stewardship Coached Planning is the flagship course for small landowners and is put on in partnership by WSU Forestry Extension and the WDNR. Topics covered include silviculture, ecology, harvesting, thinning, wildlife, special forest products mapping, soils, and much more. Through this series of classes, landowners are “coached” through the process of writing a forest management plan for their property based on their own management objectives. Your management plan is a key to accessing resources for small forest landowners in this area, such as reduced property taxes, financial assistance programs, and becoming a certified stewardship forest.
Whidbey Forest Stewardship Coached Planning – Fall 2024
September 6 to November 8, 2024
Friday mornings 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Field trip Friday, October 25
A forestry course for property owners
Forest Stewardship Coached Planning is the flagship course for small landowners and is put on in partnership by WSU Forestry Extension and the WDNR. Topics covered include silviculture, ecology, harvesting, thinning, wildlife, special forest products mapping, soils, and much more. Through this series of classes, landowners are “coached” through the process of writing a forest management plan for their property based on their own management objectives. Your management plan is a key to accessing resources for small forest landowners in this area, such as reduced property taxes, financial assistance programs, and becoming a certified stewardship forest.
Save the Date: Western Washington Fall Forestry Seminar
September 27, 2024
UW Pack Forest
Eatonville, WA
More information to follow.
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