Drawing the eye with its white bark and fetching premium prices for its sought-after timber, red alder is the most common native hardwood in western Washington forests.
Washington State University Extension Foresters share tips to help forest landowners, large and small, manage valuable red alder stands at two upcoming workshops: Saturday, Sept. 29, in Kent, Wash., and Saturday, Oct. 13, in Raymond, Wash.
A moisture-loving tree often found near streams and wetlands, red alder contributes to high-quality habitat and clean water. But it is short lived, and older stands can quickly lose their value, stability, and ecological function, often degenerating into brush patches dominated by invasive species.
The WSU-led workshop takes a comprehensive look at alder’s challenges and opportunities, and features classroom sessions taught by experts in alder ecology, silviculture, and marketing.
At Kent, an afternoon field trip will visit a site to see what a property owner is doing to help turn an overpopulated and weak alder stand into healthier, long-term forest cover.
At Raymond, participants will take a field tour to view managed and unmanaged alder stands, and take part in a log grading demonstration.
The Kent workshop is 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Meridian Grange, 15422 SE 272nd St., Kent. Costs for the Kent session are $45 per person with early registration, $60 after; $65 per couple with early registration, $80 for late registration. Discounts are available for students and active Master Gardeners.
The Raymond workshop is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Custer Creek Tree Farm, 2943 State Route 6, Raymond. Costs for the Raymond session are $30 per person, $40 per couple. Lunch will be provided. Children are welcome, with additional lunches available for $10.
- Learn more about the Kent workshop athttp://forestry.wsu.edu/nps/events/alder/
- Learn more about the Raymond workshop athttp://forestry.wsu.edu/alder-management-workshop/