June 11: Go hands-on with forest, range stewardship at Forest Owners Field Day

Forestry field visit
Northeast Washington Extension Forester Sean Alexander, left, takes part in a woodland field visit. Alexander and fellow experts host the June 11 Forest and Range Owners Field Day.

Sharing tips, technology, and hands-on practice to help Washington residents maintain healthy forests and pastures, Washington State University Extension Foresters will host the annual Forest and Range Owners Field Day, Saturday, June 11, at Chewelah, Wash.

Returning in-person for the first time since 2019, this field day helps owners understand, steward, and get the most from their lands. Classes and activities are led by experts in forest and range health, wildlife habitat, grazing, soils, fire protection, and timber and non- timber forest products.

Among dozens of topics, participants can learn how to identify trees and shrubs, and spot the signs of damaging pests; learn about wildfire protection, and assistance programs for landowners, and understand the realities of selling timber, thinning and pruning, and chainsaw safety and maintenance; and see small-scale forestry demonstrations and get an introduction to GPS and mapping systems.

Over the past several decades, more than 18,000 participants have taken part in this field day. Many have put knowledge gained into practice to improve and protect their forests and rangeland.

The field day will be held at Casa Becca del Norté Tree Farm, 2716 Moser Road, Chewelah.

Cost is $30 per person, or $40 per family. The event includes an on-site barbecue lunch to benefit FFA. One lunch ticket is included for free; additional tickets can be purchased for $10.

Youth activities are available throughout the day.

To learn more, visit the WSU Extension Forestry website. Or, contact WSU Extension Forester Sean Alexander at (509) 680-0358 or call sean.alexander@wsu.edu.