EVERETT, Wash. — Woodland owners are invited to attend an upcoming hands-on forest thinning and pruning workshop sponsored by Washington State University Extension. The workshop will b e taught by experienced stewardship foresters from WSU and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
The workshop will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the conference room at the state Department of Natural Resources office, 919 N. Township Street, in Sedro Woolley.
Thinning and pruning are two of the best tools available to landowners to improve forest health, enhance aesthetics, and create more diverse wildlife habitat. Participants in this workshop will learn how to thin and prune properly and safely. Traditional methods as well as cutting edge techniques such as variable density thinning will be covered.
The workshop will combine both in-class instruction and hands-on practice. It will start by introducing participants to the science and techniques of thinning and pruning. Then the class will head to a local forest for hands-on demonstration and practice. Participants will have the opportunity to practice marking out a stand for thinning, followed by a discussion. There will also be an opportunity to try out different pruning tools and hone techniques in a safe and proper manner.
Class size is limited for this event, so please sign-up early to ensure a space. The cost is $15 per individual or family and includes class materials. For registration and additional information please visit http://snohomish.wsu.edu/forestry/thinprune2010.htm or contact Tamara Neuffer, WSU Extension, at 425-357-6017 or tneuffer@wsu.edu.