Three upcoming educational events from WSU Extension Forestry bring landowning families to the woods for lessons on maintaining their forests for future generations.
An Extension-hosted demonstration farm and forest tour and “Ties to the Land” succession workshop, held June 16 and 17 near Spokane, help forest owners plan for the long-term, while the Forest and Range Owners Field Day on June 24 builds skills to preserve forest health and productivity.
“Stewarding land is rewarding, but it’s also challenging,” said Extension Forester and host Andy Perleberg. “Washington families care deeply about leaving forests in better shape than when they came into ownership. Our outdoor field days and workshops give them the tools and knowledge to turn their goals into reality.”
Washington has one of the richest forestry cultures on Earth. Extension workshops help enhance and preserve that culture.
“Join the more than 20,000 families who have experienced these field day events across Washington state,” Perleberg said.
Demo Farm and Forest Tour, June 16
Extension Foresters join the Washington Association of Agricultural Educators for a field day on Establishing and Managing Demonstration Farms & Forests, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 16, in the Spokane area.
The tour visits three demonstration farms, ranches, and forests used for research as well as community and student engagement. Participants will see and discuss management methods including timber harvesting and reforestation, agroforestry and silvopasture, riparian and aspen restoration, wildlife habitat, prescribed fire use, rotational grazing, land gifts and funding, as well as ways to deliver educational opportunities to students, professionals, and the public.
The tour departs at 8 a.m. from Northern Quest Resort & Casino’s Canoe Tower Hotel parking lot, 100 North Hayford Road, Airway Heights, Wash. Friday. Cost is $100 per person/family and includes lunch.
To register, contact WSU Extension at (509) 667-6540 or by emailing to gormley@wsu.edu. For questions, contact Perleberg at (509) 630-4217 or by emailing to andyp@wsu.edu.
Cultivating Ties to the Land, June 17
The following day, WSU Extension hosts the Ties to the Land succession and estate planning class from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at 929 S. Garfield Road, Airway Heights, Wash. This award-winning workshop helps families maintain their connection to the land across multiple generations, building awareness and motivation to address challenges facing family forests.
Through in-person activities and video modules, workshop participants learn about the legal and financial aspects of transferring a farm, forest, or ranch from one generation to the next, and go home with reference materials and tools to help with communication and planning at home. The workshop wraps with a presentation by an estate planning attorney specializing in family land transfers and farm and forest tax law.
Educators are especially invited because they play a critical role developing the future of rural lifestyles and successful stewardship of agricultural and natural resources. This workshop is held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Washington Association of Agricultural Educators Association. Registration is $100 and includes materials, a video and reference collection, and lunch. Enrollment is limited.
To register by check or credit card, contact WSU Extension at (509) 667-6540 for instructions. For questions, contact Perleberg at (509) 630-4217 or by emailing to andyp@wsu.edu. Credit hours are available to practitioners with prior notice, $150 for both days.
Forest and Range Owners Field Day, June 24
Extension Foresters also present a Forest and Range Owners Field Day, Saturday, June 24, hosted by the Kalispel Tribe at the Indian Creek Community Forest, 2050 Indian Creek Road in Newport, Wash. This outdoor event teaches forest owners how to plan and use sound practices, accomplish their goals, reduce risks, and protect their investment.
Classes and activities explore more than 25 topics, including forest health, forest and rangeland soils, Native American uses of the land, timber sales, forest taxes, landowner assistance, managing for big game, noxious weeds, poisonous forages, bark beetles, bears, and chainsaw safety. Presenters will be on hand to answer questions, and youth activities are available throughout the day.
Early registration is $30 per person, $40 per family. An onsite lunch, $10, benefits FFA and 4-H. Find a flyer and registration directions on the WSU Extension Forestry website.