Westside Field Day helps landowners experience benefits of their forests

Perleberg gestures to a stand of trees with a small group out in the field.
Extension regional specialist Andy Perleberg discusses red alder management with participants at a past Extension Forestry field day. Western Washington family landowners and managers can learn how to get the most from their forests while preserving their health and value at a Woodland event, Aug. 18.

 

Woodland, Wash. – Family forest owners and managers in western Washington are invited to learn how to plan, manage and protect their forests at the Westside Family Forest Owners Field Day, Saturday, Aug. 18.

The field day is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Zumstein Family Farm near Woodland, Wash, within easy driving distance from all south Puget Sound and southwest Washington counties, as well as northwest Oregon.

Ramsey talks in front of an easel with photos of diseased trees.
Washington Department of Natural Resources staff member Amy Ramsey discusses forest health and root diseases at an Extension Forestry field day.

Instructed by recognized experts in forest management, wildlife habitat, and other forest stewardship disciplines, this “out-in-the-woods” educational event shares timely, unbiased information sure to meet the needs of landowners with five or 500 acres. There will be exhibitors, demonstrations, and classes throughout the day.

The field day is designed to prepare landowners to plan and execute management activities that meet their personal objectives, reduce risks and protect their financial investment, answering questions such as “Is my forest healthy?”, “How do I attract some wildlife and repel others?”, and “When selling timber, what’s my fair share?” There will also be a special session for absentees that own property in eastern Washington.

Perleberg, in hat and orange vest, stands in front of a culvert and stream, in the woods.
Perleberg discuses fish passage at road crossings with participants at a past forest field day.

Participants can choose from a wide variety of classes taught by specialists in forest health, weed control, wildfire protection, timber and non-timber forest products, technology for mapping, forestland security and safety, and more. Presenters and exhibitors will be available all day to answer questions, and participants can learn how to arrange a complementary walk-in-the-woods by a professional forester, wildlife biologist, or both. Youth activities will be available all day.

Registration by Monday, August 13, is $30 per person or $40 for a family of two or more. After that date, the fee is $40 per person or $50 per family. An optional barbecue lunch will be available for $10 per person to benefit the Future Farmers of America. Lunch reservations must be received by August 13.

A brochure with information, driving directions and registration information can be found here, or at your local WSU Extension office.

For information, contact WSU Extension Forester Andy Perleberg at (509) 667-6540 or by email at andyp@wsu.edu