Submitted by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Washington State University Extension Forestry and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources are again teaming up to offer a series of free live webinars on all-new forest stewardship topics starting this month.
The classes, which begin July 29, have something for all skill levels, from experienced forest managers to novices who are just learning how to engage with their lands.
The classes follow the same model as the 2020 virtual offerings from WSU Extension and DNR, which won both the Gold and Silver Awards from the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals, a nationwide association.
July 29 – Who Lives Here Now? Wildlife at Home
Are you tired of your Sisyphean struggle against noxious weeds? Of working all summer, only to be crushed as that ball of blackberry canes come rolling back down the hill? The Bradley Method is an alternative approach to noxious weed control, using the slow favoring of native plants. Perhaps this low-stress approach to weed control is right for your property.
Instructor: Steven Burke, Manager, King County Noxious Weed Control Program
Aug. 12 – Variable Density Thinning
Are you trying to diversify your stand of even-aged Douglas-fir? Are you interested in harvesting, but worried about the ecological impacts? Variable density thinning is a fantastic method that can add structural, age-class, and species diversity to almost any forest. If you dream of propelling your forest to mature, more old-growth-like conditions, then this method is for you.
Instructor: Matt Provencher, Stewardship Forester, Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Aug. 17 – Washington State Forest Health Highlights
Did you see the parch blight this year? Have you observed an increase in tree mortality on your property? Come hear about current forest health issues, concerns, and trends from the expert’s mouth.
Instructor: Glenn Kohler, Forest Entomologist, Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Aug. 19 – Lions and Fishers and Bears, Oh My! Current Events in Northwest Wildlife Management
Lots of press lately on big predators. Did grizzly bears get reintroduced? What about the wolves? And those fishers showing up. And whatever happened to the spotted owl? This talk will be an even-handed, biologically based discussion of the latest big issues.
Instructor: Ken Bevis, Stewardship Wildlife Biologist, Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Aug. 26 – Healthy Forest Understories and the Weeds That Get in the Way
Your forest’s understory is a vital element of its resiliency, health, and diversity. Come learn what your understory should look like, how you can maintain it, and the common weeds that get in the way.
Instructor: Skye Pelliccia, Noxious Weed Control Specialist, King County Noxious Weed Control Program
The webinars are free, but pre-registration is required. Each webinar is offered twice: from 12-1 p.m., and again from 7-8 p.m. If you are interested in a webinar but are unable to attend, please register anyway so you can receive a link to the recording afterward.
For more details and to register, go to https://forestry.wsu.edu/nps/events/summerwebinars2021.
This program is made possible in part by funding support from Washington State University, Island County/WSU Extension Island County, King County, King Conservation District, San Juan County, Skagit County, and Snohomish Conservation District.
Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Kevin Zobrist at kevin.zobrist@wsu.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.
