Submitted by the WSU Extension Program

Woodland owners can build skills for caring for their trees by taking Washington State University Extension Forestry’s Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course.

This course teaches owners of wooded property how to assess their trees, avoid insect and disease problems, enhance wildlife habitat, improve wood quality, reduce fire risk, and take practical steps to keep their woods on track to provide enjoyment or even income for years to come. During the course, participants will develop a personalized forest stewardship plan, which qualifying landowners can use to lower their property taxes or gain access to cost-share programs. Whether it’s a few wooded acres or a larger forest tract, landowners with all sizes of property and with all types of goals will benefit from this course.

The course will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., from March 11 through April 8, including a field trip on April 1. The course will be held at Skagit Valley College, 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

The course costs $215, or $185 if you register before March 1. Pre-registration is required. The course includes class sessions, a field trip, a large notebook of reference publications and how-to guides, a native trees book, and an on-site consultation at your property from a state stewardship forester. To register or learn more, visit forestry.wsu.edu/nps/events/cpsanjuan/ or contact Ian Fawley, withWSU Extension Forestry, at 425-357-6023. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation should contact WSU Extension Forestry at least two weeks before the event.