2023 Western Washington Forest Owners’ Field Day – June 10th

Students learning about the importance of forest thinning

An out-in-the-woods education event

WSU Extension is presenting the 2023 Western Washington Forest Owners’ Field Day to help you learn about forest issues, restore healthy forest conditions, and achieve your goals for your property. The Field day will feature different outdoor workshops with a number to choose from that cover a wide variety of topics.

Learn about current forest health issues, drought and climate impacts, fire risk reduction, wildlife, making your own maple syrup, new forestry research, and much more in an out-in-the-woods setting with local experts. See the below for more details.
The Field Day will also feature exhibits by local agencies and organizations that assist owners of forested property.

When and Where

Schedule of Events

  • 8:00 a.m. – Gates open, time to mingle with vendors
  • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Field Day workshops rotating every hour
  • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch (not provided – please bring your own picnic lunch)
  • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Field Day workshops rotating every hour

Location

This year’s Field Day will be at the University of Washington’s Pack Forest in Eatonville. The address for the parking lot is 9010 453rd St E, Eatonville, WA 98328 (Field Day location on a map).

What to Expect

Field Day logistics

  • Water and restrooms will be available at the Field Day
  • Please bring your own lunch and snacks!
  • This is an outdoor field day. Please come ready for the elements (comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, layers).
  • There will be vendor exhibits where you can browse and network with forestry professionals during the Field Day and during the lunch hour.
  • The workshop stations are located in the woods, within a 5-10 minute walk from the registration and exhibit area unless otherwise noted.
  • There will be six workshop sessions. For each workshop session, you will get to pick from the workshops offered for that session time. A schedule showing what workshops are offered at what times (and the station locations) will be provided when you arrive. The sessions will run approximately fifty minutes, followed by ten minutes to walk to your next workshop.

Field Day Topics

These are just a handful of the different topics that will be covered throughout the day:

  1. Forest Health – Learn about current issues, mortality trends, and what to do.
  2. Wildfire Risk Reduction – Wildfire risk is high in Washington, and getting higher – learn to protect your trees and your home.
  3. Big leaf Maple Syrup – Learn how to tap your maple trees and process your own syrup!
  4. Invasive Forest Pests – Learn how to identify and control aggressive, non-native pests that damage the local ecosystem.
  5. Forest Measurements – Practice simple techniques to measure your tree density and see how big those trees really are!
  6. Thinning and Pruning – Learn how to choose the right trees to thin out to restore the health of your forest and prune your trees for multiple objectives.
  7. UW Research at Pack Forest – Take a walk and see some of the cutting edge research trials at UW’s Pack Forest on soil fertility, tree spacing, and more.
  8. Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance – Learn how to safely and properly use and care for your chainsaw.
  9. Wildlife Species and Their Habitats – Learn about the wildlife that call the Puget Sound Basin home, and simple, effective strategies to improve habitat for on your property.

Cost and Registration

Important: Pre-registration is required.

Early registration discount

Register before May 26th and save $10!

  • Register online or by mail
  • Individual registration: $20
  • Household registration (2-4 adults): $30

Late registration

Registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. June 8th

  • Online registration only
  • Individual registration: $30
  • Household registration (2-4 adults): $40

Additional information

This is family-friendly! Youth under 18 may attend free so bring your next generation of forest stewards. Discounts are available for students and active Master Gardeners – call 425-738-0109 for details.

To be eligible for a refund, cancellations must be received by 5:00 p.m. May 26th, and refunds may be subject to a $5 administrative fee.

Registration

Pre-registration was required, and registration is now closed. On-site registration will not be available. Please join us next year!

Acknowledgements and Accommodations

This program is made possible in part by funding support from Washington State University, Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Family Forest Foundation, and the Pierce County. In-kind support is provided by University of Washington Pack Forest.

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 Patrick Shults at patrick.shults@wsu.edu at least three weeks prior to the event.