2026 Puget Sound Forest Owners Winter School – Saturday, February 21st

Take time during the off-season for forestry education

Is it time to sharpen the saw of your forestry knowledge?

Winter School is the classroom counterpart to our summer field days. Designed to let you attend multiple workshops all in the same day, the Winter School will help you address challenges on your property, restore healthy forest conditions, and achieve your goals. Whether you are a novice to family forestry, or your family has owned land for many generations, there is something new for everyone to learn.

<You will be able to attend up to six workshops of your choice, out of almost 20 to choose from! In addition, there will be a resource area featuring exhibitors and displays by agencies and organizations that provide services to assist landowners. Winter school is a great chance to network with professionals and fellow landowners.

2026 workshops offered

  1. Advanced forest measurements
  2. Alternate Plans: An Opportunity for Novel Management
  3. Aquatic Habitats and Riparian Ecology
  4. Bark Beetles and Wood Borers in Western WA Forests
  5. Basic Forest Measurements
  6. Common Defoliating Insects in Western WA Forests Cancelled due to instructor illness
  7. Common Root Diseases of Westside Conifers
  8. Engaging Youth in the Forest
  9. Forest Health Research in the PNW
  10. Forest Roads: Design and Best Management Practices
  11. Invasive Forest Weeds
  12. Native Trees and Shrubs
  13. Rust Diseases in Washington Forests
  14. Seedling Selection and Planting
  15. Shiitake Mushroom Log Production
  16. Supporting Pollinators in the Forest
  17. Thinning for Forest Health
  18. Wildfire Mitigation on the Westside
  19. Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
  20. Wildlife Species and Their Habitats

Full class descriptions and the class schedule for 2026 Winter School will be posted soon.

When and Where

Date and Time

The Winter School will be held 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21st, 2026.

Location

The Winter School will be held in Cedar Hall at at Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St, Auburn, WA 98092 (map to Cedar Hall).

Cost and Registration

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration will NOT be available on site. Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026 or whenever the event sells out, whichever is first. Cancellation requests must be received by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026 to be eligible for a refund. Humanitix processing fees are non-refundable.

Cost

The registration fee is $25 per individual or $40 per couple from the same household/ownership. Youth under 18 are welcome and may attend at no additional cost.

Box lunches are available for $15 each and must be ordered in advance.

Registration

Registrations for the 2026 Puget Sound Forest Owners Winter School is now closed. Our next winter school is the Southwest Washington Forest Owners Winter School on March 21, 2026, in Vancouver, WA.

Contact Info

For questions or additional information, contact contact Sarah Stewart at 425-738-0103 or sarah.stewart1@wsu.edu or contact Kevin Zobrist at 425-231-4524 or kevin.zobrist@wsu.edu.

Acknowledgements and Accommodations

This Program is made possible in part by funding from King Conservation District and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. In-kind support is provided by Green River College.

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 who contact Sarah Stewart at sarah.stewart1@wsu.edu or 425-738-0103 in advance of the event.

E-Newsletter

Visit our newsletter page to get our award-winning newsletter by email view current and past issues.

Upcoming Events