San Juan Islands Forest Stewardship Coached Planning – Spring 2026 Hybrid Course

Become the expert your trees need

Your land, your trees, your goals

You value your wooded property for its natural beauty, wildlife, privacy, and peace and quiet. You want to make sure that climate stress, fire, and unwanted pests and diseases don’t derail the future of your forest, but incomplete, inconsistent, and unverified information makes it hard to know what to do, when to do it, or whom to trust. That’s why WSU Extension offers the Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course. Whether you want future old growth, periodic timber income, or just to more fully enjoy your woodland retreat, we turn guesswork into actionable, research-based steps to meet your goals.

More enjoyment, less worry

We have trained thousands of Washington landowners just like you to confidently assess the health of their forest and develop a reliable plan for success. We’ll give you the tools you need to reduce risks, enhance value, avoid costly mistakes, and promote a vibrant, resilient forest so that you have the peace of mind of knowing your property is on the right track for decades to come.

What you’ll learn

  • How to identify the species of trees on your property and monitor their growth
  • Proven strategies to improve forest health and increase wildlife diversity
  • When, why, and how to thin your trees
  • What species of trees and shrubs to plant where
  • Practical steps to reduce wildfire risk to your home
  • Your soil properties and why it matters
  • How to find the right services when you need professional assistance
  • How to write your own forest stewardship plan and receive recognition as a stewardship forest

All are welcome

No prior forestry experience is needed. There is no minimum acreage requirement – whether you have just an acre or two, a larger forested tract, or you plan to have a forest in the future and want to know what it involves, this course is for you.

About the course

When and where

  • The class sessions will be 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoons, March 23 – May 18, 2026.
  • Five class sessions will be in person at Skagit Valley College at San Juan Center, 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, and four sessions will take place online via Zoom (high-speed internet connection required).
    • March 23: In person in Friday Harbor
    • March 30: Online
    • April 6: Online
    • April 13: In person in Friday Harbor
    • April 20: Online
    • April 27: In person in Friday Harbor
    • May 4: In person in Friday Harbor
    • May 11: Online
    • May 18: In person in Friday Harbor
  • The course field trip will be 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026

What’s included with the course

  • Nine class sessions taught by state and local experts (5 in-person sessions and 4 online sessions)
  • A field trip
  • A digital library of reference materials and how-to guides
  • A native tree book and tree measuring tool
  • A binder of printed course handouts, selected presentation slides, examples, and other resources
  • A consultation site visit to your property from a state or county service forester (properties within Washington State only) to get all your questions answered

Cost and Registration

  • The registration fee is $190. Registration covers up to two adults from the same household/ownership. If registering as a couple, only do one registration for the both of you–do not do two separate registrations. Youth under 18 are welcome and may attend at no additional cost.
  • The registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026.
  • Space is limited and is first-come, first-served. These courses usually sell out.
  • Cancellation requests must be received by 5:00 p.m. March 12, 2026 to be eligible for a refund. For online registrations, credit card processing fees are non-refundable.
  • The registration process includes a required short questionnaire. If you have forested property, please make sure you have your property information ready before you start the registration process, including acreage and county parcel number(s).

Register online

Online registration is now closed.

Register by mail

Mail-in registration is now closed.

Additional information

Contact Info

For questions or additional information, contact Elsa Haun at 828-636-0772 or elsa.haun@wsu.edu

Acknowledgements and Accommodations

This program is an educational partnership between Washington State University Extension Forestry and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Financial support for this programming provided by The Madrona Institute, San Juan Islands Conservation District, San Juan County, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and Washington State University.

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 Elsa Haun at 828-636-0772 or elsa.haun@wsu.edu prior to the course.

Course Resources

Visit the San Juan Coached Planning Resources page to download copies of course handouts and presentation slides. A passcode will be provided by email to access this page.

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