Submitted by Candra Burns for Talking Forests
On a bright and sunny summer day, forest landowners came together for field sessions and educational opportunities put on by Washington State University Extension Forestry and the Washington Department of Natural Resources Small Forest Landowner Office (WDNR SFLO). The Field Day event, held on August 19, was hosted by John Henrikson of Wild Thyme Farm. For the past 25 years this event has provided a wealth of resources to landowners from across Washington State.
The field day was inclusive with every topic ranging from agroforestry to help with your forested property taxes. Landowners had a choice of sessions stationed throughout the farm, including advanced hardwood management, tree and shrub identification, a tour of the Wild Thyme Farm, understanding and enhancing riparian and fish habitat, and wildlife walk and talks. The stations were nestled in the woods and had experts from each field educating both new and experienced landowners.
Northwest Natural Resource Group helped Henrikson create an ecological agroforestry system at his farm which was showcased after the lunch hour. Ecologically designed farms have the ability to mimic nature’s diversity. Having multiple types of crops gives the landowner a sustainable method of producing food and necessary products year-round.
Are You a Forest Landowner?
If you are a landowner, you may be a forest landowner. The annual field day helps those who may need some resources, including forest landowner assistance programs, that the WSU Extension and WA DNR provide.
WDNR SFLO provides programs to help landowners such as the Forest Stewardship, Family Forest Fish Passage, Forestry Riparian Easement, Long-Term Forest Practices Application and Alternate Plan assistance. Stewardship foresters provide valuable technical assistance. If you think you may be a forest landowner and need help or have questions, visit the Washington Department of Natural Resources Small Forest Landowner Office website.
