Washington State University Extension Forestry and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will be offering a chance to learn about the forest through a series of free online classes later this month. The Forest Owners’ Winter School zoom classes start February 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Officials say the classes have something for everyone and all skill levels including how to grow your own mushrooms, preparing your trees for climate change, and protecting your property from wildfire.

The school is designed to allow people to view different workshops on the same day. A press release says "the Winter School will help you address challenges on your property, restore healthy forest conditions, and achieve your goals. The event will feature experts from a variety of state and local natural resource agencies, and participants can choose up to five sessions from a total of 30 seminars, expert panels, and roundtable discussions. Topics include forest management, wildlife, wildfire protection, hardwood tree management, invasive weed control, and more."

Washington State officials say because of the pandemic there's been little chance for people with such interests to communicate. But State officials say there's a chance to talk with fellow forest landowners, and exchange experiences, tips, and tricks in an online format. There will be both eastern and western Washington sessions. The officials say registered attendees will be given access to recordings of all sessions.

Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required by 5 p.m. on February 26. To see a full list of workshop topics, register for the Winter School or learn more, visit http://forestry.wsu.edu/webinars/onlinews/ or contact WSU Extension Forestry at 425-357-6023.

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