Do you know how far apart Douglas firs should be to grow healthy? Or what typically hinders a sapling from growing into a full-grown tree? What about those dead trees; any idea how to cut them down?

About 200 people trekked to a patch of forest Friday afternoon east of Hamilton to learn about trees, soils and even shiitake mushroom harvesting during the Western Washington Family Forest Owners Field Day.

The program started Friday with a half day of classes and will continue today with a full day of classes beginning at 9 a.m. People who have not registered for the program are welcome to come.

Since 1997, the Washington State University Extension, Family Forest Foundation and Department of Natural Resources have hosted two field days each year in western and eastern Washington. This is the first in Skagit County.

The organizations put the programs together to assist landowners with forested areas to maintain and improve their property.

“We’re trying to encourage people to own and manage forest land in the long term,” said Steve Gibbs, forest stewardship program manager for the Department of Natural Resources.

Don Meehan, program director of Natural Resources Stewardship at Washington State University said private forest owners help all of Washington by maintaining their lands. Trees can help process carbon, which in turn helps keep Puget Sound and its inhabitants healthy.

“If we can keep private forests’ owners growing their trees and making it economical for them, then we’re going to be helping clean up the Puget Sound,” Meehan said.
The classes cover fire safety, shiitake mushroom growing and harvesting and even tree removal.

Dave Peterson, a research biologist for the United States Forest Service, showed one crowd a hunk of root covered with tiny white threads of fungus.

Peterson said fungi are essential for the tree, providing vital nutrients, while the tree provides the fungi with water.

He showed the group how rocky, sandy soil — which was once frozen under glaciers — is perfect for growing Douglas fir, because the roots can dig deep into the soil for water.
John Boggs, one of the attendants, came to learn about using chain saws and smaller-scale tools to remove trees.

He said he has to manage growth and remove dead trees on his own 67 acres of land.

He watched Mark Havel, a self-employed engineer, carefully carve a notch into the base of a dead tree and then cut a slit on the other side before pushing the tree down.
Boggs, of Concrete, said he’s a regular at the field days, and he likes to get a refresher even though he’s heard much of it before. Sometimes, like Havel’s recommendations for various tools to assist downing and hauling trees, he learns something new.

Kevin Zobrist, forest steward educator for the Washington State University Extension Center, said he has surveyed past participants of the program and believes it produces smarter land owners and healthier forests.

“We know that people actually come and learn and do things that are good for their property,” Zobrist said. “Ninety percent actually change their management within a year.”

For more information on the program, including directions to the site and a schedule of classes and demonstrations, visit http://snohomish.wsu.edu/forestry/2009FieldDay.htm.
Registration at the gate costs $30 per person or $40 per family.

• Aaron Burkhalter can be reached at 360-416-2141 or .