Registrations due May 3rd for "Backyard Forests" Workshop in Bonners Ferry

Wednesday, May 9 2012 at 6:00 PM

Location: University of Idaho Extension Boundary County Office, 6447 Kootenai, Bonners Ferry

BONNERS FERRY -- A two-hour workshop titled Backyard Forests is planned Wednesday, May, 9 in Bonners Ferry to help forest owners apply basic concepts of forest ecology to keep their trees healthy.

Backyard Forests will be held on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County (6447 Kootenai, behind the courthouse, in Bonners Ferry). The program can accommodate a limited number of people.

Homeowners with five acres or less of forestland do not usually want to manage them intensively for timber harvest. Most owners of these “backyard forests” are primarily interested in keeping their trees healthy and attractive. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not consider doing anything actively until backyard forest trees are visibly suffering from some kind of insect or disease problem. By the time they bring a sample into the Extension Office or some other expert, it is often too late. Remedies for bark beetles, root disease and similar forest health problems are usually preventative. 

Participants will learn about: tree species native to north Idaho; how forests grow and change over time; common forest insects & diseases; methods to improve forest tree health and reduce potential insect, disease and fire problems; and ways to enhance forest wildlife habitat.

Those wishing to participate should pre-register at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County by Thursday, May 3. A $10 registration fee covers handouts and refreshments.

For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County at (208) 267-3235. For program questions, contact Chris Schnepf, at (208) 446-1680. The program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of Lands.

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