Stewarding a Resilient Forest

DATE: Saturday, July 26, 2025

TIME: 10am - 3:30pm

LOCATION: Darrington, WA

Join Northwest Natural Resource Group and the Snohomish Conservation District for a hands-on workshop on practical forest management strategies for small forest landowners—with a focus on building climate resilience. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of ecological forestry practices, including:

• Thinning and planting strategies to reduce fire risk and improve forest health
• Invasive species removal and riparian restoration
• Wildlife habitat features like snags, slash piles, and native underplantings
• Climate-adapted planting and experimentation with species

And more!

Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and water for the day. 

Instruction from professional foresters will be a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on activities. The workshop includes a break for lunch, informal Q&A sessions, and opportunities to connect with forestry professionals and fellow landowners.

Accessibility Information

The tour will take place entirely outdoors on uneven forest terrain, including grassy pastures, small trails, and areas with exposed roots or small inclines. Participants can expect to walk approximately 1–2 miles at a leisurely pace over the course of the event.

The site is mostly flat to gently rolling, but some sections may be muddy, especially if it has rained recently. Walking sticks or trekking poles are recommended for those who would find them helpful. If you would like to sit during portions of the workshop, we recommend bringing a portable stool.

Speakers

Kirk Hanson | Director of Forestry | Northwest Natural Resource Group

Nolan Kitts | Forest Resource Planner | Snohomish Conservation District

Free Site Visits

Participants can sign up for a limited number of free two-hour site visits with Director of Forestry Kirk Hanson of Northwest Natural Resource Group or Forest Resource Planner Nolan Kitts of the Snohomish Conservation District. During the site visit, the forester will help landowners refine plans for managing their forest and answer site-specific questions. To register for a free site visit, please email a2lyayB8IG5ucmcgISBvcmc= or bmtpdHRzIHwgc25vaG9taXNoY2QgISBvcmc=.

Workshop presented by

Northwest Natural Resource Group is a nonprofit organization that strengthens the ecological and economic vitality of Northwest forests and communities by connecting people with the knowledge, skills, and markets they need to steward their land. We advance the state of knowledge about ecological forestry, spread the word about its benefits and feasibility, and help landowners put it into practice on their own forests.

Snohomish Conservation District’s mission is to work cooperatively with others to promote and encourage conservation and responsible use of natural resources.

Conservation Districts are tasked with local implementation of conservation practices, both urban and rural. There are currently 45 conservation districts in Washington State. We have been working with farmers, city residents, rural and suburban landowners on a voluntary basis since 1941.

Funding and Support

This workshop is offered at no cost thanks to support from USDA NIFA Western Extension Risk Management Education. This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40445.

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