Native Tree Identification Class to be held May 10 in Bonners Ferry

Because we have such a varied range of latitudes, altitudes, soils, and precipitation patterns, Idaho has a wider variety of native trees than most other Rocky Mountain states. The first step in caring for these trees, whether they be in a landscape or in a forest, is to correctly identify the species.

Distinguishing between Idaho’s trees can be a daunting task for beginners. Through a combination of images and live samples, a two hour workshop titled Identifying Idaho’s Trees will help participants quickly identify Idaho’s most common native trees, including: lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, western white pine, western larch, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, grand fir, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, pacific yew, black cottonwood, quaking aspen, and red alder. Participants will also learn about the ecology, silviculture, and history of these species.

Identifying Idaho’s Trees will be held on Thursday, May 10, 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. Those wishing to participate should pre-register at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County by Friday, May 4. 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. The program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of Lands.