Backyard Forests Workshop to be held April 23 in Post Falls

POST FALLS — Homeowners with five acres or less of forestland typically don’t want to manage them intensively for timber harvest.

Most owners of these “backyard forests” are mainly interested in keeping their trees healthy and attractive. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not make changes until backyard forest trees are visibly suffering from some kind of insect or disease problem, officials said. By the time they bring a sample to the University of Idaho 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. A two-hour workshop titled Backyard Forests will help forest owners apply basic concepts of forest ecology to keep their trees healthy.

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

The program will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, in Room 302 at the University of Idaho Research Park located at 958 S. Lochsa Street in Post Falls.

The program can accommodate a limited number of people. Those wishing to participate should pre-register at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Kootenai County by Friday, April 15.

A $10 registration fee covers handouts and refreshments. For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Kootenai County at 208-292-2525. The program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of Lands. It is also being held as part of the University of Idaho Master Gardeners’ Horticulture Class Series for more information https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry/panhandle.