WSU Extension Stevens County Newsletter

April 2026

Latest news, projects, workshops, free resources, and more. Keep Reading!

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Spring Showers Bring May Flowers!

Bright Rainbow with spring trees in the rain and a bit of snow on the ground

In This Issue

Master Gardeners

  • “From the Ground Up” Gardening Workshop – April 11th Classes filling up!! Register before April 9th!
  • Spring Plant Exchange (NEW Location) – May 2nd

4-H Happenings

  • Meat ‘N Good Time – April 25th

Agriculture

  • Spring Conservation Fair – Ferry Co Fairgrounds! – Apr 25th

Forestry

  • Coached Planning – Forest Stewardship Shortcourse – Starting April 29th – June 30th, Wednesdays, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.

April Calendar and Resources

Master Gardener News

Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program flower logo

THIS SATURDAY! April 11th “From the Ground Up” Gardening Workshop

We have an incredible array of presenters and topics for the 2026 “From the Ground Up” Gardening Workshop! You won’t want to miss this day of learning and information.

What You’ll Learn

  • Fruit Trees and Pruning
  • Basic Biochar
  • Compost & Vegetable Garden Maintenance
  • Eating Between the Rows
  • Firewise Landscaping
  • Go Native! The Why, What, and How of our Native Plants
  • Growing Mushrooms at Home
  • Growing Veggies Year-round in NE WA
  • Hydroponics for Beginners
  • Pollinators and Pesticides
  • Raisin’ Cane: Grape Care in NE WA
  • Strategies for Control of Noxious Weeds
  • Waterwise Gardening

Stevens County Extension Master Gardeners Present: "From the Ground Up" Gardening Workshop
Logo for Spokane Community College Colville Center
FULL Schedule and Speaker Details

Workshop Registration

Purchase Tickets
QR Code for purchasing workshop tickets. Goes to website: https://secure.touchnet.net/C20607_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=93
  • Date: Saturday, April 11th
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
  • Where: SCC – Colville Campus
  • Address: 985 South Elm St, Colville
  • Cost:  $25 per person/ $40 per couple ($30 at the door but no lunch option)
  • A $10 lunch option is available when you buy your ticket before April 9th.
    • Gluten-Free and Vegetarian options available.
    • Our local Mr. Sub is providing these lunches.

SPRING Plant Exchange – May 2nd!

Master Gardener Plant Exchange slogan: Have a Plant? Bring a Plant. Need a Plant? Take a Plant.
Have a Plant? Bring a Plant. Need a Plant? Take a Plant.

NEW LOCATION! WSU Extension office – parking lot!

  • 986 S Main Street – Colville, WA
  • Starts at 9:00 a.m., ending around noon or until we have no more plants
    • Street Dogs – Hot Dog vendor will be in his usual place, if you’re hungry!
    • Tour our new Seed Library in the office!
    • Answer/Plant Clinic will be available – bring us your questions!
Plant Exchange shows people scanning the plants displayed on tables under a WSU Cougar canopy.
Master Gardeners Kathy B., Jean P., Phil T., Sheree C., and Dana C. working at one of the Plant Exchange events

For more information about Master Gardener programs offered by WSU Extension in Stevens County, visit our website: Gardening | Stevens County, email: Linda Teller or call 509-684-2588

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4-H Happenings

4-H Grows Here with 4-H shamrock logo

Meat ‘N Good Time

Livestock Judging Contest and Showmanship Clinic

Picture of brown and white cows in a field
Picture of a young pig in a pen

Open to all youth ages 8-18 in 4-H, FFA, and Grange

Date: April 25, 2026

Address: 292 Mantz Rickey Road, Colville

Time: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm

9:30 am    Registration

10:00 am   Mini-Judging Clinic

10:30 am   Judging Contest

12:00 pm   Lunch – Main Dish Provided. Bring a side dish to share.

12:30 pm   Showmanship Clinic Beef, Sheep, and Swine

1:30 pm    Awards

Optional Jackpot Fitting and Showing after awards ($5 entry fee)

Questions call Helen at 509-675-4942

For information about our 4-H program, visit our website: 4-H Youth | Stevens County or contact Shannon Rowley, 509-684-2588

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Agriculture

Agriculture Logo.

Find us at Spring Conservation Fair in Ferry County!

The Spring Conservation Fair in Ferry County is an excellent opportunity for community members to engage with local conservation efforts and learn about sustainable practices. The event typically features a variety of activities, informational booths, and resources focused on community resources.

More Details here: Spring Conservation Fair | Ferry Conservation

  • When: Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Where: Ferry County Fairgrounds: Fairgrounds Rd., Republic, WA
  • Cost:  Attendance is FREE!
  • Contact: 509-775-3473 or info@ferrycd.org
3 participants at Ferry County Conservation Fair building birdhouses on a table

Event Highlights

  • Informational Booths: Learn from local organizations and experts about conservation techniques, wildlife protection, and sustainable living.
  • Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops to gain practical skills in areas such as gardening, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
  • Guest Speakers: Hear from experts in the field of conservation and sustainability, sharing insights and best practices.
  • Community Resources: Access information and resources from local agencies and non-profits dedicated to environmental stewardship and community support.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy activities designed for all ages, including educational games and interactive exhibits.

For information about our Agriculture program, visit our website: Agriculture | Stevens County or contact Kathryn Hoogheem, 509-684-2588

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Forestry – Eastern Region

Two people looking at a tree.

Coached Planning – Forest Stewardship Shortcourse

Your Forest, Your Vision:
Creating A Forest Management Plan for Your Objectives

Owning forest land is a rewarding challenge, but it can be overwhelming to manage alone. Our 8-session short course is designed to give you the confidence to lead the way. You’ll work alongside experts to build a custom management plan that fits your specific goals—whether that’s protecting against wildfire, improving wildlife habitat, or passing a healthy forest to the next generation. A completed plan isn’t just a guide; it’s a key that allows you to be considered for tax benefits and financial grants to help pay for projects on your land. Join us this spring and turn your vision for your forest into a reality. More details: Spokane Online Coached Planning – Forest Stewardship

For registration, please contact Linda Teller at the WSU Stevens County Extension office located at 986 South Main, Ste. D, Colville, WA 99114, or call 509-684-2588.

  • Dates: Wednesdays, April 29th through June 30th (via Zoom)
  • Time: 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
  • All-Day, In-Person Field Day: May 23rd
  • Where: This course is available via Zoom meeting room, except for one in-person field trip that will be hosted at one of the participants’ properties (May 23, 2026) located in Eastern Washington.
  • Cost:  $135 (limited to 30 families)
Register Online

What You Can Expect to Learn:

Over the span of 8-weeks this course will aim to tackle a wide range of management goals that a forest landowner may have. You can expect to learn the topics listed below:

  • Get to know your trees. Learn how to properly ID and age the tree species in your forest.
  • Forest Health. Learn about diagnosing pests and diseases that may pose harm to your trees.
  • Understand the soils and water dynamics in your woods.
  • Know when to plant vs. when to remove trees, where to get seeds and how environmental factors may impact your woods.
  • Learn how to enhance, promote and create habitat for wildlife.
  • Understand what to do if you discover historical or cultural resources on your property.
  • Get to know forestry professionals and how to engage when preparing for a timber harvest.
  • Learn to maintain roads and trails for work or aesthetics in your forest.
  • Understand how to map your woods using online resources at your fingertips.
  • Most importantly, learn how to create your own forest management plans.

For information about our Forestry program, visit our website: Extension Forestry, Eastern Washington or contact Joshua Cardin, 509-308-8224

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Events Calendar

April (also see Events page)

  • Apr 9 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
  • Apr 11 – From the Ground Up Gardening Wkshp, 9am-3pm
  • Apr 13 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
  • Apr 16 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
  • Apr 20 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
  • Apr 23 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
  • Apr 25 – Ferry Co. Conservation District Fair, 10am-2pm
  • Apr 25 – Meat ‘N’ Good Time, 9:30am-2pm
  • Apr 25 – Earth Day Fair in Chewelah, 10am-2pm
  • Apr 27 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
  • Apr 29 – Coached Planning Forestry Shortcourse begins
  • Apr 30 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
  • May 2 – Spring Plant Exchange @ Extension office, 9a-12pm

Other Events

Spring Plant Exchange NEW Location! 

May 2, 2026 at WSU Extension, 986 S Main St in Colville

Forestry Classes – Northeast Region

Resources

Farmer Assistance Request
Ask A Master Gardener (Submit Questions)
General Stevens County Extension Contact Form
Master Gardeners Facebook Page
The Evergreen Thumb Podcast
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