WSU Extension Stevens County Newsletter
September 2026
Latest news, projects, workshops, free resources, and more. Keep Reading!
Welcome to September!
In This Issue
Master Gardeners
- FALL Plant Exchange – Saturday, Sept 12th, 9:00a – 1:00p
- Now accepting applications for 2026-2027 Master Gardener program training – Registration closes Sept 15th.
Agriculture
- Forestland Grazing & Silvopasture Field Day – Sept 11th
- Engaging Communities in Agriculture Education – Sept 12th
- Whole Farm Planning – Sept 21st – Nov 2nd
Forestry
- Online Coached Planning – Forest Stewardship Shortcourse – Sep 23rd – Nov 18th
4-H Happenings
- Congrats to 4-H Youth Heading to State Fair!
- New 4-H Year Starts October 1st
September Calendar and Resources
Master Gardener News
FALL Plant Exchange – Saturday, Sept 12th!
NEW LOCATION! WSU Extension office – parking lot!
- WHERE: 986 S Main Street – Colville, near south roundabout
- (turn onto Railroad St = far end of parking lot from Grocery Outlet)
- look for our row of Cougar canopies!
- TIME: 9:00 a.m. until 1:00pm (or until we have no more plants!)
- Food vendors will be available, if you’re hungry!
- Tour our new Seed Library in the office!
- Answer/Plant Clinic will be available – bring us your questions!
Washington Green School and Master Gardener Training, 2026-2027 school year
Applications accepted through September 15th! Curriculum begins October 5th.
We are your neighbors and members of your communities. Our priorities inform our efforts to create a more resilient Washington. We are actively engaged in teaching research-based gardening and environmental stewardship practices.
Stevens County 2026-2027 program
Course Schedule : October 5th thru February 28th.
(3 weeks learning, 1 week off -> 2 weeks off in December)
Requirements for Master Gardener Certification:
- Complete the “Washington Gardener Certificate” curriculum (all online)
- Participate in Local Volunteer Training (in-person hands-on workshops) which are held approximately once a month
- Create a 15-minute student presentation
- Work 40 volunteer hours internship
Love gardening? Want to meet great people and give back to your community? Join the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program and gain science-based knowledge from WSU experts.
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
Agriculture
Forestland Grazing and Silvopasture Field Day – Sept 11th
Join Pend Oreille Conservation District, Stevens County Conservation District and WSU Stevens County Extension for a hands-on learning experience exploring the benefits and management of forestland grazing and silvopasture systems.
This interactive field day brings together landowners, producers, conservation professionals, and forestry enthusiasts to learn practical strategies for integrating livestock and forestry management. Attendees will hear from industry experts, see equipment demonstrations, and tour examples of working silvopasture systems.
- Date: September 11th, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Vetter Demonstration Farm, 5281 Hattery-Owens Rd., Deer Park
- Cost: FREE
Engaging Communities in Agriculture Education
In-Person Workshop – Sept 12th
WSU Cultivating Success Courses
Support for these 2026 courses comes from the Extension Foundation Agriprospects Workforce Development Network Grant and the USDA American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment Program.
For information about our Agriculture program, visit our website: Agriculture | Stevens County or contact Kathryn Hoogheem, 509-684-2588
Forestry – Eastern Region
For information about our Forestry program, visit our website: Extension Forestry, Eastern Washington or contact Joshua Cardin, 509-308-8224
4-H Happenings
Congratulations to 4-H Youth heading to the State Fair!
September 30 brings the end of another 4-H year. Local fairs are over and 4-H members showcased their projects in Valley, Hunters, Colville, and Clayton. Several 4-H members are headed to Puyallup to participate in the State 4-H Fair. Congratulations to Megan W., Keely W., Liam S., Thorin S., Saffire S., Chloe W., Jolene H., and Sharene A. who are all going with their dogs.
New 4-H Year Starts October 1st
The new 4-H year starts October 1 and now is a great time to join 4-H. 4-H membership is open to youth ages 5- 18. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults all while learning valuable life skills. Call Shannon at 509-684-2588 to learn about clubs in your area or starting a 4-H club in your community.
For information about our 4-H program, visit our website: 4-H Youth | Stevens County or contact Shannon Rowley, 509-684-2588
Events Calendar
September (also see Events page)
- Sept 3 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
- Sep 4 – MG booth at Chewelah Farmers Market 11a-3:30pm
- Sep 5 – MG booth at Colville Farmers Market 9am-1pm
- Sep 7 – OFFICE CLOSED for Labor Day
- Sep 10 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
- Sep 11 – Forestland Grazing & Silvopasture Field Day, 9a-1p
- Sep 12 – FALL Plant Exchange @ office, 9a-1p
- Sep 12 – Engaging Communities in Ag Education, 9a-3:30p
- Sep 14 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
- Sep 17 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
- Sep 18 – MG booth at Chewelah Farmers Market 11a-3:30pm
- Sep 19 – MG booth at Colville Farmers Market 9am-1pm
- Sep 21 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 9-11am
- Sep 21 – Whole Farm Planning series begins, 6-8pm
- Sep 23 – Forestry Stewardship Shortcourse begins, 2-4:30p
- Sep 24 – Master Gardener Answer/Plant Clinic, 1-3pm
- Sep 28 – LAST Master Gardener Answer Clinic, 9-11am