Session One: 9-9:50

Common Bark Beetles in Eastern WA: Presented by Melissa Fischer, Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Biology and management of eastern WA bark beetles, including the mountain pine beetle, Douglas-fir beetle, pine engraver and fir engraver.

Canning, Freezing, Drying-oh my!: Presented by Bonnie Stichart, WSU Food Safety and Preservation Advisor

Preserve your garden bounty by canning, freezing, and/or drying. Ask questions and learn about food safety, equipment needed and available learning resources. Bring your pressure gauges and get them tested after the class. Participants will be entered for a raffle to win So Easy to Preserve.

Intro to Native Pollinators: Presented by Cecily Van Cleave

This class is an introduction to the bees and other pollinators that live in our yards, gardens, and natural areas. The presentation will focus on native bees, which are sometimes overlooked by the casual observer but play a crucial role in pollinating gardens, crops, and native plants. Resources for learning more about pollinators and creating pollinator habitat will be shared.

Waterwise Gardening: Presented by Lowell Dubbels, WSU Master Gardener & Stephanie Ludlam, WSU Master Gardener Intern

Alternative ways to water your vegetables, trees, shrubs, decorative plants, & pots with emphasis on water conservation.

Session Two: 10-10:50

Firewise and Your Property: Presented by Rob Lionberger, Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

He has worked in fire suppression since 1989 and received his bachelor’s degree in Forestry with an emphasis in Fire Ecology from the University of Montana in 1997.  One of Rob’s greatest passions is helping landowners reach their goals and visions for their land using sound forestry and fire risk reduction principles. Attend this session and learn about how to reach land goals and visions for your property using sound forestry and fire risk reduction principles. Learn about the DNR Firewise program and available cost share grants.

Preservation Myths: Presented by Bonnie Stichart, WSU Food Safety and Preservation Advisor

Learn more about canning and have a chance to ask your questions. Why recipes are important and the source of the recipe even more important. Learn how Pinterest is not your friend when it comes to canning. Address issues such as flipping jars upside down, the use of paraffin wax, what about time and altitude matters, and how even though the jar sealed that doesn’t mean it is safe. Bring your pressure gauges and get them tested after the class. Participants will be entered for a raffle to win So Easy to Preserve.

Bumble bees and butterflies of northeastern Washington: Presented by Chris Loggers, Biologist

Chris will focus on the bumble bees and butterflies found in NE Washington, discuss some curious things about them, describe local surveys for them and what has been found, and provide information about how you can participate.

Four Seasons Gardening: Presented by Pat Evans, WSU Master Gardener and Elisabeth Sitts, WSU Master Gardener Intern

Delve into the world of hoop houses and cold frames. Get a head start creating a longer growing season for your vegetables without spending a fortune.

Snack Break: 11-11:25

Session Three: 11:30-12:20

Garden Hops: Presented by Elaine Clough, WSU Master Gardener

The basics of growing and using hops in the home garden.

Soil Testing: Presented by Nils Johnson, WSU Agriculture and Food Systems Coordinator

The session will explain the process of testing your garden soil, interpreting test results, and choosing supplements to best meet your gardening needs.

Wine: Grapes for Stevens County: Presented by Confidence Israel

Discover what it takes to successfully grow grapes in Northeast Washington and what varieties thrive here in Stevens County.

Gardening on a Dime: Presented by Mary Sety, WSU Master Gardener & Bonnie Frostad, WSU Master Gardener Intern

Explore cost efficient ways to start your seeds at home. Includes affordable plans for building a grow light. Learn how to roll paper pots for seeds and get a start on the gardening season at home. Hands-on workshop.

Session Four: 12:30-1:20

The Backyard Chicken Flock: Presented by Pete and Joan Thompson, Burnt Valley Farm

So you want to keep a few hens? Interested in farm fresh eggs for your family? The ABC’s of raising a small flock of layers by veteran chicken whisperers Pete and Joan Thompson of Burnt Valley Farm. A brief but comprehensive review including:

• Selecting a breed
• Successfully brooding chicks
• Shelter types and grazing options
• Feed, grit, and light
• Watering options
• Nesting boxes and litter
• Oh, Poop!
• Egg handling 101
• Predator management
• Cost / Benefit analysis

Useful pictures, links, and descriptions to help you refine your plan and get the most out of your feathered investment. Interactive Q & A session at the end of the presentation to engage discussion!

Composting Uncomplicated: Presented by Nils Johnson, WSU Agriculture and Food Systems Coordinator

Composting can be a complicated but effective way of recycling yard and food waste. Unearth various compost methods during this presentation. Learn the difference between hot and cold composting, why turning matters, and what should and shouldn’t be composted.

Hops: Large Scale production and Varieties for Stevens County: Presented by Fired Up Brewing

Have you ever wondered what it would take to produce hops on a larger scale? Learn from our local brewery about the composition of hops and what varieties grow well here in Stevens County.

Stevens County Superstars:  Drought Tolerant Perennials: Presented by Cynthia Curtis, WSU Master Gardener

You can have a beautiful flower garden in the middle of the driest summer if you plant drought tolerant perennials.   Come and learn to identify over 2 dozen perennials that thrive in our sunny summers.  Learn tips for successfully raising perennials that hold up to heat.   Learn sources for obtaining the perennials shown in the slide presentation.  Participants will take home perennial cuttings, including iris, day lilies, Shasta daisies and more.  Share your experiences with growing perennials here in Stevens County with class members.

To register you can download a 2019 Sow Seeds Registration brochure and mail a check into the address listed, or drop cash off in person at the WSU Stevens County Extension office at 986 S. Main, Suite D, Colville, WA  99114

If you wish to register online follow the link below.

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