Tree identification course announced

Because the region has 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. To help with just that situation, a course is planned on tree identification.

Distinguishing between Idaho’s trees can be a daunting task for beginners. Through a combination of images and live samples, a 3-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 redcedar, western hemlock, pacific yew, black cottonwood, quaking aspen, paper birch, 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, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, 10881 N. Boyer Road.

The program can accommodate a limited number of people. Those wishing to participate should pre-register at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County by Friday, Feb. 11. A $10 registration fee for the program covers handouts, materials, and refreshments.

For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Bonner County at 208-263-8511.

This program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of Lands. It is also being held in conjunction with the University of Idaho Extension Master Gardeners in Bonner County. An additional session of the program will be held Saturday, March 12, in Post Falls.