| Date/Time | Event/Location and Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Jan 9– Mar 27 6pm–9pm | Farm Business Planning Course, Thursday evenings, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Jan 16 10am–2pm | Island County Beach Watchers Annual Meeting, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Feb 6 9am–4pm | Transplanting & Soil Fertility Training Day, WSU Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Mount Vernon, WA. Learn about new transplanting technologies, including how to maintain your transplanter and increase transplant performance. To register, please contact Marilee Morrow, marilee@nwtransplants.com 503-651-3302. Further Info: Flyer |
| Feb 12 6:30pm | Skagit Innovation Lecture Series – Food, Wine, and Soil: Kindling a Sense of Terroir at the Table, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. A lecture by Dr. Alan Busacca, Director of the Center for Enology and Viticulture, Walla Walla Community College. Free and open to the public. Further Info: Flyer |
| Feb 13 8am–5pm | Soil Quality Network 2014: Soil Health for Farmers, Sakuma Auditorium. This workshop will include sessions on soil biology, the use of compost and cover crops on the farm, plant resistance to disease, and field assessment of soil quality. Further Info: This event has reached capacity. |
| Feb 27 | Grafting Vegetables, Hands-on workshop, WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center, Mount Vernon, WA. Learn how to use the splice-graft technique to graft tomato, eggplant and watermelon successfully. Two sessions to choose from, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm. |
| Feb 28 8am–3:30pm | Western Washington Potato Workshop, WSU Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, 16650 SR 536, Mount Vernon, WA. Further Info: Flyer |
| Mar 1 8:30am–3:30pm | Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation Winter Field Day, WSU Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Mount Vernon, WA. Rootstock and scion wood sales, workshops on pruning and grafting, and fruit garden demonstrations on pruning. Further Info: Flyer |
| Mar 15 8:30am–4pm | Women in Agriculture Conference “Change Happens: Make it an Opportunity”. This one-day event will be held simultaneously in 28 locations throughout Idaho, Oregon and Washington. This is a “must attend” for all women agriculture producers who want to participate in a three-state agriculture conference offering inspirational speakers, inspiring stories and practical advice on how to improve your farm management skills. Learn more about farm business decision making, how to use financial records to improve the bottom line and connect with other women producers. Registration required. |
| Mar 17 12pm–1pm | St. Patrick’s Day Potluck Luncheon and Brown Bag Seminar “From Bad Luck to Pot Luck”, WSU Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Mount Vernon, WA. Bring your favorite Irish inspired dish, and be ready for short presentations by Susan Kerr and Debbie Inglis on the societal, cultural, land use and plant disease circumstances that led to the Irish Potato Famine and perhaps even your birth! Further Info: Flyer |
| Mar 18 1pm–2:30pm | Know & Grow Workshop, WSU Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Mount Vernon, WA. Free and open to the public. |
| Mar 28 7:00pm | Book signing/bread tasting with Chad Robertson, Tartine Book No. 3, at Village Books, Bellingham, WA. |
| Apr 11 7:30am–4:30pm | WSU Skagit County Extension Hands on Pesticide Training |
| Apr 19 9am–2:30pm | Culture of the land: Connecting K–12 Teachers to the WSU Research Center. Try your hand at: plant breeding, milling wheat, baking bread, fermenting oats; learn about the value of Skagit farmland; discover the connections between WSU Research Center and local farmers and bakers; connect the study of bread to physics, chemistry, biology, and botany. Register by March 28th – Space available. Registration deadline extended, $12 registration fee includes lunch. Open to K–12 teachers in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish. Due to space, we are limited to 50 participants. Further Info: Flyer and Registration |
| May 3 8am–5:30pm | Business of Making Hard Cider. A one day cider making business development workshop for new or existing operations. |
| May 5-9 8am–5:30pm | Cider & Perry Production – Principles & Practice. This course is suitable for beginners, new businesses and existing producers. |
| May 10 9am–2pm | Introduction to Cider Fruit Orchard Management. A one day orchard management class offering the basics of tree fruit production with emphasis on cider and dessert apple varieties. |
| May 12-16 8am–5pm | Advanced Cider & Perry Production. This advanced class builds on Cider & Perry Production course and aims to provide an in–depth understanding of cider microbiology & chemistry and key aspects of technology, sensory evaluation, product development and marketing. |
| May 28 8:30am–4pm | Cooking for a Healthy Future Workshop. A workshop for child care centers on using healthier options in their meal program. |
| June 17 1:00pm–2:30pm | Know & Grow Workshop ”Growing Roses in Skagit Valley,”. Do you struggle with growing roses, but don’t want to give them up? Experts will share tips on successful rose growing in Skagit County. |
| June 20 8am–Noon | Vegetable Seed Field Day at WSU Mount Vernon, 8am to noon. The tour will include visits to entomology, plant pathology, and weed science plots as well as discussion of preliminary results from our 2014 vegetable seed crop experiments. Further Info: WSU Vegetable Seed Field Day Flyer |
| June 25 3pm–6pm | Small Grains Field Day. Join us to tour our research fields and discuss the production of small grains such as wheat, oats, rye and barely in Western Washington for food, feed, and malt. Further Info: Small Grains Field Day 2014 Flyer |
| July 10 3:30pm | WSU Mount Vernon Field Day and Tour, 3:30pm. Join us to tour our research fields and learn about current agricultural research at WSU Mount Vernon and to catch up with others in the Agricultural Community. Further Info: Field Day 2014 Flyer |
| August 21-23 8am–5pm | The Grain Gathering. The annual conference brings together professional an home bakers, malsters, brewers, millers, farmers, wheat breeders, food writers, wood–oven builders, and people who come to enjoy ”summer camp for bread lover.” |
| Friday, September 12 | ‘Seeds of Time’ documentary film showing. 7pm, Sakuma Auditorium, free and open to the public. |
| Tuesday September 16 | Know & Grow Workshop “Honey Bee Survival”, 1-2:30pm, Sakuma Auditorium Sue Cobey, World-renowned honey bee specialist will present a program about what is being done to insure that honey bee colonies survive and what role you can play. |
| Wednesday October 1 | WSU Urban IPM Workshop “Integrated Weed Management: Landscapes & Natural Areas”, 8:30am to 3:30pm, Sakuma Auditorium This is a two day workshop, learn key plant characteristics and terms used in weed ID and try out weed recognition skills. |
| Saturday October 11 | WWFRF Apple and Pear Day, 11am, Fruit Garden. Learn about apple and pear varieties and how to prune. There will be sweet cider sampling and apples and pears available for picking to take home. |
| Tuesday October 14 | Know & Grow Workshop: The World of Begonias, 1:00-2:30pm, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Thursday November 6 | WSU Urban IPM Workshop, Private Applicator Recertification, 8:30am-3:30pm, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| November 17-20 | Sustainable Landscape Professional Certification Training, 8:30am-4pm, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Thursday November 20 | 2014 Harvest Seminar. 7pm Mount Vernon Research Center, Sakuma Auditorium. WSU Mount Vernon Graduate Students present Gary Paul Nabham Flyer |
| December 9 and 10 | Private Applicator Pre-license Training, 8:30am to 4:00pm |
| December 11 | Washington On-Site Sewage Association Training, 8:30am to 4:30pm |
| December 15-18 | Cider & Perry Production, Principles & Practice, 8:00am to 5:00pm |
| December 24-January 2 | Closed for the holidays |
| January 8 – March 26 | Small Farm and Local food Business Planning Course, Thursdays from 6 to 9pm For more information contact Don McMoran email: dmcmoran@wsu.edu |
| January 8 | Island County Beach Watchers Meeting, 10:00am to 2:00pm |
| January 13 | Septics 201, 2 to 4:00pm |
| January 28 | WA Farm Bureau Safety Workshop, 8:30am to 12:00pm |
| January 20 | Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers Workshop 8:30am-4:00pm |
| January 31 | Country Living Expo and Cattlemen’s Winter School Stanwood High School. More than 185 workshops and classes in skills from cheesemaking and beekeeping to agribusiness, landscape design, and small-scale solar power. Keynote speaker: Dr. Temple Grandin. |
| February 20 | Grafting Vegetables Hands-On Workshop 9am-12pm Led by Dr. Carol A. Miles and Patti Kreider. Learn how to use the splice-graft technique to graft tomato and watermelon successfully. Flyer |
| Date/Time | Event/Location and Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Jan 10–March 28, 6pm–9pm | Farm Business Planning Course, Thursday evenings, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Jan 11–March 28, 2pm–4pm | Septics 201 Class, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Jan 15, 22, 29 & Feb 5, 9am–3:30pm | Value Added Workshop Series, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Four weeks of one day/week intensive classes to learn all you need to know in order to extend your market season through value-added products. |
| Jan 25, 9am–4:30pm | Western Washington Agricultural Association Meeting joint with the Puget Sound Seed Growers Association., Sakuma Auditorium. WWAA meeting from 9am to noon with lunch catered, PSSGA meeting begins at 1:00pm with (3) pesticide recertification credits available. |
| Feb 12, 9am–4pm | Grafting Watermelon and Tomato, Hands-On Workshop, Sakuma Auditorium. Learn how to use the splice-graft technique to graft tomato and watermelon successfully. Demonstrations will also show how to do multiple grafts on a single tomato plant. Participants will use common rootstocks for each crop and will graft 6 plants of each crop which they can take home ($48 value). |
| Feb 20, 8:30am–4:30pm | ECORAZ Symposium, Sakuma Auditorium. The main goals of the 2013 symposium are: To understand the scope of the issues around raspberry decline; To identify work being done to reduce impacts of raspberry decline as well as gaps in research; To develop a systems based research proposal incorporating many of the ECORAZ factors and involving a diversity of researchers from multiple locations. |
| Feb 22, 8am–6pm | Western Washington Potato Workshop, Sakuma Auditorium. Further Info: For more information contact:donaldm@co.skagit.wa.us |
| Feb 26, 10am–2pm | Island County Beach Watchers Planning Meeting, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Mar 2, 8:30am–3:30pm | Western WA Fruit Research Foundation’s Winter Field Day, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. The theme this year is Local and Organic. They will have rootstock and scion wood sales, workshops on pruning and grafting, and fruit garden demonstrations on pruning. Field Days are free to members, and open to non-members for one-day only fees of $15/individual and $30/family (parents with their small children) at each event. Fees can be paid at the door or in advance with a credit card through PayPal (you don’t need a PayPal account) for an additional $1 service fee.. |
| Mar 8–9, 8:30am–4:30pm | Specialty Cut Flower Growers School, Mount Vernon, WA. This two-day workshop will offer classroom and on-farm instruction to help students begin growing and selling high quality cut flowers. Friday classroom instruction will be held in the Sakuma Auditorium and WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Saturday instruction will be held at Jello Mold Farm in Mount Vernon. |
| Mar 11, 2–4pm | Septics 201, WSU Mount Vernon, Sakuma Auditorium, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Mar 12, 1–4pm | Skagit County Master Gardener’s Spring Kick-Off Meeting |
| Mar 19, 1–2:30pm | Know & Grow Workshop: “Gardening to Attract Butterflies”, Sakuma Auditorium. Idie Ulsh, of the American Butterfly Association, will talk about what plants to grow to attract butterflies to your garden. Free and open to the public. |
| Mar 25, 12pm–1pm | Brown Bag Seminar “Cider Apple Mechanical Harvest and Clicker Surveys”, Sakuma Auditorium, Mount Vernon, WA. Jonathan Roozen and Dr. Carol Miles will present an overview of their current research program to mechanically harvest cider apples. |
| Mar 27, 9am–4pm | Washington Berry Food Safety Training, Sakuma Auditorium. Further Info: Details |
| Mar 28, 2pm–4pm | Septics 201, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Apr 2, 8:30am–12:30pm | Farmer to Farmer Networks Workshop, Sakuma Auditorium. Learn the fundamentals of starting and managing a farmer network. Perfect for extension professionals, researchers, ag policy makers and advocacy groups, nonprofit leaders and representatives of agencies that serve farmers. |
| Apr 10, 9:30am–12pm | Washington Farm Labor Association Harassment Training, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Apr 16, 1pm–2:30pm | Know & Grow Workshop: “Underground Gems – The Splendor of Spring and Summer Bulbs for the Pacific Northwest”, Sakuma Auditorium. From daffodils to dahlias, learn to care for the many varieties (including unusual and native) that grow here. Free and open to the public. |
| Apr 17, 2pm–4pm | Septics 201, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Apr 27, 10am–12pm | Native Plant Society Plant Sale. The sale will be held at the Native Plant Garden, located south of the Master Gardener Discovery Garden at the WSU Mount Vernon Research Center, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon. |
| Apr 30, 12pm–1pm | Brown Bag Seminar “Vegetable Grafting Training in Nicaragua”. Sakuma Auditorium. Further Info: Details |
| May 5, 11:30am–2:00pm | WA Sustainable Food & Farming Network Meeting, Discovery Garden Pavilion at the WSU Mount Vernon Research Center. |
| May 8, 9am–11am | Farming for Wildlife Meeting, Sakuma Auditorium., a project sponsored by the Nature Conservancy. |
| May 9, 11am–2pm | State of Washington Potato Committee Meeting, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| May 11, 8am–2pm | Skagit County Master Gardener Foundation Plant Fair, Skagit County Fairgrounds, Building F, Mount Vernon, Washington. Free admission and parking.. |
| May 14, 1–2:30pm | Know & Grow Workshop “Gardening in Raised Beds and Containers”, Sakuma Auditorium. Do you have poor soil, limited space or a bad back? Learn how to raise vegetables, flowers, fruits and shrubs in raised beds and containers. Free and open to the public.. |
| May 15, 10am–4pm | Northwest Farm Credit Services Local Advisor Meeting, Small Auditorium. |
| May 29, 8:30am–4:30pm | NWA On-Site Sewage Association Training Class, Sakuma Auditorium.. |
| Jun 3, 4:45–7pm | Leafy Greens Field Walk at Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Road, Everson, WA 98247. Further Info: Details and Directions |
| Jun 6, 9:30am–2:30pm | Washington Friends of Farms & Forests Meeting, WSU Mount Vernon Treehouse. |
| Jun 12–13, 10am–4pm | Puget Sound Partners Panel Meeting, Sakuma Auditorium |
| Jun 18, 1pm–2:30pm | Master Gardener Know & Grow Workshop “Ikebana”, Sakuma Auditorium. A hands-on workshop in the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Please bring your own shallow container, needle frog and clippers. There is a $5 fee; reservations should be made by June 10. Email or phone Diana Wisen,dmwisen@fidalgo.net, 360-336-8958. |
| Jun 22, 8:30am–4pm | Business of Making Hard Cider, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Jun 27, 3pm–6pm | Small Grains Field Day, Sakuma Auditorium. WSU Mount Vernon. Join us to tour our research fields and to discuss the production of small grains such as wheat, oats, rye and barley in Western Washington for food, feed, and malt. (This is an outside activity, please dress accordingly.) Further Info: Details |
| Jul 8–12, 8am–5pm | Cider Making, Principles and Practice, WSU Mount Vernon. |
| Jul 11, 3:30pm–6pm | WSU Mount Vernon NWREC Field Day and Tour, Mount Vernon, WA. Join us to learn about current agricultural research at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, and to catch up with others in the Agricultural community. Further Info: Flyer |
| Jul 13, 11am–2pm | Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation Cherry Sampling Day, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Meet in the orchard directly behind the Discovery Gardens at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. |
| Jul 13, 9am–5pm | Orchard Management: Cider Fruit Production Class, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. This one day class offers the basics of tree fruit production with emphasis on cider and dessert apple varieties.Expert orchardist Gary Moulton will discuss topics on rootstock, nutrient management, pest management, irrigation, orchard layout planting, pruning, and harvest techniques. |
| Jul 19, 9am–4:30pm | Queen Rearing Workshop, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, Washington. The workshop will provide an understanding of what it takes to rear high quality queens. |
| Aug 4–7 | Student Organic Seed Symposium: Breeding and Advocating for Resilient Organic Seed Systems, WSU Mount Vernon. |
| Aug 13, 1–3:30pm | Know and Grow Workshop: Plant Diseases, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Aug 14, 8:30am–4:30pm | WA On Site Sewer Association Training Class, Sakuma Auditorium. |
| Aug 22, 11am–1pm | WSDA Farm to School Mobile Workshop. |
| Sep 12–14 | Kneading Conference West, WSU Mount Vernon. KCW is a gathering of home and professional bakers, farmers, millers, maltsters, scientist, earth oven enthusiasts and anyone interested in handcrafted breads and pastries, locally grown grains, and the movement to restore regional food systems. |
| Sep 25–Dec 11 Wednesdays 6–9pm | Sustainable Small Acreage Farming & Ranching Course, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Sep 27 noon–1:30pm | Brown Bag Seminar “Man Versus Wild: A long-term study of cranberries in their native stands in Massachusetts”, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Presented by Dr. Frank Caruso, a recently retired cranberry pathologist from the University of Massachusetts. |
| Oct 2 & 3, 8am–5pm | WSU Urban IPM Workshop: Site Preparation and Plant Selection, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Learn about soils, soil microbiology, and use of mulch to reduce pesticide applications. Diagnose root problems and learn about their prevention and treatment. Site preparation, proper planting techniques, plant selection for improved plant health, and low-maintenance gardening will also be covered. |
| Oct 12, 11am–2pm | The Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation’s Apple and Pear Harvest Field Day, WSU Mount Vernon, 16650 SR 536, Mount Vernon, WA. Taste cider; sample heirloom apples; listen to presentations about cider, apple diseases and orchard pest management; then pick your favorites during the open orchard event. Free to WWFRF members, $15 nonmembers or $30 family. |
| Oct 15, 1pm–2:30pm | Master Gardener Know & Grow Workshop “Table Grapes and Wine Grapes for the Pacific Northwest”, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Free and open to the public. Humans have grown grapes for thousands of years but it’s a relatively new crop in the Pacific Northwest. Famed for his extensive knowledge of growing grapes here in Skagit County, Gary Moulton, retired WSU Fruit specialist, will talk about how to successfully grow the very best wine grapes and table grapes for your home garden. |
| Oct 16, 9am–4pm | WSU Island County Beach Watchers Volunteer Training, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Oct 30, 6–7:30pm | WSU Graduate Student Harvest Seminar “Slow Food in Digital Times: Seed Banks and Seed Networks”, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Dr. Alison Carruth will examine digital media in the context of seed banks and grassroots seed networks. This is a free event, light refreshments will be served. Further Info: Details |
| Nov 4, 2–3:30pm | Leafy Greens Field Walk, 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-4768. This field walk will highlight a set of leafy green variety trials occurring at both Cloud Mountain Farm Center and at WSU Mount Vernon Research and Extension Center. Free and open to the public. |
| Nov 7, 7:30am–4:00pm | WSU Urban IPM Short Course for Private Applicators, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. This shortcourse is designed specifically for private applicators. This training will provide a total of 8 pesticide recertification credits. |
| Nov 12, 1–2:30pm | Master Gardener Know & Grow Workshop, “Mushrooms: Fun with Fungi”, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Free and open to the public. |
| Dec 2–6, 8am–5pm | Cider Making, Principles & Practice, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. A course to gain a thorough understanding of cider and perry and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to make quality products. |
| Dec 7, 9am–2pm | Orchard Management: Cider Fruit Production, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. This one day class offers the basics of tree fruit production with emphasis on cider and dessert apple varieties. |
| Date/Time | Event/Location and Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Mar 28, 12pm–1pm | Plant Pathology Presents A Panel Discussion on Sabbatical Leave “Why So Few Faculty Take Sabbatical: Barriers and Bridges to Professional Leave”, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Faculty, postdocs, and graduate students are welcome to attend. Further Info: Event Flyer |
| Mar 29, 12pm–1pm | Brown Bag Seminar: Origins and Descendants of Puget Sound Heirloom Grains, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Presenter: Richard D. Scheuerman, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Education, Seattle Pacific University. Further Info: Event Flyer (.pdf) |
| May 3 | Skagit County Health Department “Septics 201” class, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Two classes, 12:30 pm–2:15 pm and 2:30 pm–4:15 pm. See Access Skagit County for more information. Contact: Wade Bessett or Corinne Story in the Skagit County Health Department, 360-336-9380. |
| May 9, 9:30–noon | Washington Farm Labor Association “Harassment Training”, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Workplace Harassment training provides employees with an understanding of what is acceptable, un-acceptable, and illegal behavior in the workplace. This is an interactive course using cases, scenarios and exercise that are relevant to your work environment.. |
| May 15, 1:00–2:30pm | Master Gardner’s Know and Grow Workshop: “How to Get the Most From Your Vegetable Garden”, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. A program about successfully growing vegetables for optimal harvest in Skagit County. |
| May 21–22, 8:00am–5:00pm | WSU Extension “Riparian Grazing and Water Quality” Workshop, WSU Research & Extension Center, West Auditorium, Mount Vernon, WA. The workshops will teach producers how to accurately identify their risk of causing water quality problems and then link risks to specific strategies that are proven to protect riparian function, water quality and plant and soil health. |
| May 23, 1:00am–3:00pm | Spotted Wing Drosophila Identification Workshop, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Presentation on biology and morphology of SWD, followed by a hands-on laboratory exercise where participants are given a small bag of infested berries and will work in small groups using a dissecting microscope. Learn how to recognize eggs and larvae in fruit and use a salt disclosing solution to extract larvae from infested fruit samples. |
| June 6, 12pm–1pm | Brown Bag Seminar: Cultivation of Chinese Medicinal Herbs in Small Scale Organic Production, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Peg Schafer, owner/operator of the Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm outside Petaluma, is the speaker. Free and open to the public. Contact: hfproduce@gmail.com or 360-941-8196. Further Info: Flyer |
| June 8, 9am–5pm | Specialized Beekeeping Course: Queen Rearing Workshop, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Further Info: Registration Form |
| June 11, 7am–10am | Berry Growers Breakfast, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| June 12, 1pm–2:30pm | Master Gardner’s Know and Grow Workshop: Iris, Beautiful Iris, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. They bridge the gap between spring and summer with their rainbow of colors. John Ogdon of Rainbow’s End Iris Farm invites you to share the beauty of this ancient flower in all its modern colors and forms. Free and open to the public. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| June 15, 10am–2pm | Skagit County Master Gardener’s Rain Garden Education Day, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Presenter: Erica Guttman. |
| June 19 | Skagit County “Septics 201”, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Jun 23, 9am–4:30pm | Orchard Management: Cider Fruit Production, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. This one day class offers the basics of tree fruit production with emphasis on cider and dessert apple varieties. Expert orchardist Gary Moulton will discuss topics on rootstock, nutrient management, pest management, irrigation, orchard layout planting, pruning, and harvest techniques. The class coincides with Cider Production: Principles & Practices but is open to anyone interested in learning about the essentials of orchard management. The format of the class will be a lecture and discussion followed by an optional tour of nearby Red Barn Cider and orchard. Registration fee to attend the class is $75/person. The fee includes snacks, light lunch, and all lecture materials. Fee is waived for participants attending the Cider Production: P&P course. Contact: Carolyn Goodrich at NABC, carolyn.goodrich@agbizcenter.orgor 360-336-3727 |
| Jun 25–29, 8am–5pm daily | Cider Making – Principles & Practices, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Do you want to gain a thorough understanding of cider & perry and acquire the skills & knowledge necessary necessary to to make quality products? Then, this is THE course to attend! Contact: Carolyn Goodrich at NABC, carolyn.goodrich@agbizcenter.org or 360-336-3727 |
| Jun 28, 3pm–6pm | 2012 Small Grains Field Day, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Attention farmers, millers, bakers, maltsters, distillers, and brewers: Join us to tour our research fields and to discuss the production of small grains such as wheat, oats, rye and barley in Western Washington for food, feed, and malt. This is a free event, no preregistration required. |
| Jul 12 | WSU Mount Vernon Field Day, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Join us to learn about current agricultural research, and to catch up with others in the Agricultural community. Further Info: Flyer. Field Day is a WSDA pesticide recertification course worth 2 credits. Further Info: Flyer |
| Jul 14, 11am–2pm | Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation Cherry Fruit Day, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. Educational Seminars and samples of uncommon and unique varieties. Further Info: Flyer. |
| Jul 23–27 | Cider & Perry Production Principles and Practices, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Do you want to gain a thorough understanding of cider & perry and acquire the skills & knowledge necessary necessary to to make quality products? Then, this is THE course to attend! Contact: Carolyn Goodrich at NABC, carolyn.goodrich@agbizcenter.org or 360-336-3727 Further Info: Details and Registration |
| Aug 18, 8:30am–4pm | Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation Summer Fruit Festival, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. The festival features an espalier symposium. Guest speakers include Chef Graham Kerr, Raintree Nursery owner Sam Benowitz and Northwoods Nursery founder Jim Gilbert. Field days are free to members, and open to non-members for one-day fees. |
| Sep 13–15 | Kneading Conference West, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Hands on workshops for novices and professionals: Artisan bread & pastry baking, grain growing, milling, malting and wood-fired oven construction. |
| Sep 26–Dec 12 | WSU Skagit County Extension Sustainable Small Farming and Ranching course, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Wednesday evening classes, 6–9 p.m. Topics covered: organic crop production; ecological pest, weed, and disease management; livestock and poultry; pasture management; equipment and infrastructure; small farm finance and more. Cost: $250 per farm family/partnership |
| Oct 3–4, 8am–4pm | WSU Urban IPM Workshop, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. This two day workshop focuses on turf identification, problem diagnosis, and weed management. Practice turfgrass ID; diagnose insect, disease, and weed problems in hands-on sessions; learn about turf management strategies for problem prevention. Cost: $200, offers 12 WSDA recertification credits. |
| Oct 13, 11am–2pm | Sample the Apple and Pear Harvest, Fruit Garden, WSU Mount Vernon, WA. A great chance to try out the latest apples and pears. There will also be talks on cider, and apple diseases and pests. Cost: free to current WWFRF members, $15/individual and $30/family for non-members. |
| Oct 16, 1–2:30pm | Master Gardener’s Know and Grow Workshop, “Fall Garden Tasks”, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. It is a beautiful time of year to be out in your yard. Local Master Gardeners will cover what can be done now to care for your garden. They will be available to answer your questions as well. Free and open to the public. |
| Oct 17, 9am–4pm | Climate Change Workshop, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. For more information, contact Schneider@skagitwatershed.org. |
| Oct 30, 5pm | A closer look at local and regional food systems, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Further Info: Event Poster |
| Nov 13, 1am–2:30pm | Master Gardener’s Know and Grow Workshop: “Visiting Public Gardens and Garden Shows in Europe”, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Nov 28, 9am–noon | Climate Change and Flooding in the Skagit Valley, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Dec 6, 2–4:30pm | Septics 201 class, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. This class provides homeowners with training on how to inspect a conventional gravity septic system. |
| Dec 10–14, 8am–4pm | Cider and Perry Production Advanced Course, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. |
| Date/Time | Event/Location and Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Jan 19, 12–1 pm | Brown Bag Seminar: Snohomish Conservation District: 70 years of service and solutions. Sakuma Auditorium, WSU-Mount Vernon NWREC. Caitlin Price is a WSU graduate and was recently hired by the SCD as a Farm Planner in the Stillaguamish watershed. She will talk about her background in livestock management, soils, and compost research and how her education and experience led to her current position at SCD. SCD Manager Monte Marti will share the history of SCD, now in its 70th year, and the role of Conservation Districts in resource conservation and the future of agriculture. Other SCD staff will also be present to talk about some of their current projects. |
| Feb 8, 8:30 am–4:30 pm | Washington Blueberry Growers’ Conference. WSU-Mount Vernon NWREC Auditorium. Presentations from leading University and Industry speakers. This workshop is for blueberry growers, extension professionals and industry representatives. Presentations on production, food safety and marketing. A panel of leading growers, discussing the year in review. Video link to WSU-Prosser, for the benefit of growers east of the Cascades. Contact: If you’d like to attend, please RSVP tovanessa@centurytel.net. |
| Feb 18–19, 8:15 am–4:30 pm | Specialty Cut Flower Growers School, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC and Jello Mold Farm, Mount Vernon, WA. Presenter: THE SEATTLE WHOLESALE GROWERS MARKET in collaboration with WSU NWREC partially funded by WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. Local flower farmers Diane Szukovathy of Jello Mold Farm and Vivian Larson of Everyday Flowers are joined by third generation specialty cut flower grower Joe Schmitt of Fair Field Flowers, Madison Wisconsin to bring a dynamic learning opportunity for beginning and intermediate flower farmers in the Pacific Northwest. Focus is on sustainable growing techniques. This two-day workshop offers classroom and on-farm instruction to help students begin growing and selling high quality cut flowers. Participants receive a complete workbook with resources and technical information. Topics include: Business planning basics, plant selection, growing techniques, pest management strategies, specialized equipment, quality postharvest care, season extension, and marketing opportunities. Questions: Contact Diane Szukovathy, 206-290-3154. Further Info: Second page of the flyer is the registration form to be complete as instructed on the page and sent to: The Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, PO Box 1976, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. |
| Feb 24, 12–1 pm | Brown Bag Seminar: Snow Geese Habitat. Sakuma Auditorium, WSU-Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenter: Vasiliy Baranyuk, vsiting scientist. Russian biologist to highlight snow geese on west coast lecture tour PCJV partners invited to schedule a lecture. Vasiliy Baranyuk is a Russian biologist and accomplished photographer, specializing in the study of Wrangel Island snow geese. This rare population breeds on Russia’s Wrangel Island and winters on the west coast of North America – primarily the Skagit and Fraser River Deltas of British Columbia and Washington. Through a grant from the Pacific Coast Joint Venture, he is conducting a lecture tour to share his love of the land and wildlife and foster understanding of these snow geese. Further Info: Pacific Coast Joint Venture. |
| Feb 25, 8 am–4:30 pm | 28th Annual Western Washington Potato Workshop, Mount Vernon Research and Extension Center Contacts: Andres Jensen at 509-765-8845 orajensen@potatoes.com; Don McMoran at 360-428-4270 ext. 225 or donaldm@co.skagit.wa.us Further Info: Workshop Brochure |
| Mar 4, 11 am–2 pm | Berry Bud Open House, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC processing lab, Mount Vernon, WA. Informal open house for growers and others to discuss the recent cold event and impacts on berry crops. Will show growers ways to evaluate freeze damage in berry buds. Presenters: Tom Walters, Don McMoran, Colleen Burrows and local growers. |
| Mar 5, 9 am–4 pm | Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation Winter Field Day, Sakuma Auditorium, Mount Vernon, WA. Panel discussions and demonstrations in the Discovery Garden. Presenters: Tim Lawrence is the Director WSU Island County Extension and beyond his Phd in entomology focused on bees, I’ve learned that his earlier degrees focused on Pomology! Dave Hunter of Hunters Mason Bees and Crown Bees has just returned from facilitating a national event about non-honey bee pollinators (you can visit his Crown Bees website). David Feinberg is an active WWFRF member and is a serious about raising honey bees, and will be installing 10 honey bee hives into the Fruit Garden this winter/spring. Bill Davis is an active WWFRF Board member and has non-commercially raised Honey, Mason, & Bumble bees. |
| Mar 23 | Brown Bag Seminar: Group Study Exchange – The Ireland Experience. Group Study Exchange is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity sponsored by The Rotary Foundation. Team members are non-Rotarian young professionals chosen after a selection process. For 4 weeks team members study the host country’s institutions and ways of life. William Freitas, WSU Skagit County 4-H Educator, was a member of the team who went to Ireland and Northern Ireland in September 2010. He will be talking about his experience staying with host families, and visiting with leaders in educational, public services, businesses and non-profit organizations. Also he will comment on his observations on the customs, beliefs, and social-political context of the Irish people. |
| Mar 30, 8 am–4 pm | Western Washington Wine Grape Growers Workshop WSU Mount Vernon NWREC Agenda and Registration Form Meet the WSU Viticulture & Enology Program Director, Dr. Thomas Henick-Kling, and the new WSU State-wide Viticulture Specialist, Dr. Michelle MoyerReview the 2010 Production Season – Discuss pest and management issues that are significant in western Washington, including Powdery Mildew, Botrytis, Yellow Jackets and Proper Spray Technologies,Taste and Evaluate New Varieties – Get information on new grape varieties that may be suitable for western Washington and evaluate wines made from these grapes in established regions in the world. |
| May 12, 12–1 | Brown Bag Seminar: Sabbatical In South Africa, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Lindsey du Toit discusses her proferssional and personal experiences during a 6-month sabbatical in South Africa, where she worked with onion bulb and seed growers from November 2010 to April 2011. |
| May 17 | Spotted Wing Drosophila & Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Workshops, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. This workshop is for commercial growers and home gardeners. A brief overview will be provided on the identification and biology of BMSB and what should be done if you suspect you have found this pest in our region. The biology, identification and control of SWD, including a hands-on demonstration will be covered. No cost to attend.RSVP Required. Contacts: Don McMoran donaldm@co.skagit.wa.us or 360-428-4270 Further Info: Workshop Flyer and Website |
| Jun 13 | WA Tilth Producers’ 2011 Early Season Farm Walk Series: Current Research in Organic Farming, WSU Mount Vernon 1–3:30pm; Optional Tour of Viva Farm Incubator, Mount Vernon, 3:30–4:30pm. Alternatives to black plastic mulch for organic vegetable production are being evaluated by a national team of plant, soil, and material scientists at WSU Mt. Vernon. See biodegradable mulches and learn which head lettuce, tomato and strawberry varieties are suited to organic production under high tunnels. Discuss opportunities for incorporating grains into western Washington farms and barley varieties under organic production for their suitability for food, malt, and feed and the effects of top-dressing winter wheat with organic fertilizers. Grafting is an innovative disease management strategy for Verticillium Wilt in tomato, eggplant and watermelon; observe how grafted heirloom tomato performs in a high tunnel and open field and attend a grafting demonstration. Take an optional tour to nearby farm incubator Viva Farms, a joint venture of WSU Extension and GrowFood.org which provides land and support for beginning and Latino farmers. Contact: organic@tilthproducers.org or call 206-632-7506. |
| Jun 23, 4–6 pm | 2011 Small Grains Field Day, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Join us to discuss the production of small grains such as wheat, rye and barley in Western Washington for food, feed, and malt. Further Info: 2011 Small Grains Field Day Flyer. |
| Jul 12 | Brown Bag Seminar: An Introduction to the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Presenter: Eric Johnson, NRCS Mount Vernon office Further Info: Flyer |
| Jul 14 | WSU Mount Vernon NWREC Field Day and NARF advisory committee meetings, Mount Vernon, WA. Presenters: WSU Faculty and graduate students. Time: Advisory committee meetings begin at 1:30 p.m.; tour begins at 3:30 p.m.; chicken barbecue dinner at 6p.m. and more advisory committee meetings from 7–8 p.m. Location: Throughout the campus and Poster |
| Jul 20, 3–5pm | Berry Grower’s Field Day with Dr. Tom Walters, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Presentations of research on cane burning, weed management, cultivar evaluations and high tunnel strawberry production. Meet at the Olson House raspberry field. |
| Sep 9, 12–1pm | Brown Bag Seminar: Honey Bee Stock Improvement Program, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, Mount Vernon, WA. Presenter: Susan Cobey, Research Associate, WSU Department of Entomology Further Info: Flyer |
| Sep 15–17 | Kneading Conference West, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. In collaboration with the highly successful Artisan Bread Kneading Conference held each year in Maine a sole west coast venue has been added. The idea is to revive regional grain cultivation and one of the best ways to do this is to encourage a demand for the special flavors and nourishment of grains cultivated and milled nearby. Kneading Conference West brings together grain farmers, millers, agricultural researchers, novice and professional bakers, wood-fired oven enthusiasts, and eaters. For two days of talks and hands-on workshops, participants exchange ideas and skills, resulting in a strengthened community of grain producers, artisan bakers, and consumers. Further Info: Conference website. |
| Sep 19, 4–6 pm | Organic No-Till Field Day, WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center, Mount Vernon, WA. There will be an on-farm discussion of organic no-till management practices and techniques. Basic principles such as mechanical termination of cover crops and cover crop selection will be among the topics covered by WSU Extension Faculty Doug Collins, Andrew Corbin and Chris Benedict. Contact: Andrew Corbin at 425-357-6012 or corbina@wsu.edu Further Info: Flyer. |
| Oct 27, 1:15–6 pm | 2011 Agriculture & Northwest Ecosystems Symposium, WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center, Mount Vernon, WA. Please join us on Thursday, October 27th for the third annual Agriculture & Northwest Ecosystems Symposium to learn more about current research in our area. This year representatives from each department at WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center will have a demonstration table and provide hands-on activities. The keynote speaker will be University of Washington Professor David R. Montgomery, an expert on soil erosion and salmon ecology. He is also the author of Dirt and King of Fish. Event Itinerary: 1:15–3:30 p.m. Graduate student short presentations 3:45–4:45 p.m. Poster session and hands-on demonstrations 5:00–6:00 p.m. Keynote speaker: Dave Montgomery Location: 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 |
| Oct 29, 7 pm | The Greenhorns documentary film, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. The Greenhorns documentary film comes to WSU Mount Vernon as part of a West Coast tour by the filmmakers. Completed after almost 3 years in production, the film explores the lives of America’s young farming community – its spirit, practices, and needs. It is the filmmaker’s hope that by broadcasting the stories and voices of these young farmers, we can build the case for those considering a career in agriculture – to embolden them, to entice them, and to recruit them into farming. Join us for a free screening of the film and a conversation with director Severine von Tscharner Fleming. Watch the trailer and get more information about the film: http://thegreenhorns.net/. |
| Nov 10, 12–1 pm | Brown Bag Seminar: 30 Year Retrospective of Tree Fruit Research at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. The seminar presents a history and overview of the fruit research projects that were conducted here at Mount Vernon, and the program’s contributions to general knowledge about tree fruit varieties and culture in western Washington during that period. Presenter: Jacky King |
| Dec 9 | Brown Bag Seminar: The importance of Agriculture Quarantine Inspection (AQI) at the border with Canada, WSU Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, WA. This presentation will cover the major groups of pests that are frequently intercepted and their consequences to Agriculture if they were to become established in Skagit County. Also covered will be some of the pests surveyed in Skagit County as well as some potential exotic pests that may show up in the future that pose a threat to Skagit county. Presenter: Bill Carlson, Entomologist with USDA/APHIS, located at Pacific Highway Truck Crossing, Blaine, WA. Bill Carlson has an MS in Agriculture/Pest management from Cal Poly Univ. in San Luis Obispo CA, and a BS in Crop Production from Chico State College in Chico CA. He is a Viet Nam Navy Veteran; former Vo-Ag instructor; Certified Pest Control Advisor for Butte County Rice Growers Cooperative; Rice Farmer in Sacramento Valley CA (25 years); Owned and operated Ag Chemical Application company; Served on Board of Directors for BUCRA Seed Growers, served on the Board of Directors for California Cooperative Rice Research Board; Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist for USDA and currently Area Identifier/Entomologist for USDA/APHIS/PPQ in Blaine WA. |
| Date/Time | Event/Location and Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Jan 13, 12–1 pm | Composting Systems and Management, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU-Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenter: Tamara Thomas. Further Info: Event Flyer |
| Mar 12, 12–1 | Brown Bag Lunch Speakers Series, Artful Persuasion: Artists Helping Scientists Convey the Realities of Climate Change, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenter: Lin McJunkin, sculptor/science editor. Further Info: Event Flyer |
| Apr 9, 12–1 | Integrated Organic Seed Systems, Sakuma Auditorium, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenter: Micaela Colley, Organic Seed Alliance. Further Info: Event Flyer |
| Apr 10, 1–4 | Breadmaking Workshop: The Mysteries of Sourdough, WSU Mount Vernon Demo Kitchen. Presenter: Scott Mangold, Bread Farm. Further Info: Event Flyer |
| Apr 21 | Food Systems Planning and Research in NW Washington, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenters: Dr. Branden Born, University of Washington and Kara Martin. and Healthy Retail Opportunities |
| May 12 | Small Grains for Small Farms, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenter: Steve Jones, Jeffrey Endelman, Lucas Patzek, Karen Hills, Janet Matanguihan. |
| July 14 | Small Fruit Horticulture Program, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenter: Tom Walters. An overview of the Small Fruit Hort program: who we are, what we do and why we do it; research and extension programs; a quick overview of the WSU Extension tech to teach workshop. |
| Aug 4 | Weed Science in the Middle East, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenter: Tim Miller. Amman, Jordan, March of 2008: part of a US Department of Defense-funded program to train Iraqi Extension personnel currently employed by the Ministry of Agriculture of Iraq. |
| Aug 25 | Starting an Extension Specialist Career from the Ground Up, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenter: Dr. Lindsey du Toit. How do you begin to establish a successful career as an extension specialist? How do you determine areas of research? Who are your stakeholders and how to connect? |
| Sep 7 |
Vegetable Horticulture Program, WSU Mount Vernon NWREC. Presenters: Carol Miles and Sacha Johnson. An overview of the research and extension programs; alternative crops and organic cropping systems; the Bean/Cowpea CRSP in East Africa; the multi-state SCRI project to investigate biodegradable mulches and high tunnels. |
| Nov 18, 12–1 pm |  Brown Bag Seminar, Musings of a Professional Student: A Road to Everywhere. Sakuma Auditorium.Presenter: Dr. Lynell Tanigoshi. |
| Nov 19, 10:30 am | From Anthropology, to Plant Science, to Corn Breeding, to International Grant Making: A Path Not Expected. Sakuma Auditorium. Presenter: Dr. Brian Love, Program Officer; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Development | Agricultural Development | Science & Technology |
| Dec 10, 12–1 pm |  Brown Bag Seminar, Human Dimensions of the Environment from Honey Bees to Storm Water in Its Role in Extension Outreach Education. Dr. Tim Lawrence, WSU Island County Extension Director. Extension education and research have expanded to many areas in recent years and is no longer constrained to just agriculture, community development, and family and consumer sciences. Tim discusses future directions and areas of research and education as a County Extension administrator and educator.
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