On Tuesdays at noon, and Wednesdays at 6 p.m., the Cowlitz County WSU Master Gardeners present free weekly online programs. There’s no need to register for the events, but a Zoom account is required.
Those interested in attending by computer can go online to wsu.Zoom.us/j/7756056320 and use meeting ID 7756056320 and password 12345.
To join by phone, call 253-215-8782 and enter 7756056320, followed by the pound sign.
For help, contact Gary Fredricks at garyf@wsu.edu or 360-577-3014, ext. 3.
Workshops are sponsored by Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners.
Controlling moles at 6 p.m. on Sept. 8
Many property owners know the frustration of having the vision of a beautiful lawn ruined by moles. WSU Master Gardener Bryan Iverson will talk about which techniques are the most effective to get rid of moles by focusing on what works and what products fail to get results.
Planting in shady areas at noon on Sept. 14
Trees are a valuable part of any property, but can create problems for the plants that live under them. WSU Master Gardener Roxanne Nakamura will discuss the challenges for plants under trees. She’ll discuss the selection of plants that prefer shade, watering care, and tips to help your plants thrive.
Extending your garden season at 6 p.m. on Sept. 15
WSU Master Gardener Art Fuller will talk about extending the growing season through the fall. Fuller will discuss extending your garden season, cover crops and winter gardening. Participants can learn how to continue raising vegetables throughout the fall.
How to compost successfully at noon on Sept. 21
WSU Master Gardener Brian Schlaefli will teach how to effectively compost food wastes and garden material. Learn the different ways to compost and the advantages of each method that can provide great benefits to your garden.
The truth and myths about spiders at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22
Do you want to know more about the spiders that live in our area? WSU Master Gardener Alice Slusher will tell you about the spiders here in the Pacific Northwest, dispel many long-held myths (including the big myth about Hobo spiders) and explain how to make your home less welcoming to them.
How to run a successful meeting at noon on Sept. 28
WSU Extension Agent Gary Fredricks will give you tips on how to run an efficient and effective meeting. Learn tips to prepare before the meeting to avoid difficulties, methods to avoid possible problems encountered during the meeting, techniques to reduce the length of the meeting, and how to avoid and manage conflict.
Putting your garden to bed at 6 p.m. on Sept. 29
Get a head start on next year’s garden. WSU Master Gardener Art Fuller will share the steps to put your garden to bed this fall. Learn successful tips to reduce work next year and ensure next year’s successful crops.
Other events:
The Master Gardener Foundation of Clark County will present “Sensitive Habitat Restoration in Clark County” at 7 p.m. on Sept. 14. The online Zoom meeting is free.
Register in advance online at wsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrdOmtzgrHNFgchhraJ6cGUl0bvcY3Co4.
Carlo Abbruzzese will provide background on the Department of Natural Resource’s statewide natural areas program. Abbruzzese will also discuss the preservation and restoration of Quercus haryana, or the Oregon white oak forest, and the Willamette Valley wet prairie in two Clark County natural areas.
The talk will describe some of the rare plant and animal species protected at the two sites, as well as the successes and failures of trying to restore the sensitive habitats.
At Washougal Oaks Natural Area, Douglas fir trees were thinned around Oregon white oak trees to prevent overtopping and eventually killing of oak trees. At Lacamas Prairie Natural Area, wet prairie is being restored using prescribed fire, control of non-native grasses, and the seeding and planting of native prairie plants.
Abruzzese is the natural areas manager for the Department of Natural Resources’ Pacific Cascades Region.
