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Event
Small Acreage Expo 2015
The 10th Annual Small Acreage Expo is a fun, valuable, and informative event which offers participants a choice of different classes (see choices below, coming soon) on topics small acreage residents want to know about. Learn about important topics that will help you manage your land, get to know local resources, meet other small acreage landowners and have a great time at the 78th Street Heritage Farm!
An open house during the lunch hour will allow participants to meet and learn more about local agencies that serve the public as well as ask questions to local vendors participating in the event.
Pre-registration is $15 and runs until Friday, April 10. Late registration price is $25 and can be paid on arrival. Sandwich lunch boxes will be included in with admission.
The Small Acreage Expo is co-sponsored by the WSU Clark County Extension and Clark County Environmental Services Clean Water Program.
View session topics below, on the program or at our Facebook page www.facebook.com/smallacreageprogram
Session A (9am-10:15am):
A1 - Solar Energy for Small Farms
Bart Hansen, Clark PUD
Ever thought about adding renewable energy on your property? This session will cover important considerations, planning strategies and options for solar projects. Renewable energy specialists from Clark PUD and Sunbridge Solar will also discuss tax credits, grants and other incentives.
A2 - Get the Lowdown on Lime
Gordon French, LJC Feeds
Want to green your pastures? Gordon will discuss timing, rates, and application methods for lime and fertilizers for pastures in our area. Then join him for a demonstration (weather permitting) of proper lime application!
Septic Inspection Certification
A3 - Improving Pastures, Increasing Forage
Gary Fredricks, WSU Cowlitz County Extension
Want to improve pasture quality and increase forage yeilds? This session will discuss best practices to keep your pastures productive for the long run while maximizing forage through managed grazing.
A4 - Are Weeds Ruling Your Paradise?
Ron Hendrickson, Clark County Vegetation Management
Learn to identify and control plants that don't belong in your pastures and may harm your animals. Ron will discuss how to win the fight against noxious, invasive, and poisonous plants. Then practice spotting weeds on a pasture walk at the Heritage Farm.
Session B (10:30am-11:45am):
B1 - Rain Garden Design for Homeowners
Denise Smee, Clark Conservation District
Rain gardens are one of the hottest landscaping trends this year! They're a beautiful addition to a home landscape, offer a sustainable solution for managing stormwater, provide pollinator habitat and feature native plants. Learn about site considerations, design principles, and the best plants to use.
B2 - Septic Inspection Certification
Brigette Bashaw, Clark County Public Health
Learn how to correctly inspect your home septic system to keep your investment working properly. At the conclusion of this presentation, take the Public Health Operations & Management test to become certified to do your own septic inspections (gravity fed only).
B3 - Improving Equine Health
Anne Marie Ray, Ridgefield Equine Clinic
Are you treating your horses' symptoms that stem from management issues you can solve? Dr. Ray will discuss practices you can implement on your property and routine procedures to improve your animals health. Plus get questions answered in a Q&A session.
B4 - Hot Topic: Electric Fencing
Gordon French, LJC Feeds
Electric fence can be an affordable and easy way to implement rotational grazing and protect sensitive areas. This hands-on demonstration will answer questions about proper set-up and configuration in addtion to showing various electric fence options.
Session C (12:45pm-2:00pm):
C1 - Soil Testing and Plant Nutrition in Vegetable Gardens
Martha Minnich, Master Gardener
When, why and how to use a soil test to determine the nutrients of your vegetable garden? Learn what testing for nutrients does and does not provide. Plant nutrient needs, how to sample and interpret soil test results, and guidelines for adding the right amount of fertilizers and organic soil amendments will be covered.
C2 - Rainwater Harvesting for Small Farms
Clair Klock, Clackamas SWCD
With all the rain we get, why not put some of it to good use? Learn about siting considerations, system components, and how to use rainwater on the farm. Participants will even help to develop a plan for a basic rainwater harvesting irrigation system on the farm!
C3 - Less Mud, Better Pastures
Doug Fenwick, Clark Conservation District
Are your animals creating a muddy mess and tearing up their green pastures? A properly installed heavy use area is one solution. Learn how to locate, design and install a heavy use area on your property so you can keep your animals healthy and your pastures producing.
C4 - Hoof Trimming & Disbudding Goats
Amy Blankenship, Clark County Goat Assn.
Hoof trimming and disbudding can be intimidating for new goat owners. Build confidence and learn how to do it properly from experienced members of the Clark County Goat Association in this hands-on demonstration.
Session D (2:15pm-3:30):
D1 - Sustainable Parasite Control for Sheep & Goats
Susan Kerr, WSU Cowlitz County Extension
This session will focus on non-chemical internal parasite control in sheep and goats. Learn about parasite life cycles, signs of parasitism, decision-making tools, pasture management, animal selection and the dangers of selecting for resistant parasites through the inappropriate use of chemical dewormers.
D2 - Year Round Food Preservation
WSU Master Food Preservers
Ever wonder what to do with your surplus harvest or all that meat you raised? Learn about the many ways to preserve foods through out the year in this introductory class. Participants will learn techniques for water baths, freezing, drying, and canning that will make your food dollars stretch and let you enjoy your bounty safely.
D3 - Grow More Food: Season Extension 101
David Knaus, Fresh Earth Gardens
Plant earlier and grow for longer! This session will discuss a variety of season extension practices that will allow you to increase production on your small farm or garden. David will cover season extension techniques for a range of sites, sizes and budgets.
D4 - Tractor Safety
Blair Wolfley - 78th St. Heritage Farm Manager
Ever found yourself in a pickle with your tractor? Mistakes with tractors can be costly to you, your equipment and your land. Learn about safety practices that can help you avoid costly mistakes so you can get your work done efficiently and tell about it over dinner.
WSU Extension events are open to all without discrimination. If you require additional assistance, please contact us at least 10 days prior to the event.
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Location78th Street Heritage Farm (View)
1919 NE 78th Street
Vancouver, WA 98665
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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