Learn about ‘Firewise Landscaping’ at Green Thumb event
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Join guest presenter Blake Mann for the Green Thumb Education Series presentation “Firewise Landscaping” to find out how you can help safeguard your home from wildfires with appropriate landscaping techniques, on Thursday, Feb. 23.
The presentation is set for noon-1 p.m. in the county commissioners’ room at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles. Or, join the meeting on Zoom at tinyurl.com/SEQfirewise (meeting ID 936 2989 8830, passcode 676224), or by phone at 253-215-8782.
Mann is Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildland Fire and Forest Health Specialist. He’ll answer such questions as: How close should tree limbs be to your roof? Which plants and shrubs are risky to plant near your house? How do “fire breaks” work? What is a “home ignition zone”?
He will also discuss ways homeowners can help prevent fires around their homes, and go into detail about what he looks for when he “triages and preps” houses during a fire.
“Pre-prepping your home with gardening and sprinkler systems saves us a lot of time and can save your house from wildfire,” Mann said. “This also includes the plants and landscaping you choose to have on the property.”
Blake started with the fire service right after graduating Port Angeles High School in 2016 when he joined the Port Ludlow Fire and Rescue team as a resident fire fighter and became certified as an emergency medical technician.
In addition, he served with Brinnon Fire and Rescue, and has worked for a local arborist service as ground support.
Blake works for the Olympic Region DNR, serving as an Engine Leader and Fire Prevention Specialist.
Sponsored by the Washington State University Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumb Education Series is held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month through October (in November, December and January, one lecture is offered).
Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit extension.wsu.edu/clallam/master-gardener-calendar for the latest information on upcoming presentations.
For more information, call 360-565-2679.
