It’s that time of year when many harvest a tree for seasonal décor. Master Gardeners will host on a walk through the local winter wonderland on Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to noon, at Lake Sylvia State Park for the final First Saturday event of the year.

Though people may have traded finding a tree in the woods for conservation or convenience, it is still nice to have knowledge about identifying native woody plants in winter. Along with conifers, participants will learn to identify deciduous shrubs and trees, focusing on easy-to-recognize features of branches, bark and other non-foliage characteristics.

The Master Gardener presenters are seasoned woodsmen who have spent their careers in the Washington forests and have knowledge far beyond the identification of plants. Two 2016 Master Gardener graduates, Don Barton and John Kugen, will share their extensive knowledge.

Workshop participants need a Discover Pass to park at Lake Sylvia or can carpool with someone who has one. Master Gardeners are coordinating with Friends of Schafer & Lake Sylvia (FOSLS) and Lake Sylvia State Park to put on the workshop.

The group will meet at the kitchen on the swimming area side of Lake Sylvia (across the bridge). After learning key information about winter-plant identification, participants will take a short walk on a flat, sometimes muddy trail (about a half mile each way). The workshop will identify trees and shrubs most likely to be seen in Washington forests, then return to the park kitchen for a hot beverage and treats.

No preregistration is required.Participants need to come dressed for whatever weather is predicted.

This is a free event and will be the last of 1st Saturday workshops for 2016. We will resume with 1st Saturday workshops in March 2017.

For more information contact Cindy Burton via email, cindyaburton@comcast.net.