This fall, industry experts will gather at the Carnation Public Library to present the Land and Water Stewardship series, an educational series from the King Conservation District. This hands-on workshop series connects small acreage livestock owners with information on managing streams and wetlands, mud, manure, and pastures.

Throughout the four-week series, workshop participants will learn practical solutions to common challenges facing property owners with horses and livestock. All are welcome, workshops are free, and refreshments are provided.

Classes take place at the Carnation Library on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants can attend every class in the series, or just a few.

First, on Oct. 20, join a KCD native plant expert and King County livestock management expert to learn about managing livestock near water. Design a stream-side restoration plan, calculate the length and cost of exclusion fencing to keep livestock out of streams, and learn about alternative watering options. Featured speaker will be Brandy Reed, KCD Interagency Director, Implementation & Education Programs Manager.

Then, on Oct. 27, learn about mud management. Hear from a Horses for Clean Water speaker on the basics of mud management and then try hands-on demonstrations. Lean how to design a confinement area for horses and livestock, select footing material, and size gutters for your barn. Featured speakers will be Emmett Wild, KCD Resource Planner and Rick Reinlasoder, King County Livestock Program Manager.

On Nov. 3, Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water will talk about sound manure management techniques. Discover how manure can become an asset on your property through the composting process. Featured speakers will include Amy Beth Holmes, KCD Resource Planner, Rick Reinlasoder, and Blickle, the director.

Finally, on Nov. 10, learn about pasture management, Hear from a King County Noxious Weeds Program expert; learn to identify weeds on your property and the most effective techniques for management and control. Featured speakers will be Erin Ericson, KCD Resource Planner, Sasha Shaw, King County Noxious Weeds Education Specialist, and Blickle.

The King Conservation District, a non-regulatory non-enforcement organization, provides education and technical assistance to landowners on the wise use of natural resources.

All classes are open to the public. To register and receive more details, visit kingcd.eventbrite.com, call (425) 282-1949 or send email to signup@kingcd.org.