PORT ANGELES — WSU Master Gardener John Norgord will share tips on finding, identifying and cultivating wild berries on Thursday, Aug. 11.

The free presentation will be at noon in the county commissioners’ meeting room at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St.

Brown bag series

This presentation is part of the “Green Thumb Garden Tips” brown bag series sponsored by the WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners.

He will discuss what berries are native to the Olympic Peninsula, their characteristics and growing conditions, and their culinary uses. He will also explain how native berries can be cultivated in home gardens and edible landscapes. He will distinguish between edible and non-edible berries.

Eight varieties

A Master Gardener since 2008, Norgord grows eight varieties of native and domestic berry plants in his home garden, including a 40-year old copse of trailing blackberries.

He has given various presentations for the Master Gardener brown bag series and Soroptimist Garden Gala, and initiated an annual plant identification walk for new Master Gardener interns.

Norgord currently serves as president of the Master Gardener Foundation of Clallam County Board of Directors, co-chairs the Youth Enrichment Program and volunteers with the Boys &Girls Club Garden Club. He recently was awarded a Clallam County Master Gardener Golden Trowel Award.

For more information about the brown bag series or Master Gardeners, call 360-417-2279.