Forest Health | Forestry and Natural Resources

Forest Health Episodes

From the Woods Today - Conifers of KY

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore Kentucky's native conifers, providing helpful tips for identification. Plus, in our Pesky Plants segment, we discuss another invasive species taking root in the region and offer some native plant alternatives that can thrive in your garden.

From The Woods Today - Fall Wildflowers

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we highlight some of Kentucky’s stunning fall wildflowers. We also discuss bacterial leaf scorch, its impact, and management tips.

From The Woods Today - Keeping Your Forest in the Family

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we delve into the importance of preserving your land for future generations and how to effectively share your vision and values with your family. We also have a segment about mushrooms and our monthly What's Bugging My Tree.

From The Woods Today - How Changes to Climate Affect Our Forests

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we examine how changes to climate are impacting our forests. We also delve into strategies for controlling invasive species, specifically bush honeysuckle.

From the Woods Today - Cicadas: Rare Dual

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Jonathan Larson joins us to discuss what periodical cicadas are, why they are such an amazing part of nature, and where you can find them in Kentucky in 2024 and 2025. We also have our monthly What's Bugging My Tree segment.

From the Woods Today - Defining "Birds"

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we delve into the essence of birds, discussing their defining characteristics and the evolutionary path that brought about these feathered, beaked creatures. Additionally, we shine a spotlight on Forest Stewardship Week.

From the Woods Today- White Oak in Your Forest

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss some important yet basic things you should know about the present and potential future condition of white oak in your forest.

From the Woods Today - Improving Forest Habitat

This episode of From the Woods Today highlights a collaborative partnership in eastern Kentucky that is working to improve forest habitat for declining wildlife, and how forest landowners can get involved. We also have our Tree of the Week segment.

From The Woods Today - Defining Invasive Plants

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn the difference between native, non-native, and invasive species and talk about why it matters what terms we use. We also go over some of the functions of our new forestry extension website.

From The Woods Today - Emerging Spring Bugs

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we have Dr. Larson on to discuss the biology of what happens to insects when they emerge in the springtime due to the warming weather.

From the Woods Today - Vernal Pools

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we talk about what a vernal pool is, why they are important, and some techniques for restoring vernal pools that look and function like natural wetlands. We also have our monthly What's Bugging My Tree segment.

From the Woods Today - Under Attack: Laurel Wilt Disease

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss laurel wilt disease, a new invasive epidemic that is killing sassafras and spicebush across Kentucky. We also have a segment on herbicides use for selective management of plants in our woodlands.

From the Woods Today - Tree Identification

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Laurie Thomas teaches us the basics of tree identification. We also have our What's Bugging My Tree segment, as well as a segment about late summer birds.

From the Woods Today - Timber Theft and Trespass

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Jeff Stringer talks about Kentucky timber theft laws and what landowners can do to protect their property. We also have a segment on how to collect soil samples as well as talk about the pesky locust leafminer.

From the Woods Today - Spotted Lanternfly

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss an invasive pest, spotted lanternfly, and how their potential arrival poses a threat to various industries of Kentucky. We also have a segment on tree of heaven, an invasive plant that is the preferred host of the spotted lanternfly.

From the Woods Today - Building Community Forestry Networks

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore the vital role of building community forestry networks and relationships in fostering resilient communities. We also have our monthly What's Bugging My Tree segment.

From the Woods Today - Reporting Invasive Species

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we talk about a newly spotted pesky plant, the chocolate vine, and what to do when you find invasive species on your property. We also have our Tree of the Week segment, as well as some information about the upcoming Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course

From the Woods Today - Wildfire Response

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss research on wildfire in Kentucky and the implications of the results in the context of climate change. We also have our Tree of the Week segment, as well as a presentation about neotropical migratory birds.

From the Woods Today - Top 10 Landowner Tree Issues

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore some of the most common tree issues landowners face when dealing with trees. We also have a segment about harvesting cedar and an upcoming related workshop.

From the Woods Today - Kentucky Forest Health Update

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Ellen Crocker gives an update on the state of Kentucky's forest health. We also have the ever-popular Tree of the Week segment, as well as a wildlife sounds segment.

From the Woods Today - KDF Tree Nurseries

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we talk about the Kentucky Division of Forestry's Tree Nurseries and how to order tree seedlings. We also have our monthly Pesky Plants segment.

From the Woods Today - Cook Wild: Squirrel

Join us this week on From the Woods Today while Martha Yount cooks live and tells us about the Cook Wild Kentucky Project. We also have a segment on Asian long-horned beetle (ALB) and how to spot and report this bad bug. We wrap up the show with a segment on lingering ash.

From the Woods Today - Birding By Ear

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn how to take our bird identification skills to the next level by learning their songs and calls. We also have our Wildlife Sounds segment, as well as a segment about locust leafminer, what it looks, and what it means for your trees

From the Woods Today - History of the American Chestnut

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn the history of the American Chestnut, how it used to be all over Kentucky's landscapes, and what you can do to help save it. We also walk you through the process of hunting for and reporting American chestnut trees you find in the wild using the Tree Snap app.

From the Woods Today - Fireflies

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Jonathan Larson returns to discuss the magic of fireflies. We also have a guest from the Kentucky Division of Forestry share what a service forester does. Our last segment of the show is about steam weeders and how to use one.

From the Woods Today - Spotted Lanternfly and Spongy Moths

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Jonathan Larson discusses two invasive species that pose distinct hazards to Kentucky woodlands and shares information about a citizen science effort to report sightings of them or their hosts to help monitor for these hungry critters. We also have our monthly Pesky Plant segment, as well as our Tree of the Week.

From the Woods Today - New Invasives Alert

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Ellen Crocker shares some invasive species to be on the lookout for. Kai Davis returns to do a birds edition of our Wildlife Sounds series. We also have a segment on woodland safety equipment, tools, and felling resources.

From The Woods Today - Reforest the Bluegrass

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we talk about the important work done by a community reforestation program called Reforest the Bluegrass. We also discuss the eastern hemlock tree and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, a pest that threatens the health and survival of the trees. Laurie Thomas also shares information about some upcoming youth programs.

From The Woods Today - Owls of the Bluegrass

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we're talking about owls. Join us to learn about the life, history, and identification of these mysterious birds, as well as tips to look for them in the wild. We also have a segment on snake identification resources, as well as another edition of our Pesky Plant series.

From The Woods Today - Invasive Species Awareness

It's North American Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW). Join us on From the Woods Today as we raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread.

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