Dr. Ellen Crocker | Forestry and Natural Resources

Dr. Ellen Crocker Episodes

From the Woods Today - Avoiding Holiday "Hitchhikers"

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we talk about two pests that might try to catch a ride with viewers during their holiday visits with family and how to avoid them. Plus, we explore the holiday tradition of mistletoe and offer tips on what to do with your Christmas tree after the holidays.

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 Bird Migration

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we dive into fall migratory birds, exploring their behavior and migration patterns. Plus, in our What's Bugging My Tree? segment, we take a closer look at oak bracket fungus and how it affects trees.

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 - Stewardship Plans

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we walk woodland owners through the process of getting a stewardship plan, what is included in a stewardship plan, and how these plans will benefit them and improve their properties. We also have our Tree of the Week and Pesky Plant segments.

From The Woods Today - Leaf Curl Symptoms

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we show some symptoms of apparent herbicide damage tied to the early spring treatments of crop fields. Plus, don't miss our Wings of Kentucky segment, where we explore the avian wonders of our region, and stick around for Pesky Plants, where we confront the invasive bush honeysuckle and its impact on our local ecosystems.

From The Woods Today - Benefits of Soil and Water

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we dive into National Water Quality Month with some tips on soil and water conservation for landowners. Plus, don’t miss our monthly ‘What’s Bugging My Tree?’ segment.

From The Woods Today - Forest Steward of the Year

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we celebrate the forest steward of the year. We also have a segment about tree of heaven.

From The Woods Today - All About Pollinators

This episode of From the Woods Today is all about pollinators! Celebrate Pollinator Week with us as we discuss the importance of pollinators and what you can do to care for them. We also have a segment about the pesky yellow poplar weevil.

From The Woods Today - Rat Snakes: Natural Pest Control

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss how leaving snakes on site can actually be a huge asset for pest control around the barn and garden. We also have our monthly What's Bugging My Tree segment.

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 - How Plants Survive Winter

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss the many different ways that plants have evolved traits or processes to withstand freezing conditions and freeze/thaw cycles. We also have a segment about the invasive pest, the spotted lanternfly.

From The Woods Today - Kentucky Maple Trees

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Laurie Thomas teaches us how to identify the different maple species found in Kentucky. We also have a segment on lichens.

From The Woods Today - Becoming a Better Naturalist

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn how to make 2024 the year you become a better naturalist and help take your nature game to the next level. We also have the next edition of our GIS and mapping series.

From The Woods Today - Invasive Species Given to Others

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore that while we seem to encounter a new invasive species every week, the US has also donated many species to other nations. Join us to learn which of our native species are causing headaches elsewhere.

From the Woods Today - Spooky Forestry Folklore

This episode of From the Woods Today is a Halloween Special! Join us as Drs. Luke Dodd and Jonathan Larson share the history behind some of the popular creepy forestry tales and mysteries.

From the Woods Today - Tree Week 2023

This episode of From the Woods Today is a Tree Week Special! Join us as we discuss checking your trees for insects, fall leaf color, and the Reforest the Bluegrass program.

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 - Forestry Curriculum

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss UK Forestry's undergraduate degree, which is Kentucky’s only professional degree program accredited by the Society of American Foresters. We also share some information about an upcoming habitat management symposium.

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 - Climate: Science, Education, & Communication

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore some sources of climate-related data and opportunities for learning more about our changing world. We also have a segment on hummingbirds, as well as our monthly Pesky Plant highlight.

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 - 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 - Reforestation in Urban Areas

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn about the benefits of urban reforestation that we're seeing in Reforest the Bluegrass sites around Lexington including benefits to wildlife, plant diversity, recreation and aesthetics, and carbon storage. We also have our monthly What's Bugging My Tree? segment.

From the Woods Today - All Things Earthy!

It's Earth Day! Join us on this episode of From the Woods Today as we dive into the origins of Earth Day and activities viewers can participate in to celebrate. We also have members of the UK Forestry Extension team to discuss key components such as water, soil, wildlife, and native plants and how they play a critical role in Earth's ecosystems.

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