Dr. Ellen Crocker | Forestry and Natural Resources

Dr. Ellen Crocker Episodes

From the Woods Today - Monitoring for Invasive Plants

This week, Frannie Preston, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, joins us to learn about invasive plants and how to monitor them. How they change, tracking them, and more!

Later on, Dr. Ellen Crocker, also from the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, joins us for "What's Bugging My Tree" and this week the topic is Anthracnose, which is a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on leaves. It starts on the leaves and eventually gets worse over time. It is also worse in colder weather.

From the Woods Today - All About Morels

This week on From the Woods Today, we are joined by Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Pikeville, Byron Meade, for a segment all about morels! If you have ever wanted to learn how to identify these mushrooms, now is your chance, as Dr. Ellen Crocker will also be joining us to discuss the fascinating world of fungi.

From the Woods Today - What is a Forest Management Plan and Why I You Need One?

This week Dr. Lance Vickers, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, will be explaining to us exactly what a forest management plan is and why would you need one!

Also on tap... Dr. Ellen Crocker will present another informative segment about forest health and why it is so important!

From the Woods Today- Tree Planting Techniques and Methods

Come celebrate Arbor Day with us this week! Environmental Control Supervisor, Jason Hunt from the Kentucky Division of Forestry will be stopping by to talk to us about the best tree planting techniques and methods!

Also on tap... Forestry Extension's Forest Health Specialist, Dr. Ellen Crocker and KY Division of Forestry Forest Health Program Coordinator Alexandra Blevins are back for another forest health segment on how to treat your trees for emerald ash borer and hemlock wooly adelgid.

From the Woods Today - Worst Tree Ever? Managing Callery Pear

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Dave Coyle, Associate Professor and State Extension Specialist at Clemson University, discussed the question springing up in everyone's heads as of late. Is Callery pear the worst tree ever? Tune in for the answer and management tips!

And... find out What's Bugging My Tree with Dr. Ellen Crocker, Forest Health Specialist, as we talk all about sapsuckers.

From the Woods Today - What are Invasives?

This week on From the Woods Today it's all about invasives of every kind! Frannie Preston drops in to give us an overview of what exactly an invasive is and Dr. Ellen Crocker, Forest Health Specialist joins us for a segment about the top invasive plants that could be affecting our woods in Kentucky. Also on tap... a very special Wings of Kentucky with Dr. D.J. McNeil who talks about invasive birds.

From the Woods Today - Invasive Species Special

From the Woods Today - Kentucky's Mixedwood Forests

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Lance Vickers explains how our mixedwood forests are often overlooked and an important part of Kentucky’s landscape—blending hardwoods and conifers to support wildlife, timber production, and ecosystem resilience. Yet, their value remains underappreciated. It’s time to recognize and manage these forests for a more sustainable future!

From the Woods Today - Owling Ids & Tips

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn that winter is one of the best times of year to get familiar with your local owls! Learn owling tips and tricks, including common species identification, learning what to look and listen for, and best practices while out looking for owls.

From the Woods Today - Protecting Forested Watersheds

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore national and regional efforts aimed at protecting forests and source water. We review key resources that help partners implement initiatives focused on ensuring clean, high-quality drinking water across the Commonwealth. Additionally, we feature our Tree of the Week and Wings of Kentucky segments, highlighting local nature and wildlife.

From the Woods Today - Technology in Forestry

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we kick off the new year by exploring the latest technological innovations in forestry. Topics include advanced logging equipment, drones, renewable wood products, and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. We also dive into invasive plant management and discuss the various uses of firewood.

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.

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