Laurie Thomas | Forestry and Natural Resources

Laurie Thomas Episodes

From the Woods Today - Native Kentucky Plants

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Garrard County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development Eric Comley takes us on a virtual walk through some of our common wildflowers and the hotspots to get out in the woods and see something spectacular. As spring drifts into summer, our landscape will continue to change.

Also on tap...Extension Forester Laurie Thomas discusses the characteristics of roughleaf dogwood, which is a small, flowering deciduous tree in the dogwood family. It can be used as an ornamental and is an important wildlife tree. ForestryWorks Program Coordinator also discusses a multi-state program that promotes forestry by providing forest industry-focused resources for Kentucky students, educators, and job seekers

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 - 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 - 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 - Identifying Kentucky's Trees

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we celebrate Tree Week by learning how to identify Kentucky's trees using basic leaf and tree characteristics. We also have a segment about National Forest Products Week, happening October 20-26, 2024.

From The Woods Today - Overview of Oaks

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we delve into Kentucky's majestic oaks and learn the secrets of these grand trees and their vital role in our ecosystem

From the Woods Today - Amphibian Week

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we celebrate Amphibian Week by highlighting some of the species found in Kentucky, their natural history, and management activities that can benefit our amphibian populations. We also have another installment of our Tree of the Week series

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 - World Wildlife Day

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we celebrate World Wildlife Day by highlighting the wildlife diversity in Kentucky. We also have a segment about invasive plant awareness.

From The Woods Today - Winter Tree Identification

In this episode of From the Woods Today, viewers will learn how to recognize a few basic tree characteristics to make identifying trees in winter less tricky. We also discuss some bird feeding basics.

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 - Growing Christmas Trees

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn how to successfully take a Christmas tree seedling and grow it into the trees of beauty that adorn so many Kentucky homes for the holidays. We also have our popular Tree of the Week segment.

From The Woods Today - Extreme Weather

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we talk about several natural disasters that have impacted the Midwest Region over the past several decades, showing what woodland owners could encounter in the future and how to prepare accordingly. In addition, we have our Tree of the Week segment.

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 - 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 - Big Beetles of Kentucky

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Jonathan Larson gives an overview of different types of beetles found in Kentucky. We also have our tree of the week segment, as well as a celebration for National Honey Bee Day.

From the Woods Today - Carbon Markets

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Jacob Muller gives an update on carbon market opportunities in Kentucky. We also have our tree of the week segment, as well as some information about upcoming prescribed fire events.

From the Woods Today - Types of Pollinators

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we celebrate pollinator week by discussing the various types of pollinators and how they benefit our world. We also have our Tree of the Week, as well as a segment about ticks and how to prevent them.

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 - Spring Bird ID

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss a few of the earliest spring migratory birds that have returned to Kentucky after their winter vacations. We also have a Tree of the Week segment, as well as information about an upcoming workshop series for Kentucky landowners.

From the Woods Today - World Wood Day

March 21, 2023 is World Wood Day! Join us in this episode of From the Woods Today as we take you through the history of wood used by Kentucky's ancient native peoples, how innovation is redefining modern-day wood use, and the impact this material has on our daily lives. We also have our Tree of the Week segment.

From the Woods Today - What is a Tree?

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore what makes a tree a tree and not another type of plant. We also learn the basics of tree identification.

From the Woods Today - What is a Bird?

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. DJ McNeil discusses the origins of birds and bird diversity. We also have our Tree of the Week segment, as well as another edition of What's That Fungus?.

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 - What is a Private Lands Biologist?

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we go over the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Private Lands Program and the technical guidance they provide landowners. Learn how to get in touch with your biologist, what to expect during and after the visit, and possible funding sources to help you along the way. We also have our Tree of the Week segment.

From the Woods Today - Mushroom Cultivation

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we kick the new year off with a segment about how to grow and cultivate your own mushrooms. We also share some fun activities to participate in on National Bird Day, as well as discuss what to do with your old Christmas tree.

From the Woods Today - Common Wildlife Issues in Kentucky

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss some common wildlife issues that you might be seeing on your property and some resources to help. We also have the return of our beloved Tree of the Week segment, as well as a video showcasing this year's Outstanding Forest Steward Award recipient.

From the Woods Today - Primary Growth of Trees

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn how trees grow, both underground and above. We also have a segment on fall leaf color.

From the Woods Today - How Insects Find Food

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Jonathan Larson joins us to talk about what insects can smell with their antennae and how they use that to find the things they want to eat. We also have a discussion about what Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is, how it spreads, and where it's found, as well as our Tree of the Week segment.

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