Laurie Thomas | Forestry and Natural Resources

Laurie Thomas Episodes

From the Woods Today - Sustainable Oak Management Practices

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss what you can do to aid in sustaining healthy upland oak forests, as well as some oak management practices that have been developed by forest researchers and forestry experts to both regenerate and maintain oaks. Dr. Carrie Pike joins us to talk about the new seed collection zones for the eastern US. We also have our ever popular Tree of the Week segment.

From The Woods Today - Tree Selection and Planting

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we're talking trees! Dr. Ellen Crocker teaches us how to select the perfect tree for your landscape and then how to successfully plant it. We also have our popular Tree of the Week segment.

From The Woods Today - 100th Episode Special

It's our 100th episode! Celebrate with us as we discuss earth day, scouting for invasive plants, reforestation and birds, and tree identification. We also announce some of our giveaway winners at the end of the show.

From The Woods Today - Kentucky Wildflowers

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Eric Comley is back to show us some beautiful native wildflowers that arise in the spring. We also have our tree of the week, as well as some information about an upcoming predator workshop and a vulture research update. Don't miss our special announcement at the end of the show!

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 - Spring Bug Emergence

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Larson is back to talk about how different beneficial and pest insects are able to overwinter and survive the cold temperatures and snow that gets thrown at them. We also have our Tree of the Week Segment, as well as another edition of What's That Fungus? We also discuss the new White Oak Conservation Plan.

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 - Reclaimed Mined Land

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss how the Green Forests Work organization is working to re-establish healthy and productive forests on formerly mined lands in Appalachia. We also have our tree of the week segment, as well as a bounty out on some invasive plants!

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.

From The Woods Today - Pawpaws

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn all about pawpaws including how to take care of the trees, management of wild patches, cultivar recommendations, propagation, harvest and storage techniques, and uses for its fruit. We also have our Tree of the Week segment and information about some upcoming programs.

From The Woods Today - Adopt A Tree

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss how adopting a Kentucky tree is a simple way to recognize a favorite tree and the ecosystem benefits it provides to your home, school or community. We also have our Tree of the Week, as well as a our monthly Pesky Plants segment.

From The Woods Today - Mass Timber Overview

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Chad Niman gives an overview of mass timber building. He also discusses ongoing research efforts to integrate the use of underutilized hardwoods into the building codes for these mass timber components and the benefits for sustainable forest management. We also have our beloved tree of the week segment, as well as a discussion about storm damage and some resources to help you take action.

From The Woods Today - Christmas Traditions

This episode of From the Woods Today is a holiday special! Join us as we talk about the tradition of Christmas trees. We have a festive tree of the week, as well as segments on mistletoe and the annual Christmas Bird Count event.

From The Woods Today - Wildlife Friendly Trees

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss some trees that are beneficial to wildlife. We have a segment on Christmas trees, as well as another edition of What's Bugging My Tree.

From The Woods Today - THANKFUL

This week's episode of From the Woods Today is a Thanksgiving special! We reflect on and celebrate how trees, woodlands, woodland owners, and those who support them enrich our lives and world. We have our tree of the week and a festive mushroom highlight, as well as some information and fun facts about turkeys.

From The Woods Today - What are Invasive Plants?

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Ellen Crocker gives an overview of invasive plants; what they are, what they can look like, and why they are a problem. We also have our tree of the week and monthly mushroom highlight, as well as a look into some research on stave drying.

From The Woods Today - 5 W's of Woodland Management

In this episode of From the Woods Today, co-host Billy Thomas shares the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of woodland management in Kentucky. We also have a segment on Project Feeder Watch - an interactive survey of birds that visit your backyard, as well as an exciting segment of What's Bugging My Tree featuring fungi.

From The Woods Today - Creepy Things In The Forest

This episode of From the Woods Today is a Halloween special. This show features some things from the forest that we commonly view as spooky, such as bats, spiders, and other creepy crawlers. We also have our tree of the week segment as well as an update on our upcoming programs.

From The Woods Today - Urban & Community Forestry

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn about the many benefits of our urban forests and projects taking place throughout Kentucky’s communities. We also have a segment on proper tree planting techniques, as well as some information on National Forest Products Week occurring this October 17 - 23.

From The Woods Today - What is Forest Health?

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Ellen Crocker teaches us the basics of forest health. We also have our popular tree of the week segment, as well as some information about Tree Week happening this October 9-16.

From The Woods Today - InTreegued Part 3

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we have the third installment of Dr. Muller's InTreegued series. We get to hear from Bill Knott, a chief forester with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. We also have a special segment on Autumn Leaves, as well as an update on the unexplained bird illness that popped up around parts of Kentucky earlier this year.

From The Woods Today - Monarch Tagging

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn about the monarch’s life history, how we study its migratory journey, and how you can get involved with protecting this amazing butterfly. We also have our reoccurring tree of the week segment as well as our monthly mushroom highlight.

From The Woods Today - Kentucky Wood Expo

This week's episode of From the Woods Today is a Kentucky Wood Expo Special! Learn about this biennial event where more than 100 exhibitors will display everything from commercial and portable sawmill machinery to materials handling equipment, attracting key representatives from the nation’s largest wood products manufacturers.

From The Woods Today - Small Scale & Horse Logging

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss the differences between small scale logging with machinery and horse logging. We have our highly anticipated tree of the week segment, as well as some information about some upcoming events at the Kentucky Wood Expo (September 17-18, 2021).

From The Woods Today - Woodland Management Practices

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Jacob Muller shares common woodland management practices in Kentucky and how to manage your woodlands for a variety of objectives and resources. We have a presentation on the Kentucky Maple Syrup Project, as well as our tree of the week and our monthly pesky plant.

From The Woods Today - Vultures

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Matt Springer gives us an update on the vulture research project here at the University of Kentucky. We have our tree of the week, as well as a segment about tree seedlings at the Kentucky Division of Forestry nurseries.

From The Woods Today - The White Oak Initiative

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss the White Oak Initiative and the importance of the white oak tree. We also have a video from the former Kentucky State Nature Preserves branch manager about the Ecoregions of Kentucky.

From The Woods Today - Water Quality Plan Update

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Gumbert returns to show us the redesigned web-based tool for developing KY Ag Water Quality Plans. It's time for our monthly mushroom highlight and "What's Bugging My Tree?" segments, as well as our tree of the week.

From The Woods Today - Hummingbirds

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we have an exciting show about attracting hummingbirds and the hummingbird festival hosted at the Woodlands Nature Station. We share some details about the Kentucky Master Naturalist Program and some of their upcoming programs. We also discuss how to get involved in our acorn collecting program.

From The Woods Today - Woodland Bug Friends

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Larson, UK Entomology, shares some friendly bugs you might want to keep around your woodlands as they provide many benefits. We have our tree of the week segment, as well as our Pesky Plant of the month - which is the host for a new invasive bug that has just been found in Kentucky.

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