Forestry and Natural Resources Resources
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Episode Archive
Episodes
From The Woods Today: The Incredible Realm of Insects
Dr. Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Entomology Department, is joining us once again by diving into the world of insects. With a wealth of knowledge, he will unveil the astonishing behaviors and their critical roles in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. Dr. Larson will be sure to go into more facts about insects that you won’t want to miss!
Also on tap...Laurie Thomas, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, presents us with another installment of Tree of the Week.
From The Woods Today-Forest Pollinators: What They Do for Our Environment
This week we welcome Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves Caroline Kane. Caroline is going to talk about the important role bees play in pollination and why they are so important to our environment and how you can support Kentucky native bees in your own backyard.
Also on tap...Laurie Thomas, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, presents us with another installment of Tree of the Week.
Pam Snyder, Kentucky Division of Forestry, talks about efforts that are being made to help tornado victims. Forest landowners, homeowners, and municipalities or communities impacted by the December 2021/January 2022 tornados can access technical forestry assistance and additional forestry services through the Tornado Strike Team.
From The Woods Today-KY Forest Industries Association: What It Does for Landowners
Are you seeing damage in your trees since the cicadas came to town? Something to worry about or not? Dr. Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, and Dr. Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Entomology, joins us to explain whether or not this is an issue for your forests.
Also on tap... James Wright, Executive Director of the Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA), talks about transitioning into his new position, how KFIA operates by helping the industries of Kentucky. And finally Mike Silliman, Kentucky Association of Consulting Foresters (KACF), joins us to talk about how a consulting forester can offer support to landowners by helping them make informed decisions about their woodlands.
From The Woods Today: Fireflies: How They Glow and Why?
Dr. Jonathan Larson from the University of Kentucky Entomology Department, joins us to explain how fireflies produce their mesmerizing glow.
Also on tap... Made in the Shade: How Shade Tolerance Influences Woodlands and Their Management. Shade tolerance refers to a tree’s ability to grow and thrive in various light levels. Billy Thomas explores this key concept and how we can use it to better manage woodlands.
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 - Kentucky Farmland Transformation Initiative
Aleta Botts stops by From the Woods Today to talk to us all about the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative!
The Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative was launched in spring 2024 to provide resources to farmers and landowners seeking to keep more Kentucky farmland in the hands of active farmers. The initiative highlights helpful resources and activities, pulls together individuals and organizations who care about this issue and want to find ways to help, and develop policy options to consider. We will talk about the Initiative, identify some useful next steps to keep your land in production, and talk about common questions we are asked. Find out more on the Initiative at kyfarmlandtransition.com.
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 - Cicadas
Cicadas in the news, again? It's true that a different brood is making its grand appearance in 2025 and most importantly, many of them are Kentucky cicadas! Jonathan Larson from UK Entomology will join the show to discuss the biology of periodical cicadas, where they can be found in the commonwealth, and if there are any problems you need to be concerned about. It'll be an insect music filled episode that will hopefully inspire you to try some cicada tourism this spring!
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 - Invasive Pests and How You Can Help Slow the Spread
Dr. DJ McNeil, Assistant Professor of Wildlife Management, drops in this week for another Wings of Kentucky segment!
Also on tap... Carl Harper, Kentucky's Office of the State Entomologist visits to tell us about invasive pests and how we can help slow down the spread.
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 - 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
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 - Water 101 and Timber Trespass
From the Woods Today celebrates Water Week! During Water Week, March 22-30, we shed some light on the importance of water around the state and in our daily lives. Join us as Lee Moser, Extension Associate Senior, gives us a lesson all about water! Check out our Water Week events at: https://soilandwater.ca.uky.edu/WaterWeekEvents
Also on tap... Jason Hunt, Kentucky Division of Forestry Environmental Control Supervisor, stops by to give us a tutorial on how woodland owners can prevent timber theft and trespass in Kentucky. The landowner could reduce this occurrence as much as possible by taking steps to prevent issues. He is going to talk about the laws and give landowners information on what to do when planning a harvest.
From the Woods Today - How Weather Affects Wildlife
In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. D.J. McNeil and Dr. John Cox visit the show to discuss how extreme weather fluctuations can affect our wildlife. And... Chad Niman will be speaking about mass timber products. These are created by assembling smaller wood elements, like dimension lumber, veneers, or strands, and bonding them with adhesives, dowels, nails, or screws to form larger structural components.
From the Woods Today - Wildlife Special
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn that many of Kentucky's most charismatic birds are species that perch on branches, the ground, or the water, our tree-clinging birds, like woodpeckers and nuthatches, are some of the most commonly encountered when in our woods. Also on tap...Spring is almost here, and frogs have started calling from wetlands throughout Kentucky. We will learn how to identify our winter and early spring breeding frogs through their vocalizations.
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 - Being Firewise in Your Home
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore how wildfires in Eastern KY can threaten homes and why being Firewise is crucial for protecting properties and conserving firefighting resources. Plus, we celebrate World Wetlands Day with a special segment.
From the Woods Today - Kentucky's Maple Syrup Tradition
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we dive into the rich history of maple syrup production in Kentucky. We explore how the first Kentucky Maple Day in 2020 helped introduce locals to the state's growing maple syrup industry and how it has become an annual tradition.
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 - Christmas Trees
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore the environmental impact of your Christmas tree choice, offering tips on how to make your holidays more sustainable. Plus, we share last-minute gift ideas for the forest enthusiasts in your life.
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 - 12 Days of Christmas Birds
In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. DJ McNeil uncovers the hidden bird-related meaning behind one of the most beloved Christmas songs. Plus, we take a moment to celebrate World Soil Day.
From the Woods Today - Thanksgiving Birds
In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore the birds that grace our tables and discover the fascinating relatives they share. We also give thanks to Kentucky woodlands, their owners, and those who support them.
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.
- Dean — Laura Stephenson, Ph.D.
- S123 Ag. Science Center North
- Lexington, KY 40546-0091
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