From the Woods Today

Ever heard that cutting only the largest trees is good for a forest? Billy Thomas, UK Forestry & Natural Resources - Extension, calls that bluff on this April Fools Edition of From the Woods Today. Billy will break down one of forestry's most common and costly myths. Also on tap…Dr. Steve Price, UK Forestry & Natural Resources Department Chair, takes on common misperceptions about Kentucky's amphibians and reptiles — including frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, and lizards. We'll also hear from Dr. Matt Springer, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, as he dives into the clever survival strategies animals use to avoid predators, such as faking injuries with "broken wings," playing dead, mimicking venomous species, and even using themselves as bait. This April Fool's edition mixes myth‑busting with a closer look at how forests and nature really work. 4.1.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment on the website.

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we dig into what's happening beneath our feet. Chris Wiedamann from the Kentucky Division of Forestry joins us to explain how tree roots really grow and where most of a tree's root system actually is. If you've ever pictured roots as a mirror image of the branches above, you'll want to tune in—Chris clears up some of the biggest misconceptions about what's going on underground. Also on tap… Dr. Amanda Gumbert with UK Forestry & Natural Resources - Extension talks with Laura Gregory from the Kentucky Waterways Alliance about her work supporting watersheds and waterways across Kentucky. We'll also hear from Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources -Extension, who talks alittle about ash trees and emerald ash borer. 3.25.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today Each episode has the video of the segment at the website above.

March 22 is World Water Day, a global reminder of how essential clean, fresh water is to our lives, forests, wildlife, and communities.This week on From the Woods Today, we're celebrating by highlighting innovative efforts that help protect and understand this vital resource. We are celebrating the importance of fresh water by spotlighting a project where local students use real programming skills to help protect their own community's drinking water sources. Dr. Tiffany Messer, Gatton Foundation Endowed Chair and Associate Professor tells us all about this water wise project. Also on tap... Dr. Amanda Gumbert, UK Forestry & Natural Resources - Extension, joins us to talk about Water Week and the events that are occuring. Bridget Abernathy, Kentucky Division of Forestry, will also be discussing the 130th Arbor Day Ceremony at the State Capital in Frankfort on April 3. You won't want to miss this event! 3.18.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment at the website above.

Are freezing winters or hot summers enough to wipe out bugs? Join us on From the Woods Today as entomologist Dr. Jonathan Larson digs into this popular myth and shares what really happens to insects when temps soar or plunge! Also on tap... You've probably seen its early spring blooms lining roadsides, neighborhoods, and fields—but those pretty white flowers hide a much bigger story. Join Dr. Ellen Crocker, Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, as she gives us another edition of Pesky Plants. If you've seen these trees or are trying to deal with them on your own property — Ellen's guidance provides the tools you need to take action with this invasive tree. 3.11.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment at the website above.

This week, Dr. D.J. McNeil from UK Forestry and Natural Resources returns with another installment of Wings of Kentucky, where he'll introduce us to one of our most fascinating feathered friends—the woodcock. Learn what makes this bird so special and why Kentucky provides important habitat for its survival. Also on tap...Dr. Amanda Gumbert will be speaking with Nicole Clements, Watershed Coordinator for Banklick Creek Watershed, about activities they have done to restore and protect water quality in northern KY. 3.4.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment at the website above.

This week on From the Woods Today, we're welcoming Alexandra Blevins, Forest Health Specialist with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Alexandra will kick things off by explaining what invasive species are and why they are such a threat to Kentucky's forests. Also on tap...Alexandra will walk us through some of the most common invasive pests, diseases, and plants affecting our woodlands—and what you can do to help slow their spread. Whether you're a landowner, nature-lover, or just curious about forest health, this is an episode you don't want to miss! 2.25.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment at the website above.

Silvopasture is the intentional integration of forages, livestock, and trees into a managed system. While there are many benefits of silvopastures, the single most important may be enhancing animal welfare by providing shade during the summer months and shelter during the winter months. This presentation by Dr. John Fike, Virginia Tech, will provide an introduction to, and an overview of, silvopasture use in transition zone states like Kentucky that have tall fescue based grazing systems. Also on tap... The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help Kentucky woodland and pasture landowners establish silvopasture through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which typically reimburses up to 75% to 90% of eligible costs. Join us as Kentucky NRCS State Forester Jon Shultz discusses how landowners can access EQIP for their property to establish silvopasture and other conservation practices. 2.18.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. Each episode has the video of the segment at the website above.

Kentucky's forests are full of incredible wildlife—but some of the most fascinating birds are the ones hiding right on the trunks of trees! This week on From the Woods Today, Dr. D.J. McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, highlights the fascinating world of bark‑clinging birds, including our energetic nuthatches and hardworking woodpeckers. These species are vital to forest health, helping control insects, create habitat, and play a key role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Also on tap...Beyond their beauty, many of our native wildflowers have traditional meanings rooted in folklore, culture, and generations of connections to the land. Want to learn about what these blooms have symbolized throughout history? Don't miss this segment with Anna Wiker from the Kentucky Master Naturalist Program, who will explore this fascinating subject and share the traditional meanings and symbolic roles that flowers have held over time. 2.11.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Exploding trees? Is this real or AI? Dr. Jacob Muller, UK FNR - Extension, will have our first episode of Tree Tales: Rooting out the Myths. Will extreme temperatures make a tree explode? Find out on this episode. Also on tap...Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK FNR - Extension, will have another segment of Pesky Plants as she talks about lesser celandine. This invasive buttercup forms dense matts, especially in streamsides and wet areas, crowding out other plants and you don't want to see it in your forests. Also, Jacob Stewart from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shares details about a new Kentucky Vendor Conservation Database—an tool designed to connect woodland owners with qualified conservation vendors and support high‑quality conservation work across the state. 2.4.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Maple syrup has a rich history in Kentucky. Many people associate this sweet treat with New England. However, Kentucky has its own unique relationship with maple syrup. John Duvall, KY Maple Syrup Association, talks about the basics of maple syrup and some Maple Days that will be celebrated in February at producers across the state. Also on tap…Join us as Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry & Natural Resources - Extension, gives an overview of common maple diseases, what to watch for, and simple steps to keep your trees healthy. 1.21.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Did you know late winter is one of the best times to prune your trees? With leaves gone, it's easier to see the tree's structure and make clean cuts that can promote healthy growth in spring. Proper maintenance means stronger, healthier trees later. Chris Wiedamann, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator with the Kentucky Division of Forestry offers us expert tips on pruning techniques and tree care essentials. Also on tap...What's good about dead trees in our forests? Trees are an essential part of Kentucky's forests throughout their whole life. How do dead and dying trees benefit the forest? Join Frannie Preston, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, to learn about the ecosystem benefits that trees provide at the end of their life cycle. For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Forests are home to countless species, and the way we manage them matters. Proper forestry practices can help ensure wildlife thrives. Join Dr. Matt Springer from UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension as he shares practical ways you can support birds, mammals, and pollinators through responsible forest management. Also on tap...Wintercreeper may look like a beautiful groundcover, but it's an invasive species threatening Kentucky's forests and native plants. It forms dense mats that choke out wildflowers and prevent new trees and shrubs from growing. Join Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, as she explains why this plant is harmful and what you can do to stop its spread. For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Kentucky is home to numerous native conifers. Join us to learn about these native cone-bearing trees as Laurie Thomas, UK Forestry and Natural Resources-Extension, discusses conifer identification. Also on tap...It's not too late to decorate! Join Kentucky Master Naturalist Outreach Coordinator Anna Wiker to learn how you can get out in the woods and get material and inspiration for a sustainable and easy-to-make holiday wreath. 12.17.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we're joined by Dr. Jonathan Larson from UK Entomology to explore the bugs that often hitch a ride into your home during the holiday season. Also on tap...Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension will share insights on Pesky Plants, focusing on the invasive round-leafed bittersweet. 12.10.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

This week on From The Woods Today, we are joined by Dr. DJ McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, as he gives us another edition of Wings of Kentucky, but this time with a Christmas theme! Also on tap...Dr. Amanda Gumbert from UK Forestry and Natural Resources and Andrea Drayer, Kentucky River Basin Coordinator, will join us to discuss watersheds. Andrea oversees the coordination of multiple watershed projects within the Kentucky River Basin. Her primary goal is to protect and enhance the basin's water quantity and quality by developing and implementing site-specific management plans that reflect local stakeholder priorities, available resources, and community needs. 12.3.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

This week on From The Woods Today, we are joined by Dr. DJ McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, as he gives us another edition of Wings of Kentucky, but this time with a Thanksgiving flair! Also on tap...we learn how to forage for decorations for your holiday table. Need an excuse to get out in nature during this busy holiday season? Join Anna Wiker from the Kentucky Master Naturalist Program for some ideas on how to give your Thanksgiving table a Kentucky woodland theme with easy foraged décor. Learn more by tuning into FromTheWoodsToday.com. 11.19.25

On Wednesday's From The Woods Today, we are joined by Kaela Walton-Sather who is the Working Lands Division Manager at the Cumberland River Compact. In her role, she oversees the mine land reforestation program, the River Friendly Farms program, and conservation initiatives with farmers. She will discuss projects to optimize reforestation techniques and reclamation of mining. Also on tap...Ever noticed a smooth grey patch on the bark of an oak branch (or downed log)? The grey or black patch is actually the fruiting body of a fungus and typically a sign of tree stress. In this edition of What's Bugging my Tree, Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources-Extension, will disuss hypoxylon canker. Learn more by tuning into FromTheWoodsToday.com 11.12.25