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Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is a reminder of the importance of caring for Kentucky’s forests and the benefits they provide. It’s also a good time to revisit forest health challenges, including the impact of the emerald ash borer. In this edition of From the Woods Today Katherine Bullock, UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension helps us learn the history behind Earth Day and why we celebrate it each year. Also on tap...Dr Ellen Crocker, UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, talks about the invasive insect emerald ash borer (EAB). In 2009, EAB was discovered in Shelby County, KY and it has killed millions of ash trees across the state ever since.
Owning woodland comes with both opportunities and challenges. In this episode, Dr. Ellen Crocker and Billy Thomas with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension discuss the key issues woodland owners face and how to navigate them successfully. Learn how to address them and who can assist you on your woodland stewardship journey to make your property healthier and more productive. Also on tap: What do you think about From the Woods Today? We invite you to share your feedback by participating in a short survey that is part of a research study. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes to complete. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. No compensation is provided, but your input will help us better understand our audience and improve future programming. Thank you for helping us grow From the Woods Today!
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.
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!
Exploding trees???? 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? Is this real or AI? 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Today on From the Woods Today we celebrate Tree Week! Join us as Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, talks about how to properly water landscape trees. Make sure to watch as she and Kelly Jackson, Christian County Extension, give you a few tips! Also on tap...Laurie Thomas, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, explains some webinars that are taking place during Tree Week. She will also present a new Tree of the Week, sassafras.
Join us as Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, talks about several of the most hunted fall mushrooms. Also on tap...Dr. Amanda Gumbert, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, talks about various aspects of watersheds, which is an area of land that drains water to a single water body.
Join us as Dr. Hannah Tiffin, UK Entomology, shares expert tips on controlling and managing ticks in the woods. Discover effective strategies to keep these pesky insects at bay, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience. Also on tap...join Dr. Ellen Crocker, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, as she tells us all about fall webworms. Fall webworms are native moths most easily recognized in their larval stage when caterpillars form silken webs in the foliage of trees.
On this week's From The Woods Today, we will have Lindsey New, County Executive Director for Pulaski/McCreary Co. Farm Service Agency. Her presentation will cover general details of the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) which helps private forests owners restore forest health caused by natural disasters. The USDA Farm Service Agency is conducting an EFRP sign-up through August 29 for damage caused by the May 16 tornado in Pulaski and Laurel counties. Also on tap...Dr. Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, will join us for another edition of What's Bugging My Tree with bacterial leaf scorch.
This week, the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) will explore ways to assist landowners in maintaining forest health. Special guest Alexandra Blevins, a forest health specialist with KDF, will share the various resources and support available to you! Also on tap...Dr. Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, will join us for another edition of Pesky Plants, Tree-of-Heaven and spotted lanternfly.
Dr. Matt Springer, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, will be our guest today to talk about how animals adapt to the unique environmental challenges in Kentucky, from braving the cold to thriving in the sweltering heat. He will also discuss how animals adapt in environmental situations such as weather and the different seasons. Also on Tap... UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension Forest Health Specialist Dr. Ellen Crocker will discuss summer galls in the next edition of What's Bugging My Tree. 7.2.25
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.