From the Woods Today

As temperatures climb, plants can experience heat stress just like people. How do trees and plants respond when temperatures rise? Join Dr. Sybil Gotsch, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, as she discusses what increasing heat events may mean for our forests and plants.   Also on tap: Dr. Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Res...

Native plants aren't just beautiful—they're essential to healthy forests and wildlife habitats. From supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies to improving soil and water quality, native plants play a critical role in our ecosystems. Join Eric Comley, Garrard County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, as he highlights some of the native plants you're likely to find in your woods and...

In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Department of Entomology, dives into the "dance" of the dragonfly—its remarkable flight patterns, lifecycle, and the critical role it plays in controlling insect populations. We'll also look at the habitats that support dragonflies and how forest and water management practices can enhance conditions for these incredible insects.   Also o...

Do you ever wonder what animals roamed the forests in Kentucky 200 years ago? What about 20,000 years ago? Wildlife of Kentucky's past played a huge role in shaping our forests. Join Frannie Preston, with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources- Extension, to learn about these historic species and what they can tell us about forest management today.   Also on tap: L...

Spring and summer evenings in Kentucky come alive with the sounds of frogs calling from wetlands, ponds, and forest edges. These vocalizations aren't just background noise—they're an important way to identify species. Learn the different types of frog calls as Dr. Steven Price, with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, shows us how to recognize these unique soun...

What's got spots all over and totally sucks (tree sap)? It's the spotted lanternfly, one of Kentucky's newest invasive pests. Join us as Dr. Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology, teaches about the spotted lanternfly and what it means for your trees.   Also on tap: Tree-of-heaven? That's definitely a misnomer! This invasive tree is a threat in both forests and urban areas. And, as if that wasn't bad enou...

Many warbler songs are easier to remember when tied to phrases. Dr. D.J. McNeil, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, will show us how these little memory tricks can help you pick out warbler songs more easily and start recognizing them on your own with a new edition of Wings of Kentucky.   Also on tap: Rooting Out the Myths: Is Clear-cutting Always Bad for Wildlife...

Invasive species come in all forms and fashions here in the Commonwealth and we will touch on an invasive plant, an invasive insect, and an invasive pathogen currently impacting our state. Join Alexandra Blevins, Kentucky Division of Forestry's Forest Health Program Coordinator, for a discussion about invasive threats to our woodlands. Also on tap: With 44 state parks and two scenic linear trails,...

Amphibians play a vital role in Kentucky's forests and waterways. Join Dr. Steve Price, UK Forestry and Natural Resources Department Chair and Professor of Stream and Riparian Ecology, as he breaks down why these frogs, toads, and salamanders are so important to our forests and streams.   Also on tap: Join Dr. Amanda Gumbert, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension - along with John Pike and...

Ever wondered who's really behind those nighttime chirps and buzzes? In this From the Woods Today segment, Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology dives into the fascinating world of insect songs—why insects make them, how to tell them apart, and what they can teach us about our forests.   Also on tap: What do you think about From the Woods Today? We invite you to share your feedback by participating in a...

Planting a tree is only the beginning! In this From the Woods Today episode, Chris Wiedamann with the Kentucky Division of Forestry explains what comes next after a tree has been planted. Learn practical tips to help keep your young tree healthy and discover how long‑term planning and management help trees thrive, which contributes to healthier forests!   Also on tap: Are strange spots or early le...

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 Da...

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 health...

Severe weather is a fact of life in Kentucky, with tornadoes being one of the most dangerous—and misunderstood—threats we face. In this episode, Matt Dixon, senior meteorologist with the UK Ag Weather Center, breaks down the basics of tornadoes, explaining how tornadoes form, what conditions are right for their development, and what the Fujita (EF) Scale really means when we hear tornado ratings l...

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 amp...

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...

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 skill...

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. Elle...

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 Coordin...

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...

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, silvopas...

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 co...

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...

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...

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 a...