From the Woods Today

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...

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...

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...

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 man...

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 topi...

Aleta Botts stops by the show 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 ca...

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. FTWT 5.14.25 To view more episodes visit From the Woods Today at h...

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 From the Woods Today 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...

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!   Dr. Ellen Crocker will also present another informative segment about forest health and why it is so important! Also Billy Thomas, Extension Forester, gives us the details to this years Kentucky Woodland Ow...

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 fore...

Invasive species can harm our crops and trees. Left unchecked, they can devastate entire agricultural industries, threaten our food supply, and cost us billions. Guest speaker Carl Harper, Kentucky's Office of the State Entomologist has been with the University of Kentucky for 28 years working to help slow the spread of invasives and would ideally like to eradicate them, but that doesn't always ha...

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 rou...

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Dave Coyle, Associate Professor and State Extension Specialist at Clemson University, discusses 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...

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 Environmen...

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. Chad Niman also speaks about mass timber products. These are created by assembling more minor wood elements, like dimension lumber, veneers, or strands, and bonding them with adhesives, dowels, nails, or screws to form larger structural comp...

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...

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! 2.12.25 Watch Video...

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. 2.5.25.  Watch Video From the Woods Today    

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. 1.29.25. Watch Video From the Woods Today

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. 1.22.25. Watch Video From the Woods Today

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. 1.15.25....

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. 1.8.25. Watch Video From the Woods Today

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. 12.18.24. Watch Video From the Woods Today

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. 12.4.24. Watch Video From the Woods Today