Kansas Canopy

Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools for managing Kansas landscapes, but it can also be one of the most challenging for landowners to implement on their own. That is where prescribed burn associations (PBAs) come in. In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, we will visit with Scott Lamb about the newly formed Kaw Valley Prescribed Burn Association. Scott explains what a PBA is,...

Join us as we talk with Ozark Chinquapin Foundation president and founder, Steve Bost. Steve talks about the history of this once prevalent species and what the foundation is doing to restore it in its native habitat. Learn more about the foundation: https://ozarkchinquapinmembership.org/board-of-directors/ View the photos referenced in the episode: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCVvMF

In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, we sit down with GIS Analyst Chester Hubbard to explore how mapping technology is being put to work for Kansas landowners, communities, and firefighters. From tools that help you map your own property to interactive dashboards tracking wildfire activity, Chester shares how GIS is making complex data more accessible and actionable. View the Map My Prope...

Eastern redcedar is one of the most talked-about trees in Kansas, valued by some, frustrating for others, and expanding rapidly across the landscape. But what if we could change the way this tree reproduces? In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, we talk with Kansas State University graduate student Emily Rowe about her research exploring the possibility of developing male-only eastern redc...

In this episode, we talk with the Kansas Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Friends of the Kaw, Dawn Buhler, about the past, present, and future of the Kansas River. From improving public access and organizing river cleanups to protecting riparian forests and water quality, we explore how this prairie river connects communities across the state and how every Kansan can play a role in caring for...

In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, Volunteer and Partnership Liaison Brady Wolken takes us behind the scenes of the Kansas Champion Tree Program and its dedicated volunteers. From measuring some of the largest trees in the state to learning how to identify species and document their stories, these citizen scientists help preserve Kansas’s living landmarks. We explore why champion trees...

Improving wildlife habitat, timber harvest, and recreationare among the top reasons landowners are calling north central rural district forester Thad Rhodes. In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, Thad guides us through the what, how, and why of timber stand improvement projects, sharinghis perspective on how forestry objectives have evolved over the last 20 years. Learn more about Timber S...

In this episode, we are joined by Christopher Hanson , Workforce Development Specialist at the Kansas Forest Service. Christopher breaks down the wildland fire career path—from getting RED CARD qualified to pursuing advanced roles—while sharing what makes Kansas wildfire unique. He also highlights training opportunities offered by KFS, the importance of fitness and mental resilience, and how mento...

Forests aren’t just for trees—they’re vital habitats for bats, too. In this episode, Rural and Community Forester Chelsea Hanson joins us to explore how thoughtful forest management can support healthy bat populations across Kansas. From protecting roost trees and managing riparian buffers to using prescribed fire and timber harvests wisely, Chelsea explains how forestry practices can create bette...

Emerald ash borer (EAB) has forever changed the future of ash trees in North America — and Kansas is no exception. In this episode, Forest Health Coordinator Shad Hunfnagel of the Kansas Forest Service explains how this invasive insect arrived in the U.S., its devastating impacts on communities and ecosystems, and what options landowners still have to protect or manage their ash trees. We’ll explo...

Smokey Bear may be the face of fire prevention, but protecting Kansas from wildfires takes all of us. In this episode, Fire Prevention Specialist Shawna Hartman of the Kansas Forest Service shares Smokey’s surprising backstory, the five timeless fire safety rules, and how communities can prepare for and reduce wildfire risks. From understanding the “home ignition zone” to joining Firewise USA, Sha...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Drew Ricketts, Wildlife Extension Specialist at Kansas State University, to explore why even the best intentions can lead to harmful outcomes when it comes to wild animals. From “rescuing” fawns to preventing snake bites, Dr. Ricketts walks us through common human-wildlife encounters and explains how species are biologically adapted to thrive without our help....

The Kansas Forest Service is facing unprecedented challenges due to proposed federal budget cuts. This episode explores what’s at stake—not just for the agency, but for landowners, communities, and ecosystems across the state. From wildfire response to community tree planting, invasive pest control to water quality improvements, State, Private, and Tribal Forestry funding touches nearly every corn...

In this episode, we are joined by K-State Mesonet meteorologist Chip Redmond to explore some of the most enduring weather-related wives' tales. From moon halos and woolly bear caterpillars to smoke patterns, animal fur, and even persimmon seeds, Chip breaks down which bits of weather lore hold up under science—and which are just poetic myths. Tune in to learn how to separate weather wisdom fro...

In this episode, Dr. Cassandra Olds, veterinary entomologist at Kansas State University, shares insights from her publication Ticks in Kansas and explains why ticks are a growing concern in the state. Learn how to identify common ticks, prevent bites, and recognize early signs of tick-borne illness—especially important for those who work or spend time outdoors. Dr. Olds also offers practical tips...

Join Kansas landowner Austin Floersch as we discuss his successes in cultivating a vibrant wildlife habitat in his northeast Kansas woodlands. Austin shares management successes, resources he has utilized, and hopes for the future of his property. Fuels Specialist Luke Berning also joins us in sharing how Austin's property can be an example of Kansas landowners working to maximize the use and...

In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast , guestRyan Armbrust, the Rural Forestry Program Coordinator, takes us on a captivating journey through Kansas’ surprising and often overlooked history of trees. From the fossilized hackberry leaves that date back millions of years to the stories of early settlers navigating the state's changing landscapes, Ryan uncovers the deep-rooted connection b...

Join KU Field Station Manager Sheena Parsons, Northeast Rural District Forester EJ Jamison, and Northeast District Fire Management Officer Bryce Haverkamp to discuss the 2023 prescribed burn of Rice Woodlands, a tract of the Baldwin Woods Forest Preserve. The majority of the Rice Woodland is relatively undisturbed eastern deciduous forest. Thirty-one species of trees and 21 species of shrubs and v...

In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, we explore the Blue Rapids Hazardous Tree Mitigation and Forest Renewal Project, a standout example of effective community forestry. Blue Rapids successfully removed 39 hazardous trees and replanted an equal number, strategically placing them throughout parks, right-of-ways, the city arboretum, and the town center. Join us as we sit down with Derek DeB...

Join Kansas landowner Phil Eastep as we discuss his more than 30 years of experience creating wildlife habitat and cultivating timber on his property. In this landowner highlight, Phil shares management successes, lessons he has learned along the way, and his hopes for future stewardship of his property. Kansas Forestry Association: https://www.ksforestryassociation.org/ Kansas Forest Service: htt...

Jason Deal with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks along with Utilization and Marketing Forester Dave Bruton sat down to discuss timber theft issues in Kansas. Timber theft affects private land owners and public land managers. Dave and Jason discuss how individuals can best protect their trees as well as how these thefts impact our timber industry. Learn more about reputable timber sales: htt...

In this episode, Blaine Stroble, NE community forester, discusses the vital role community tree inventories play in maintaining healthy and resilient urban forests. Learn how these inventories help communities make informed decisions about tree care, promoting environmental and economic benefits that enhance quality of life for residents. Find your community forester: https://www.kansasforests.org...

Join Fuels Specialist Luke Berning as we discuss the important steps to preparing for and conducting a safer burn pile. National Weather Service: https://graphical.weather.gov/ K-State Mesonet: https://mesonet.k-state.edu/fire/rh/ Oklahoma State: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/managing-brush-piles.html Great Plains Fire Science Exchange: https://gpfirescience.org/ Find your DFMO: https:...

Join Community Forestry Program Coordinator Matt Norville as we look at what it takes to become a Tree City USA community and why Kansas needs more communities to join the program! Find your District Community Forester: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/staff/index.html Learn more about the Tree City USA program: https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/tree_city/

This month we are remembering fallen firefighters, discussing how firefighter training has evolved, and a memorial service to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty and their families. This episode is in honor of Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance. Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance: https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/week-of-remembrance National Suicide Hotline: https://988lifel...