From the Woods Today

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

Join us as Dr. D.J. McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, talks about our feathered friends in another edition of Wings of Kentucky. Also on tap...Dr. Amanda Gumbert, UK Forestry and Natural Resources-Extension, and Dr. Brian Storz, KY Division of Water, will discuss the Licking River Watershed. 11.5.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today

Join us for a creepy journey into the forest! Dr. Jonathan Larson from UK Entomology will uncover the creepy critters lurking in and around our woodlands.   Also on tap...Laurie Thomas, UK Forestry and Natural Resources -Extension will dive into the eerie origins of spooky tree names. And William Gibson, UK Forestry and Natural Resources student, will help us discover the strange and carnivorous world of Venus flytraps. 10.29.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.   

Kentucky's Office of the State Entomologist has been around since 1897. You may know about their citizen science program, but their office does a lot more. Travel through a bit of history and learn how this office came to be and what they are doing today. Our guest Carl Harper has been with the University of Kentucky for 29 years working to help slow the spread of invasives that threaten our forestry, horticultural, and agricultural industry.   Also on tap...Chad Niman, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, explains how insects have affected the wood industry. 10.19.25   For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today .    

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. 10.15.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.        

Join us as Tristian Curry, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, helps us learn all about bears and why they hibernate.   Also on tap... Chad Niman, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, speaks about the upcoming National Forest Products Week. 10.8.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today 

Join us for an engaging discussion with Jacob Stewart from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, as he explores the advantages of prescribed fire. Learn what you, as a woodland owner, need to do to implement this practice on your property.   Also on tap... John Duvall, KY Maple Syrup Association, as he talks about the basics of maple syrup and some beginner's classes that will take place in October.   For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. 10/1/25

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 are areas of land that drain water to a single water body. 9.24.25   For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.

Join us as James Wright, Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA), talks about the upcoming Kentucky Wood Expo. Also on tap... join Chad Niman, UK Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, as he joins us to discuss Wood Product Intitiative and different types of trainings. 9.17.25 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today  https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today

Join us as Dr. D.J. McNeil, UK Forestry and Natural Resources, talks about our feathered friends in another edition of Wings of Kentucky.   Also on tap...join Chris Wiedamann, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator with the Kentucky Division of Forestry, as he talks about urban forestry and the division's Urban Forestry Program and how it can help landowners. 9.10.25   For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today. 

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. For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/woods-today.  9.3.25