Kansas Canopy

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 explore why EAB is so difficult to detect, what Kansans can do to slow its spread, and whether there’s any hope for ash trees in the years ahead.Learn more about EAB: https://www.kansasforests.org/Sign up for the Kansas Canopy Newsletter: https://kfs.myflodesk.com/klkuvgulw5

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, Shawna offers practical steps for homeowners, neighborhoods, and event organizers to help keep Kansas safe—because only you can prevent wildfires.Request Smokey Bear: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HwUE7aBV87SW3ANFPA Resources: https://www.nfpa.org/NFPA-Solutions?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19188247804&gbraid=0AAAAAD3hth1qAzW9jmagBFoq7IH_xd3fr&gclid=CjwKCAjwwNbEBhBpEiwAFYLtGKFUy1rMGQogYQABwdTFkS_Wxu0t4Emd8tGzy3cqqASPiCtU5Vj-ERoCDGQQAvD_BwE

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. We discuss Kansas laws, public health risks, and what to do if you encounter injured or endangered wildlife. Most importantly, we unpack how to teach the next generation to respect wild animals—by giving them the space they need to stay wild.Fins, Fur, and Feathers: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HyaYenrLLztd5l9NseZ8hLet wildlife be wild: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2025/05/agriculture-leave-wildlife-alone.htmlWildlife Rehabilitation Permit Information: https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation/Wildlife-Rehabilitation-Permit-InformationK-State Extension Wildlife Management: https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/Animal Diversity Web: https://animaldiversity.org/

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 corner of Kansas. You’ll also hear firsthand accounts from partners and landowners—including voices from Shawnee County, KU Field Station, Blue Rapids, and the Kansas Forestry Association—who have seen the impact of KFS programs up close.Together, they paint a picture of what’s working, what’s at risk, and what can be done to help ensure these services remain available for the people and landscapes that depend on them.

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 from weather whimsy!https://mesonet.k-state.edu/https://www.weather.gov/https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

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 and local resources to help Kansans stay safe and informed.Ticks in Kansas Publication: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/item/ticks-in-kansas_MF2653KSRE Bookstore: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/K-State Department of Entomology: https://entomology.k-state.edu/

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 enjoyment of their woodlands.

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 between trees and the history of the land. He reveals unexpected tales, like how Texas invaded Kansas in 1843 and how steamboats once relied on the Arkansas River. Whether you’re a longtime Kansan or new to the state, Ryan’s insights will leave you with a fresh perspective on how trees have shaped the evolution of Kansas. View photos mentioned in this episode: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC3xP4KU Biological Survey History of Trees in Kansas Full Program:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRARDYdkDow Kansas Historical Society: https://www.kansashistory.gov/

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 vines were recorded on the tract in a 1963 study—remarkably high species richness for native forests in the central United States.

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 DeBoer, President of the Blue Rapids Tree Board, to discuss the project's implementation, the funding opportunities provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the long-term benefits for the community. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, renewal, and the power of a healthy urban canopy. Learn more about this and other community forestry grant opportunities on our website: https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/communityassistance.html

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: https://www.kansasforests.org/

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: https://www.kansasforests.org/forest_products/

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/about/staff/index.html

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://www.kansasforests.org/about/staff/index.html

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/

Join Kansas landowner and long-time woodland manager Tim Lyons as we discuss his journey over the last 30 years working to improve and protect the woodlands on his property and in his community! Kansas Forestry Association: https://www.ksforestryassociation.org/ National Woodland Owners Association: https://nationalwoodlands.com/ Kansas Forest Service: https://www.kansasforests.org/

Join us this month as we sit down in the Kansas State University Herbarium with Assistant Research Professor Mark Mayfield to discuss the incredible collection of dried plant specimens that serve as KSU's natural history museum of plants! Learn more about the herbarium: https://www.k-state.edu/herbarium/

In this month's episode, we have the privilege to sit down with water quality forester, Andy Klein. Join us as Andy delves into the intricacies of his impactful work within our vital riparian forests. Andy brings to light how his efforts are intertwined with the practices of regenerative agriculture, ensuring a harmonious balance between the needs of the land, local communities, and our precious water resources. Find your rural district forester: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/district_offices/index.html Connect with other staff: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/staff/index.html Find a Kansas contractor: https://www.kansasforests.org/rural_forestry/consultantsandcontractors.html

Community Forestry Program Coordinator Matt Norville joins us this month to discuss the do's and don'ts of young tree pruning and why it matters! Kansas Arborist Association list of certified arborist: https://www.kansasarborist.com/certified-commercial.html Recommended tree lists: https://www.kansasforests.org/resources/recommendedtreesandshrubs.html

Join GIS Analyst Darci Paull and Fuels Specialist Luke Berning to explore the new Kansas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal. The Kansas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal is the primary mechanism for Kansas Forest Service to deploy wildfire risk information and create awareness about wildfire issues across the state. This portal is tailored to support specific workflow and information requirements for the public, local community groups, private landowners, government officials, hazard-mitigation planners, and wildland fire managers. The portal also provides the baseline information needed to support mitigation and prevention efforts across the state. Launch the portal: https://kansaswildfirerisk.org/ Learn more about the portal and resources: https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/wrap.html Contact our fire staff: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/staff/index.html