This week on From the Woods Today, learn how Kentucky wood products producers and landowners can benefit from the latest training and technical assistance available through the University of Kentucky Forestry and Natural Resources Extension. Join us as Chad Niman, Forest Products Specialist, covers recent support on a custom solar wood drying kiln project with a Kentucky landowner and also shares available resources for kiln drying support.

Also on tap: Laurie Thomas, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, returns with another Tree of the Week segment featuring winged elm. Found throughout much of Kentucky, winged elm is a medium-sized native hardwood known for the distinctive corky "wings" that develop along its twigs. Laurie will explore the tree's unique characteristics, ecological importance, wildlife value, and how to identify this species in Kentucky's forests.

Discover the many benefits and uses of biochar, a stable, carbon-rich material produced by heating organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. Join Dr. Manisha Parajuli of Kentucky State University's School of Agriculture & Natural Resources as she explains what biochar is, its many applications, the feedstocks used to produce it, and common production methods. Kentucky has an abundant supply of materials that can be converted into biochar, including invasive species such as Callery pear. Lori Bell, owner of Blue Turtle Permaculture, LLC and a 2025 graduate of the Kentucky Master Naturalist Program, shares her experience and provides a step-by-step look at creating biochar using a custom-built Kon-Tiki style kiln. Also on tap: Dr. Ellen Crocker with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, discusses laurel wilt, a destructive tree disease spread by the redbay ambrosia beetle that threatens members of the laurel family. Learn how the disease spreads, the symptoms to watch for, and what this emerging threat could mean for Kentucky's forests and landscapes.

Join Dr. Jonathan Larson and Dr. Hannah Tiffin, UK Entomology, as they share expert advice on identifying, controlling, and managing ticks on people and in woodland environments. Discover effective strategies to keep these pesky insects at bay, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience for you and your family. Also on tap: Japanese knotweed is a non-native invasive shrub that is native to several countries in eastern Asia. Also known as japanese bamboo, Mexican bamboo, and fleeceflower, it can form very dense stands that shade out, outcompete, and prevent the germination of native plants. Join us as Dr. Ellen Crocker, Forestry and Natural Resources, talks about how japanese knotweed spreads, tolerates a wide range of growing conditions and has the potential to become a much worse problem in Kentucky than it is currently.

Often mistaken for the Monarch, the Viceroy has its own fascinating story to tell. Join Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology, on this episode of From the Woods Today as he explores the biology, habitat, and unique adaptations of Kentucky's official state butterfly. Learn how to identify a Viceroy, and Monarch, how the Viceroy became our State butterfly, why it mimics the Monarch, and what woodland and riparian habitats are essential for its survival.

Also on tap: Join us as Laurie Thomas, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, explains the unique characteristics, ecology, and significance of a Kentucky native tree with another installment of Tree of the Week.

7.22.26

When we think of pollinators, we often think about bees on garden flowers. But what about the trees that need pollinators, and the pollinators that need trees? Join Frannie Preston, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension to learn about some of these organisms that work together for their life cycles. Also on tap: Fraser magnolia is one of several magnolia trees native to Kentucky. This small flowering tree is known for its large showy flowers and unusually large leaves. Join us as Laurie Thomas, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, explains the unique characteristics, ecology, and significance of this remarkable native tree. Plus, Dr. Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, highlights chanterelles, one of the most sought-after wild mushrooms in Kentucky's forests. Learn how to identify their distinctive features, where they are commonly found, and the important role these fungi play. 7.15.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/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 Resources - Extension, highlights this week's Pesky Plant: Japanese Chaff Flower, an invasive species that is spreading throughout forested areas. Learn how to identify it, understand its impacts, and discover management strategies for controlling its spread. 7.8.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

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 explains why they matter. Also on tap: Nick Wiram with Quail Forever, a national nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of quail, pheasants, and other upland wildlife. He'll share insights on how habitat management and conservation practices can support quail across Kentucky. 7.1.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

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 on tap: Whether you're a woodland owner, outdoor enthusiast, or just curious about the trees around you, join Laurie Thomas, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources – Extension, as she brings us another Tree of the Week. She will help you better understand and appreciate this week's featured species the cockspur hawthorn. 6.24.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

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: Looking for trusted resources to help you manage your woodland? This week's episode dives into the wealth of tools, publications, and guidance available for woodland owners at UKForestry.org. Whether you're a new landowner or a seasoned steward, these resources can help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your woodland. Join Billy Thomas and Renee' Williams, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources – Extension, as they navigate the website to show woodland owners where to find key resources, how to use them, and practical ways to apply them on your property. Don't miss this helpful walkthrough designed to connect you with the tools you need to succeed. 6.17.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

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 sounds and better understand the amphibians that live all around us. Also on tap: Dr. Ellen Crocker, with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, brings us the next Pesky Plant installment — porcelain berry. Don't let its beauty fool you, this invasive vine known for its striking, multicolored berries, can quickly become a serious problem in Kentucky's woodlands and landscapes. 6.10.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today

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 enough, it's also the favorite host of the spotted lanternfly. Join Dr. Ellen Crocker, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension, to learn more about how to identify and control tree-of-heaven. The battle against the spotted lanternfly is heating up and our trees are on the front lines. Barbara Karsnitz,Kentucky Division of Forestry, will discuss what they are doing to track populations of this new invasive in Kentucky. 6.3.26 For more episodes of From the Woods Today, visit https://forestry.mgcafe.uky.edu/woods-today